Lack of space is what stops most of us from recycling waste products. It’s so much easier to throw things in the dumpster than it is to find a spot to store things to be recycled.

We live in smaller houses and apartments now than we did in our childhoods. Gone are those marvelous front and back porches that would have made wonderful recycling centers.

Nevertheless the first step in going green is to designate a spot as the recycling center. An unused closet will do nicely for newspapers or aluminum cans.

Keep a large trash can by the back door to toss aluminum cans in. This will also work well for newspapers.

Be sure to get the kids involved in the recycling effort. After all you’re saving the earth for them.

One of the easiest ways to go green is to take your own shopping bags to the stores each and every time you shop. Most large retailers sell canvas shopping bags. The National Recreation and Parks Association gives a small green canvas bag to each new member upon paid registration. 

You can also get a canvas bag from Natural Resources Defense Council (www.nrdc.com. Both sites offer pay per click environmental action.

You may be a bit embarrassed the first time you walk into the grocery story carrying a green canvas bag. You will get over that quickly. Just tell yourself that each time you use your own bag is one less plastic bag littering the neighborhood or lying in a landfill.

The checkers at Wal-Mart are encouraged to use the bags if they see the customer has them.

The checkers at United Supermarket automatically reach for plastic bags and tend to ignore customers who thrust their own bags at them. Be prepared to educate grocery sackers on the benefits of using customer’s bags.

Bundle your shopping trips. Rather than driving all over town for your supplies try to get them all in one location. If you must go to two or three stores park equidistant between them, if possible, and walk to the next store on your list.

Never drive to the neighborhood convenience store. Walk instead. You will save gas, wear and tear on your car and get a little exercise in the process.

When shopping look for items that have as little packaging as possible. Buy fresh rather than canned or frozen.

Use public transportation as often as possible.

Smile when you are walking. You will fell better and the smile, in turn, will make you feel smug about walking rather than driving. No matter how your green steps are be assured that it does make a difference.