The number 4 represents stability, practical attainment, and dependability.  It represents manifesting plans into reality; making your dreams come true.  Wands are usually associated with the element of fire, inspiration, energy, passion, feeling, enterprise, ambition, matters pertaining to the "spark of life".  They can refer to the growth and awareness of the self.  Wands are focused on discovering your true self, apart from others.  

"You are taking action based on your view of yourself.  On a personal level, you have clearly defined who you want to be.  Now, you're creating that self.  No one else may see it but you know you are taking definite steps toward becoming the new you and manifesting your chosen self-image." - Gail Fairfield

This is an interesting question, especially in light of current concerns about the environment, non-renewable resources and our "carbon footprint".  I have to admit that I do not get myself all worked about it.  I am a firm believer that the planet will outlive humanity, unless we manage to blow it up first.  If the environment continues to change either because of global warming or other conditions, then a shift will occur and humanity will find that it's difficult for us to survive here.  Or we'll mutate to enable us to live in whatever environment we end up creating.  Quite frankly I've reached a point where I realize that overpopulation and over-consumption are our biggest problems.  I'm not pointing figures anywhere but the reality is that there is a limit to how much humans can negatively impact the environment because we simply become like intelligent locusts - feasting on what's available and then moving on.  Of course the reality is that at this point there is no place for us to move.

I certainly do try to contribute to reducing my impact on the world.  I recycle, take mass transit whenever possible and I prefer eating food grown or produced locally.  I am also no a typical conspicuous consumer.  I rarely throw things away unless they have become completely useless.  I love the history that accompanies thinks like the Revere Ware pots my mom-in-law passed on to me.  Could I do more?  Probably.  However I think that the most important thing I've done - and one that ties in with this card, is my child-free state.  

Many years ago, when I was very young, I realized that I did not want children.  I just don't think it's in my nature to be the kind of mother I would want to be.  But my reasons are irrelevant.  My husband and I have been married for 24 years and have no children.  We both have a fondness and affinity for older, well-loved things.  We'd prefer to have a car that is 30 years old and still runs than upgrade to a new model every few years.  The bottom line is that I do not over-consume anything.  I admit that I consume my share - some times I might consume more and other less.  But I would vehemently deny that I over-consume.  Well, I guess that's not entirely accurate.  As a resident of a nation that is notorious for over-consumption I guess what I should say is that I'm no worse than most other Americans.  However I'm sure I consume more than many people living in countries with a less industrialized, computerized and car-centric culture.  Of course it doesn't hurt to be a bit more conscious about my choices and try to reduce the impact I have on the environment.  I'll probably never be an environmentalist but I want to do my part.  Instead of treating the world as if it's a big party that I don't have to clean up after, I need to be a bit more centered and focused about the issue.