We won't pretend that we don't believe in the importance of green living or in sustainable building practices – we've been publishing Environmentally Speaking for going on three years now. But for the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, we stopped and asked the question – why me?

It can be easy to become overwhelmed when thinking about all of the environmental problems our society faces. In light of ongoing huge carbon emissions, what does it matter if I turn off one light bulb or carpool to work one day a week? As we all know deep down, change has to start somewhere. Why not with me?

Earth Day is more than going out and planting a tree with your office mates. It is about standing up for the planet and the resources it provides us. It's about communicating that if we don't make changes now, the world will operate completely differently in 20 years. From Peak Oil to worldwide water shortages, action is needed today.

We encourage you – and remind ourselves – to not only act, but to educate, as well. Helping others understand the opportunities we have to stop pollution or the decisions we can make to reduce use of limited raw materials will help today's and tomorrow's Earth citizens enjoy the planet as we have.

So don't ask "why me," but instead "who's with me?" If you're speaking about being environmentally responsible …we're with you.