Last month, as part of Break the Addiction's 12-Step Program, you learned how to Love, Protect and Preserve. Now it's time for you to reflect on your lifestyle and take Step 11: Consider an Alternative.

Start by taking an alternative Spring Break! Instead of partying in Cancun or working on your tan in Florida, use your time to make a difference and go where help is really needed. From joining clean-up efforts after environmental devastation to teaching in Rwanda to building homes, opportunites to pitch in are everywhere: from down the block to around the world.

If you want to stay local and work for change in your own community, find out how you can volunteer at home. Or, you can travel abroad and join an international volunteer project. And since doing good is always good, for some year-round volunteer and charity tips, check out Ideal Bite.

If you've already booked your trip or just want to have a "real" Spring Break, you can still try pitching in at your destination. And to get where you're going, why not take the train - and your bike to get around your final destination.

Once you're back home and that healthy glow is starting to fade, you can keep helping out by spreading the word on living green. Check out organizations like the NRDC, where you join an e-mail campaign or write your representative. Continue to choose alternatives in your day-to-day living as well, by recycling and using sustainable materials and renewable energy. And remember, on April 14th it's time to Step It Up and join students nationwide for a day of action to save our environment. If we all choose alternative ways - small or large - a whole lot of good can happen.