Life, as they say, has a way of interfering with our plans--and right now, economic events beyond our control are definitely part of life.

Surely, this isn't the first time you're hearing about the worsening state of our economy. The signs are everywhere - at the gas pump, purchasing a quart of milk, losing a neighborhood Starbucks, regular vacation hotspots out of reach and the list goes on.

Many of us are experiencing new insecurities about what the future holds, for ourselves and our children. And in the face of escalating prices for gasoline, heating fuel, food and much more, just about all of us are rethinking some everyday basics and asking questions like: Can we use our cars less? Should we forego family vacations? Change our eating habits? Skip personal luxuries like casual shopping, gym memberships, restaurant meals, activities for the kids, the daily latte?

More and more Long Island families are not thinking about such sacrifices. Many more are instead asking: Which bill can I pay this month? How can I squeeze a second or third job into my already packed work week? How much longer will I be able to pay my mortgage? Can I afford to continue taking my medication?

So, those of us who are opting out of our lattes, dining out less frequently and putting our summer vacation plans on hold are actually in a place to really make waves, initiate change, and make sustainable choices.

Our Long Island lifestyle puts us even more at risk in this climate. Because our region developed without adequate planning, the consequences we are left with inhibit many of us from easily adapting.

We're all recognizing the challenges of living on Long Island now more than ever: we rely on our cars for every errand; too often the stores we shop in are owned by outside groups, so the dollars we spend locally are leaving the region; We face astronomical property taxes; we eat food trucked in from other regions; and we lack housing options.

Now more than ever we need to act sustainably to develop a region where we don't need a car trip for every destination; where we do have plenty of diverse jobs right here on Long Island; where we do take advantage of our local goods; and a single-family home in a residential neighborhood isn't the only option we have.

Need some ideas to get started?

Attend local civic and town board meetings. Awareness and engagement in local matters is the first step to making a change.

Buy produce grown on Long Island, at a local farmers market or in your supermarket - many supermarkets are stocking locally grown produce these days. Shop in your local downtown to promote Long Island's economy. Smaller, family-owned stores need customers now.

Donate what you can to local causes. Even a small donation can go a long way. Donating your time can be very valuable. Local causes are suffering, as their funding sources are tapping out and their services are in even greater demand.

These rough times have magnified the problems we Long Islanders face and with our leaders warning us of tougher times to come, thinking regionally and acting locally is urgent.

We know that just getting through this crisis is on the forefront of everyone's minds, but it's in all of our best interest to become engaged problem solvers and do what we can to weather the storm.

Sarah Lansdale is the executive director of Sustainable Long Island, which focuses on creating real change in our region by promoting sustainable development. Sustainable Long Island works with residents, municipal leaders, businesspeople and all interested stakeholders to help them plan and implement sustainable development initiatives in their communities. Visit www.sustainableli.org, or call 516-873-0230.