I have a confession to make.  For at least two years I’ve been making fun of a good friend of mine who has a big rain barrel in his backyard.  I always wonder what he does with the water he’s collected.  Does he drink it?  I also wondered how much rain would have to fall in order to make his conservation effort worth the price and hassle of the big ol’ barrel!

I changed my mind when Melinda Meyers, the Plant Doctor, made a house call to The Morning Blend.  She’s a big fan of the rain barrel and she gave us lots of reasons — good reasons — to have one.  What surprised me the most was that a single, modest rainfall can really add up inside one of these barrels.   As one environmentalist put it, “Rain barrels help moderate both feast and famine”.  The idea is that the collection of water inside a barrel slows runoff when it storms and it eases the demand we all place on city water during dry spells.  I think that sounds good and right now I’m really into doing even small things that might help our environment.

Who knows?  Maybe my neighbors will soon notice a big barrel in my backyard, too.

Since sustainability seems to be one of the hot words today, I decided to keep with our “Going Green” theme this week and give you a few (borrowed) tips on a sustainable lifestyle.  In essence, these suggestions might just prolong your life.  Sustainability is important for our environment, too, of course.  But, these are for your life.  I listed a few favorites below - enjoy!

Instructions for a Sustainable Lifestyle…

1. Eat a lot of brown rice.
2. Give more to people than they expect and do it because you want to and like to do it.
3. Learn your favorite poem - or a Bible verse — or inspiring quote – inside out.
4. When you say "I love you" really mean it.
5. When you say you’re sorry, look the person in the eyes.
6. Get engaged at least 6 months before you get married.
7. Don't judge anyone by their relatives.
8. Speak slowly but think fast.
9. Remember the biggest love and greatest successes involves the greatest risks.
10. Don’t let a small misunderstanding destroy a beautiful friendship.
11. Smile when you answer the telephone, whoever has called will be able to hear you smiling.
12. Get married to a man who like to converse — when you get older, your ability to converse becomes more important than anything else.
13. Spend a little time alone.
14. Believe in God but always lock your car.
15. Pray, there’s an incredible power in prayer.
16. Remember that to sometimes not getting what you want is sometimes a great blessing.
17. Learn all the Rules and break a few.
18. Be kind to our planet.