Tip # 23 - Create your own Backyard Wildlife Habitat

A backyard wildlife habitat or "naturescape" can be created in your own backyard. A miniature version can even be created on your patio or deck.

Basic elements include fresh water (i.e., a bird bath and, if in a yard, water low to the ground); plants and feeders that provide nourishment for birds, insects, etc.; and rocks, trees, bushes and/or bird houses for shelter and nesting.

Purchase plants that are native to your area. In the USA, The National Wildlife Federation has an excellent program: The Backyard Wildlife Habitat Program which provides some helpful, detailed examples.

Tip # 16 - Shape Up - Hike to Clean

Instead of using gym machines for cardiovascular exercise, walk with a backpack and pick up any recyclable materials you find for your blue-box at home.

It's great exercise (the Israelis found walking with a weightload to be the best cardio activity during tests in the '70s), and you can help decrease pollution and increase available recycled material for manufacturing at the same time!

You can also collect discarded plastic bags (sea creatures often mistake such bags for food, and die of a resulting gastric blockage) and those notorious 6-pack rings