Everyday Environmental Superheroes: Can You Spot One?

If you haven't seen one, then you haven't been looking. There are environmental superheroes all around us. They're the ones who bring a small towel to dry their hands at public restrooms or a cloth handkerchief to blow their runny noses. They're the ones who show up at a fair-trade cafe with a thermos and never leave their apartment without a reusable water bottle.

Peek into a bag belonging to an everyday environmental superhero and you'll likely find a map of public-transit stations and safe bike routes -- key for minimizing any superhero's carbon footprint. If these mighy folk go out on the town for a meal, they'll use directories like the Eat Well Guide to look for restaurants that serve sustainable, local food and they'll bring a reusable container for leftovers.

Still having trouble spotting an environmental superhero? Head to the thrift store, where they're finding extra layers to keep warm through winter. Try looking at the farmers' market; whether they're toting a canvas bag they found at Goodwill, returning empty egg cartons to their favorite farmer, or buying plants to grow their own food at home, you'll find environmental superheroes just about everywhere you look.

--Melissa Weiss

Tell us about other ways to recognize everyday environmental superheroes in the space for comments below.