When I was a kid, I lived in Kansas and Missouri for nine years. Every school I attended had tornado drills. And unlike my boys, who somewhat halfheartedly kneel down and stick their heads under their hands, I took these drills seriously. Just about all of us did. Because tornadoes aren't just something you read about in the news. Tornadoes are real.

The central midwest is known as "tornado alley" for a reason. And while I lived a bit east of the alley proper, tornadoes hit the towns where I lived. Whenever we got one of those spring days that felt just a bit too warm--and definitely too sticky--we waited for a 20-degree drop in temperature. That sudden drop meant that the tornado sirens were about to crank up.

Tornadoes are more frightening than hurricanes. Cyclonic tropical storms are the most powerful weather systems on earth, but their immense size means that we have ample warning for their arrival and can plan accordingly. Tornadoes are quick hitters--300 mph quick hitters. They often skip and jump, smashing entire neighborhoods, taking a break and then dropping down again for another visit. That capricious nature is what makes them so frightening.

We were taught that if we ever heard the sound of a train approaching, that we should get to a basement or culvert as fast as possible. That whooshing, roaring sound meant that a tornado was bearing down. When I lived in eastern New Mexico, I saw a few funnel clouds. The flat landscape meant we could see for miles and miles, and tornado storms were regular visitors to our area. But I never heard that sound. I don't ever want to hear that sound.

Last week, a lot of people heard that sound. Far too many died. One moment, people are alive. The next, a neighborhood disappears.

Humans have done some amazing things. We've built vast civilizations, uncovered many of the mysteries of nature and created astounding works of art. But the power of the earth and its natural systems dwarfs human capacity. We are still at the mercy of our environment. I think we always will be.

That fact doesn't mean we shouldn't be the best steward of our environment that we can be. If we take care of the earth, it will be better able to support us. We may be insignificant next to the immense power of the earth, but nonetheless we can influence those systems. Humans are the bacteria on the skin of the earth. The earth will be much healthier if we act in ways that are helpful.

It is true that the big polluters are massive companies. But regular folks like you and me can make a difference. Recycle your cans and glass. If you see trash on the ground, pick it up. Don't dump trash by the side of the road. Walk more and drive less. These may seem like small things, but they are things that you and I can control.

My oldest son ran his first 5k today. One of the things he had to learn is that you need to pace yourself. If you run faster than your body can handle, you'll have to stop. In other words, don't get ahead of yourself. Keep up a steady pace and build from there.

Can we control the amount of pollution that China dumps out? Not right now. But you and I can control ourselves. We can take responsibility for our lives and do the best we can. And if we build a culture that respects the earth and tries to live as responsibly as possible, then others will follow. We just need to keep taking the next step. If we expect to pass along a world fit for our children and their children, then that's the least we can do.

Jon Worley has tried for years to limit his methane production without success.