Part of my school program is talking to kids about conservation and the environment, since my book is about Costa Rica. We discuss that 25% of Costa Rica’s land is protected from development, to ensure the conservation of its biodiversity.  With 1,500 species of orchids, 850 species of birds, 50 species of hummingbirds alone, 35,000 species of insects and 1,000 species of butterflies alone, it is safe to say that Costa Rica is a place we need to preserve.

In addition to preserving our plants and animals, I ask kids what they can do to better the earth. I encourage them to talk to their parents about getting more fuel efficient cars, when it is time to shop for new cars. I also stress the importance of just plain consuming less STUFF. If you do not need it, do not buy it. Don’t waste it. And also, pay attention to the packaging from the goods you do buy. Is it excessive? Is it recyclable?

Something I just learned on the news is that more than 150,000,000 toner cartridges are thrown away every year. Wow. That is shocking. Even more shocking is that 1 gallon of oil is used in making each and every cartridge! The good news is that these cartridges can be refilled and reused. If we could not reuse them, I can only imagine a city-sized graveyard of toner cartridges that never biodegrade, taking over our precious land and soaring into the clouds like a hideous sculpture.

Be conscious of what you use and what you toss. Talk to your kids about conservation and consumption. Take action today to change your habits that are adding to the problem. The truth is that we can all make changes, and we can all make a difference. I, for one, will NEVER toss a toner cartridge in the trash again. I’ll take it to my office supply store for recycling. How hard can that be?

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