The alarm went off at 6 am. Jane didn?t have to wake up that early but she wanted to hit the road by 7 a.m. if she was to make it early to school. Her school was close by.  From the day she was old enough, Jane had insisted on walking to school. It?s good for your health and keeping cars off the road is also good for your environment.

Out of bed and into the bathroom. Jane?s parents had earlier installed an instant heater which helped with saving energy used to heat the shower. Her shower was quick and she used water sparingly. After a satisfying breakfast, she brushed her teeth ensuring the tap water was not running as she did. Off to school she went.

It was soon lunch time. She removed her cute reusable water bottle, bought by her mom, and took a sip of water. Using this trendy bottle reduces the need to buy bottled water. ?More plastic bottles, more trash?, she thought. 

Today was one of her vegetarian days. She avoided meat twice a week. Earlier that year, she had  read about the importance of doing this as there were many environmental problems associated with livestock farming.  Livestock like cattle release methane, a green house gas. More so, many acres of natural environment such as forests are cleared to make room for pastures. Therefore, comes the need to reduce the demand for meat. Besides, the fresh salad and lentils with chapati was delicious and nutritious too!

On her way back to class, she came across four plastic bottles carelessly tossed on the pavement. Something told her to move on because she was not responsible for the mess. However, she made it her responsibility to leave her path clean by picking the bottles and properly disposing them in the bin.

Following her after-school sports, she walked back home. Dad was waiting to send her to the nearby shops for some pineapples, bread and soda. Jane picked up an old plastic paper bag and a shopping basket so that the shop wouldn?t have to give her plastic bags to carry her goods. She also brought along with her two empty glass soda bottles. The soda company would collect the bottles from the shop and recycle.

Jane?s mother had arrived. She was dropped by her friends, their neighbours. Together they try to carpool as much as possible. Her parents also take public transportation at times to reduce the use of their two cars.

Jane?s mom prepared dinner as her children did their homework. The vegetables were fresh out of their small kitchen garden. It was also the family?s vegetarian day that Jane had inspired and insisted on. Soon dinner was ready and the family enjoyed the hearty meal. Jane and her brother cleared the table. They set aside any organic wastes. It would be made into compost for their garden.  The rest of the trash was separated and kept in the appropriate bins.

It was soon time for bed. Each family member ensured that all electronic appliances were switched off. The energy saving LED lights that were not needed were switched off. Shortly even the bedroom lights were off. It was another end to their green day.

Prof. Wangari Maathai?s had a strong message in her story of ?the Humming bird?. She told us that we do not have to be big or powerful to make a difference.  If each one of us did a little thing for the environment it would translate into saving the Planet. 

Jane?s family demonstrates this by doing their best to live sustainable and green lives. Play your part in reversing or minimizing the impact of our life on the earth. No matter how small.