Earth Day

I believe that every day is Earth Day, but I do think that it's a great day to remind people that we need to take care of our Mother Earth.  I just wanted to take a minute to write down a few easy tips to greener living.  I know sometimes it feels daunting, but every little thing we do can make a difference.  Here are 10 things we have done to reduce in our home, they are in no particular order.


1. Reusable shopping bags.  This is such an easy thing to do and usually places only charge $1 per bag.  Not only are these bags more durable than grocery store bags (with long handles to throw over your shoulder), but most places will give you $.05 back per each bag that you use.  What an easy way to reduce waste of plastic and paper bags.  Just keep them in your car for easy access.  It might be hard to remember to bring them into the store at first, but in no time it will be habit.


2. Reusable produce bags.  The ones we have are called BYO bags http://www.coolhats.biz/byobags/BYObags.html, they are washable and allow your produce to breathe unlike those plastic bags.  If you don't want to invest in these bags, just leave your produce loose in the cart.  I really have grown to love these bags and think that personally they are a great investment and an easy way to reduce the need for plastic.


3.  Cloth napkins. These are a great way to reduce the use of paper towels, I love that they are heavy duty and versatile.  I bought a 4 pack at Target for pretty cheap.  I think the best tip is to make sure to get dark ones, so that if you get some serious stains, they won't show up as much.  Also, they are fun for packing in lunches and picnics. 


4.  Reusable water bottle.  This is a must for me and my husband, we don't go anywhere without ours.  They are sold pretty much everywhere these days and are so handy to have.  I really like my Sigg http://mysigg.com/, and they have them for the whole family, including little ones for the kiddo's.  I drop mine all the time, so it has dents in it, but I like to tell myself that it adds character.  Try not to buy bottled water, because water should be FREE! If you haven't already, check out Tapped http://www.tappedthemovie.com/, this documentary really put things into perspective for me.


5.  One word: Recycle.  If you don't already do this, shame on you, but seriously it's so easy. Give it a try!


6.  Compost.  All you need to do is buy a compost pail, available at Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, etc.  When the pail is full, throw it in the garden and stir it up.  Voila, rich nutrients for your soil & plants.


7.  Natural cleaning products.  According the EPA estimates, indoor air pollution can be as much as 100 times higher than outdoor air, oftentimes due to toxic cleaning supplies.  You can either purchase environmentally friendly cleaners or make your own using things from around the house (vinegar, lemon, baking soda are all good cleaners.)


8.  Shop second hand.  Instead of purchasing new items, try shopping Goodwill, Savers, garage sales, or any other place where used items can be purchased.


9.  Turn off your lights.  If you are not in a room, turn off the lights.  Even better, if you have enough natural lighting in an area, don't even turn on the lights in the first place.


10.  Eat your veggies.  The United Nations has acknowledged that eating less meat and animal products will have a positive impact on the climate.  Currently, the livestock industry produces more that 18 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, uses more than 8 percent of the water use, and is a major cause of deforestation and lack of biodiversity. 

HAPPY EARTH DAY!  Today and every day let's celebrate this beautiful earth that we live on.