As I write, I am sitting in my hotel room at the new Hilton Baltimore. My room overlooks Camden Yards, the Baltimore Orioles baseball stadium, and a roof that is surprisingly different than most hotel roofs I have ever seen. The Hilton Baltimore has a greef roof, which provides a haven for wildlife, reduces storm water runoff and reduces the heat island effect – which lowers utility bills. These are just a few of the environmental benefits. This excited me. It always makes me happy when I see or hear of someone helping our environment.

I try my best to give back to the environment every day. I drive a hybrid, I use energ- efficient light bulbs, I unplug appliances when they are not in use, and I use reusable bags when I go shopping. I am not doing anything huge, like living in a solar-panel house (although one day I would like to), but it is all of the little things that can help the bigger problem.

So maybe, even if just for today, try walking somewhere nearby that you normally drive to, or unplug your cell phone charger when the phone isn’t being charged. If all of us just cut back on a few things, we could make a huge difference. And I don’t know about you, but making a difference makes me smile, and maybe you will, too.

-Jackie Adam, advertising and editorial coordinator

**Jackie is the newest addition to the Global Traveler staff and will be guest blogging regularly.**