The following resources are highlighted since they offer direct ways to better understand your impacts on the planet, locate tools to make your dream become a reality, or empower you with information to improve the quality of life in your community. Check back often, since highlighted resources will be added.

• Figure out your "ecological footprint".
  To figure out how much land and water area is needed to support your food needs, mobility, shelter, and use of goods and services, calculate your Ecological Footprint, then compare it to what our planet can sustain -- according to the non-profit organization, Redefining Progress.

• Calculate your "carbon footprint" (amount of greenhouse gases emitted).
  The SafeClimate "carbon footprint" calculator, a project of the World Resources Institute, allows you to determine carbon dioxide emissions from major sources: home energy consumption and transportation by car and plane. Your carbon footprint is a representation of the effect you, or your organization, have on the climate in terms of the total amount of greenhouse gases you produce (measured in units of carbon dioxide).

• Calculate your electrical load for your home or business.
  While conceived as a resource for individuals to determine the number of photovoltaic modules (panels) that they might need to power their home or business, the The Alternative Energy Store's Alt-E University offers a great overview to energy use (and waste), and highlights the importance of energy conservation and efficiency.

• Show me the money for renewable energy systems.
  The Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) allows you to search by state for incentives or renewable energy rebates which might be available.

• What pollutants are being released into your community -- and who is responsible.
  Using the Environmental Defense's Scorecard, based on public U.S. EPA data, learn about what's happening in your community -- or a community you might be thinking about moving (or retiring) to. All you need to do is enter your zip code.

Join the movement to remake a life, not just earn a living. For more resources and next steps, visit the complete resources available through Renewing the Countryside.