“Go green,” “eco-friendly” and “environmentally conscious” are phrases that are becoming commonplace in today’s society. The push, especially for Americans, to reduce pollution and help save the environment is based on evidence that the decisions we have made and continue to make are damaging the air we breathe and the land we live on.

On Wednesday, we will observe the 39th international Earth Day, which is a good time for all of us to become more environmentally aware as well as to think how we can improve our “green” behavior. We can incorporate some “green” into our lifestyles without having to make any major changes.

Below are some easy, environmentally conscious tips for everyday living:

• Save water by decreasing your shower time — or rather take a bath, which uses less water than a shower.

• Get in the habit of brushing your teeth with the water off, and encourage your children to do so, as well.

• Recycle - junk mail, cell phones, paper products, plastic bags, and more.

• Switch from paper and plastic bags to reusable bags and totes.

• Forget the electric or gas dryer, and hang dry your clothing.

• Opt for direct deposit, online banking, and paperless statements to reduce your paper usage.

• Try your hand at composting (planting scraps from fruits, veggies, and coffee grounds outside), which will help create better soil and less landfill waste.

• Do not purchase disposable water bottles, but rather use recyclable (and refillable) beverage containers that you can fill with filtered water.

• Unplug all of your appliances when you leave the house to save energy (and prevent a fire hazard).

• If possible, take public transportation or walk.

• Do not use plastic storage containers.

• Keep one set of dishes, including a cup, utensils, bowl, and plate, at the office. This will prevent you from reaching for disposable utensils, cups, and plates.

• Save stained or ill-fitting clothing to use for dusting and cleaning.

• Use rechargeable batteries.

• Donate.

• Purchase used items from thrift stores, garage sales, flea markets, and more.

• Rent movies and borrow books, instead of purchasing. Several video stores make it easy by delivering the flicks right to your door and libraries and bookmobiles have available most books or can get them through interlibrary loan programs.

• If you are in the market for a new car, purchase a hybrid model.

• Select products made of recyclable materials.

• Buy groceries in bulk, as it reduces packaging and the number of trips you take to the grocery store.

• If possible, buy items that use less packaging.

• Purchase locally produced food at farmer’s markets and even roadside stands.

• Purchase fresh fruits and vegetables, instead of jarred, canned, or frozen.

• Purchase organic foods, as they do not contain pesticides and harmful chemicals, in addition to organic cotton.

• Follow the celebrity trend and use cloth diapers, as opposed to disposable diapers, which cause landfill waste.

• Select soy or beeswax candles, instead of paraffin candles.

• Use healthy and environmentally friendly cosmetics, such as mineral-based cosmetics and natural bath products.

• Plant a tree.

Eco-friendly behavior is good for the planet, good for our health, good for the ecosystem and the animals, and it will help to preserve our environmental resources. Being environmentally conscious is more than the latest buzz word; it is about doing what is in the best interests of our planet and our future generations. On April 22, I hope you will join me as well as millions of other people around the world as we try to bring about awareness and make changes to save our planet.

On this or any issue, you may contact me by calling the Legislative Message Line at 1-800-372-7181 or e-mailing me at johnnyray.turner@ lrc.ky.gov.