This past Monday was Earth Day. Who knew?

Now I’m no long haired, barefooted, tree-hugging hippie, but I do love our planet. In fact, I love it so much that I’ve decided to buy a house here.

The good Lord created a mighty fine masterpiece, and we have done a mighty fine job of sabotaging his masterpiece.

I don’t know about global warming, climate change, or whatever certain elements of our society is calling it this week, but I do know that we can’t keep putting “stuff” in the air, rivers and streams, or landfills, for that matter, and not expect adverse effects. It would be irrational to think otherwise.

I don’t have much control with regards to what others do, but I can certainly do my part and so can you.

A few months ago, a buddy of mine was over at my house enjoying a cold one. When he went to put the empty bottle in the trashcan, I politely asked him to put the bottle on the counter. After asking why, I told him that it was because I recycled.

My friend, a passionate Auburn fan, looked at me in disgust as if I’d just said to him that I’d switched my allegiance to the Crimson Tide.

Don’t let others discourage you from doing what is right.

Recycling is not as daunting a task as it seems. In my garage, I have three rubber containers reserved for my recyclables. When they are filled, I take them to a local recycling center. It’s as simple as that.

I’m amazed at how little trash actually goes into my trash receptacle these days.

Across America, many towns provide separate receptacles that are part of the weekly curbside pickup. We were fortunate to have this service when I lived in Shreveport.

A few years ago, there was apparently a trial run here in Opelika. I would be thrilled to see it here on a permanent basis.

You can also help keep our earth beautiful by not littering. When I was a kid, it was common practice to clean out your car while riding down the highway. After eating a sack full of burgers and fries, we’d throw the sack and all its contents out the window, never giving it a second thought. We’ve made great strides in this area.

I think the crying Native American public service announcement was enough to convince me to halt my littering ways.

Sadly, there are still many of us who see the earth as a trashcan. It infuriates me when I see someone litter and that includes cigarette butts. I don’t know why people think that it’s ok to throw fire out of the window of a moving vehicle. Although small fires are actually good for a forest’s growth, they should not be started from the butt of a Kool Filter King.

Previously, I said I’m no long haired, barefooted, tree-hugging hippie, which is true, because I get my hair cut approximately every 10 days; however, I do hate wearing shoes, and I reckon I love trees, too, because I recently planted one. In addition to that, my eyeballs started sweating when the historic oaks at Toomer’s Corner had to be removed, ironically, one day after Earth Day.

I enjoy nothing more than sitting in my backyard watching the birds, squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, lizards, or any other critter that decides to enter into my wildlife sanctuary from the neighboring woods. They are always welcome.

Our planet is a beautiful gift from God, and it’s only right that we do our part to keep it that way for generations to come.

Jody Fuller is a comic, a speaker, and a soldier. He can be reached at jody@jodyfuller.com. For more information, please visit www.jodyfuller.com.