I’m not trying to save the planet. The planet doesn’t need saving; it’ll be just fine in several million years. If the lifetime of the Earth were condensed to a year, mankind arrived at a few seconds to midnight on December 31st. When we are gone, the Earth will recover from the mess we’ve made. Even though our effects on the planet appear to be catastrophic, it’s ourselves that we’re harming. The Earth will continue. We may not.

So if we want the human species to continue, rather than drown in our own filth, what can we do?

A lot of people don't believe they can do anything to make a difference.

We can't force other people do what's right. But we can act as individuals to do our bit to help. Take action to reduce your environmental impact, and encourage your friends, relatives and colleagues to do the same.

You might think that your effort is just a drop in the ocean. But a drop spreads ripples.

I believe that our every word, every action, has consequences and effects far beyond what we will ever know. So I try to be mindful of the consequences of my actions, knowing that somewhere, somehow, they will have an effect.

If I throw this plastic bag into the river, might it end up in the sea, in the stomach of an albatross, inflicting a slow and painful death?

If I don't recycle this glass bottle, then maybe not the next one, nor the one after that, over the course of my lifetime how many of my bottles will end up in landfill instead of being reused? Is that pile of bottles something I would want in MY backyard?

On the other hand, if I do the right thing – for example, if I ask for a paper bag in the store instead of a plastic one or, better still, take my own re-useable bag – might someone else notice my choice and decide to do the same?

If I take my own reusable drinks mug to the coffee shop instead of using a disposable cup, will I be setting a good example to my children and those around me?

I found that when I started living in a more environmentally conscious way, it felt good. It made me feel like a better person. Give it a try and see if it works for you.

If we pull together, we can save the world.