THERE are a variety of things you can do to be a responsible Earth citizen, with the first step being to take stock of your consumption patterns.

Our Habitat shares some of these tips with you this week, courtesy of the Sandals Foundation.

* Conserve water

Water is a precious resource so you must not waste it. One way you can help to save water is by turning off the tap while you brush our teeth, bathe, and wash clothes.

* Reduce pollution

Encourage each other not to burn garbage which pollutes the air.

* Plant a tree

Trees provide shade, fruits, building material, paper and oxygen so we can breathe. They are very important; without them humans could not survive.

* Cut back on your energy use

Turn off lights, televisions, fans and any other electronic appliance when not in use.

* Say ‘no’ to plastic bags

Try to use reusable bags and lunch boxes rather than plastic bags that pollute the planet!

* Do NOT litter

Litter is ugly, destroys our reefs and kills our wildlife. Put garbage where it belongs at all times — in the trash can.