April 22--Earth Day

Today is Earth Day. What does that mean? Well, if you go to http://www.epa.gov/earthday/ and read, you find the following:

Celebrate Earth Day

On April 22, 1970, 20 million people across America celebrated the first Earth Day. It was a time when cities were buried under their own smog and polluted rivers caught fire. Now Earth Day is celebrated annually around the globe. Through the combined efforts of the U.S. government, grassroots organizations, and citizens like you, what started as a day of national environmental recognition has evolved into a world-wide campaign to protect our global environment. Learn about the history of Earth Day.

The EPA site lists some things you can do in your home and community as well as at school and work to help make a difference. Here's a few ideas:

reduce, reuse, and recycle wherever possible!
compost your yard waste instead of bagging it up to go to the landfill
be aware of the chemicals you use
make energy efficient choices when buying appliances, light bulbs and such
conserve electricity and water

There is also a list of Earth Day events and volunteer opportunities...

But, when you stop and think about it, what are you already doing to help the earth?
Have you bought any of the reusable cloth shopping bags?

Have you stopped using paper/disposable dishes, utensils and cups?

Do you reuse any of the plastic grocery bags you bring home from the store?

Are you recycling your plastics, glass, and newspaper items?

Are you a member of your local Freecycle group?

Do you keep your car tuned up properly and walk or ride your bike at times to save gas and automobile emissions?

Have you taught your kids the REAL reason why we should turn off lights when we leave a room? why we don't run the water the whole time we're brushing our teeth? It is about conserving energy/water, NOT about keeping the bills lower...

When you shop for groceries, are you mindful of items that use lots of fancy packaging versus items that are more conservative and more earth-friendly in their packaging?

What about water bottles? Are you using a refillable bottle OR are you buying tons of single water bottles? Have you seen the commercial now by Brita--30 minutes on the treadmill, a lifetime in the landfill... It is in reference to a plastic water bottle... Those things don't break down! If you are using the single use water bottles, PLEASE recycle them!

We must all do whatever we can to help keep our earth healthy. Without a healthy earth, we can't have healthy bodies!