Nowadays, you can purchase organic roses, chips cooked with solar energy, hemp milk, Earth-friendly chocolate and even composting toilets.

While purchasing such items, is not necessarily a bad idea, the health of the planet cannot depend on natural food store shopping aisles alone.

In other words, keep it simple. Buying a hybrid car makes a difference, but don’t forget the small (not to mention cheaper) ways to make a difference.

Turn the water off when brushing your teeth. Plant a garden. Use both sides of a piece of paper. Take the bus. Ride your bike. Walk. Bring a reusable cup to grab coffee and a canvas bag to carry groceries. Every little thing counts.

You don’t need to build a straw bale house (although that’s pretty cool) or replace your closet with the latest in natural fashions. It doesn’t matter how long the “green” trend will last. We are inheriting this planet, and our stewardship of it will surely outlive the recent bloom of green products and sustainable services.

We are living during a green fad, in a green city and studying at a university with composting.

The level of awareness among Seattleites about sustainability seems incredibly high, at least according to the hybrid-driving, soymilk-latte-drinking stereotype.

But on our pedestal of sustainable Seattleite grandness, let’s not forget the small stuff.