Update: Google’s participation in Blog Action Day detailed here

Thanks to my dad, I learned that today is blog action day. The idea behind blog action day is to raise awareness about environmental issues. The idea was conceived by three bloggers. The tagline is:

What would happen if every blog published posts discussing the same issue, on the same day? One issue. One day. Thousands of voices.

I registered this site, ahelms.com, and committed to post something related to the environment today even though I had no clue what to write about. Environmental issues are very complex and to be honest, none are near or dear to my heart. Even so I try to be a good steward of this earth and benefit my own quality of life. I think that making environmental issues a part of the collective consciences is a big part of the battle.

So I will share the very few energy-saving guidelines I follow simply in hope that you will consider what you do to care for the environment.

• I recycle. For $30, Dekalb County picks up recycled paper and plastic once a week.
• I use commuting alternatives like public transportation and carpooling.
• I work from home three of four days every week.
• My thermostat is set to 78 in the summer (which is so hot) and 68 in the winter.
• I don’t water my garden when there are water restrictions.
• I don’t shower frequently.

Kidding. Seriously, for every five conscientious measures I take there are probably 10 things I should improve on. As I learn, I’ll adjust.