Gordon Clay here. Many people worry that we are leaving a country that our children and grand children can't afford. I'm concerned that we're leaving a country, and planet, that they can't survive on. Reduce, reuse, recycle.

Before you buy, start thinking more durable, long-lasting and refillable products. Avoid disposable or single-use products like pens, razors, lighters, foam or paper cups, plates and utensils - you get the picture.

Use reusable durable shopping bags and coffee and water mugs, when shopping,

You'll be amazed what you can recycle. Printer paper, juice and egg cartons, batteries, florescent bulbs, motor oil, tires, even the whole car. Call 469-1010 and they'll pick up your unwanted vehicle and dispose of it for you.

Get credit at Office Depot or Staples for used printer ink cartridges.

Every time you throw something recyclable in the trash, close your eyes and see it wash up on Harris Beach. It doesn't belong on the beach. It belongs as part of another product, so separate and take it to Curry Transfer and Recycling.

Look around your house, closet, yard and garage. See how many things you can find that others might find useful. Clean them up and have a garage sale or donate them to a thrift shop. Then order a dumpster and see if you can fill it with all the other "stuff" cluttering up your life.

There are even through-the-mail programs that make it easy for you to recycle many household items that contain harmful materials, like mercury, without leaving your house?

If not yours, someone's kids are going to be impacted by your recycling habits. Make sure it's a positive impact. Learn more at TheCitizensWhoCare.org/green.html