TEN SIMPLE STEPS

1. Eat low on the food and marketing chain by buying direct from farmers, co-ops or free-trade distributors.

2. Stick with organic or sustainably-grown produce when possible. A study found that children who ate only organic produce had one-sixth the level of pesticides in their bodies of those who ate conventionally grown fruits and vegetables.

3. Vary the fish and shellfish you eat to lower your exposure to mercury. Pregnant women should eat no more than 12 ounces a week of cold-water fish such as tuna and avoid shark, swordfish, and king mackerel altogether.

4. Use a water filter.

5. Air out dry-cleaning before bringing it into the house.

6. Don't microwave food in plastic containers.

7. Vacuum often, and use a machine that has a HEPA filter because contaminants often cling to household dust.

8. Steer clear of carpets and furniture treated with stain-repellents.

9. Avoid pesticides and get rid of chemically laced household cleaners in favor of plain soap, natural cleaners and water.

10. Not sure how you to measure your footprint on the earth? Take the Ecological Footprint Quiz and compare yourself to others in the U.S. and worldwide. http://www.earthday.net/footprint/index.asp