Did you know {that|} approximately 1 billion trees of paper are thrown away each and every year? And that’s just in the United States! For every ton of paper recycled we save 17 trees, 7000 gallons of water and 10,785 kilowatt-hours of electricity. So by producing paper products that are made with recycled paper, companies will use 80% less water, 65% less energy and produce 95% less air pollution.

Catalogs. Credit card offers. Junk mail. Are you tired of receiving unwanted junk mail in your mailbox? All of that trash that is just going straight into the trash can be depressing when you think of how many trees were cut down to make that trash. (100 million trees are cut down to make paper for junk mail each year.)

Now that the depression sides, what can we do to help save our forests? I think you’ll like the recent idea ForestEthics came up with.

There's no place on earth like Hawaii. A natural beauty that welcomes every visitor with a warm sea breeze and faint floral scent. You'll find yourself being renewed and energized by the natural beauty of the islands. But will the natural beauty last? What are we doing today to keep the scenic vistas for our children and grandchildren?

Before you look for new furniture, why not reupholster your old sofa or a used find at the local thrift shop? Resoling your shoes can also save them from the landfill and you the extra money in purchasing a new pair.

Our water is the most precious resource and we can't afford to waste it. Some of the easiest ways to keep the water supply safe include not pouring out thinners, solvents or paint down the drain. You can have them picked up or delivered to a hazardous waste disposal site. Maybe you have a local theater group, school, or parks department that can use your leftovers. Or you can donate it to a local paint contractor or local furniture refinishing.

From April 20 to 24, almost all of the Paul Mitchell Schools in the US are offering $10 to $15 haircuts then donating the hair to Matter of Trust in San Francisco.

About a pound of recycle

When you buy your foods out of season, they need to be flown or shipped in - this adds to your carbon footprint. Instead, try to purchase locally grown fruits and vegetables, as well as local finds from your area. Buying food and other products in reusable or recyclable packaging can reduce CO2 emissions by 230 pounds a year. Recycling all of your home's waste newsprint, cardboard, glass and metal can reduce emissions an additional 850 pounds a year.

Not only will better driving help our Earth, but it will save you some of your hard earned cash. Speeding, hard braking, and rapid acceleration lower your gas mileage and cost you more at the pump. Inflate your care tires to keep them at the proper inflation levels. And clean your air filter regularly to further improve your gas mileage.

Environmental risks are causing deaths all over the world, in rich and poor countries alike – the worst part is that they are preventable. According to the World Health Organization, by reducing environmental risks, we could save 13 million lives worldwide every year. Environmental risks related to air and water pollution, ecosystem changes, UV radiation, climate change and noise pollution are impacting human health as a whole.

On March 28, at 8:30 pm local time, one billion people will go dark for Earth Hour.