Green has become a very hot color, but not just for its pleasant aesthetic qualities. As the shade most commonly seen in and associated with nature, green has achieved an elevated status in countries around the globe as the symbol of environmentally friendly products, practices, and lifestyle choices. People who make a conscious effort to protect the environment, therefore, are said to "live green." Living green involves seeking a balance that lets humans exist in harmony with nature, other living creatures, and each other, while still enjoying a decent quality of life. Humans work to become good enough stewards of the planet so that "Mother Earth" may continue to provide the things people need to survive, such as oxygen, shelter, healthy food, and clean water.