Taking care of our Earth is not just for hippies, activists, celebrities and scientists. It's every one's job...we do live here after all. I don't know about you..but I want my future children, grandchildren, etc. to have clean water and fresh air to breathe. Little changes can make big differences in the long-run. In honor of Earth Day, here are 10 simple ways you can make small changes in your life that will make BIG changes for our Earth:
1. Eat less meat (of course I'm going to start with this one, duh.) "The United Nation's Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that the livestock production generates nearly one-fifth (18 percent) of the world's greenhouse gasses-more than transportation.....Make meatless meals one or two days a week, or try going vegetarian one week a month." ---OR you could just cut out meat all together & really make a difference, right? ;)
2. Recycle & reuse--this one I really need to work on myself!-It's depressing to think of all the waste that is sitting in landfills that COULD have been recycled or reused. Not sure where to take your recyclables? Go to http://www.earth911.com/
3. Unplug appliances that are not being used. "We spend $1 billion a year powering our televisions, DVDs, microwaves, and other electronics when their not in use". Try using a power strip so you can easily turn everyone off.
4. Use less water. Think of different strategies to help you take shorter showers--for example, use a timer, play a song, etc. You can also install a low-flow shower head. Turn off the water when you are not using it (while brushing teeth, doing dishes, etc). Every little bit helps!
5. Wash your clothes on cold. "Tide promised that if everyone in NYC washed their laundry in cold water for just one day, the energy savings could light up the Empire State Building for an entire month" WOW.
6. Replace old items ONLY when they're useless. "We are so quick to toss things because they're easily replaced. But if you slow down and think carefully about the impact your actions have on the Earth, your priorities will reorganize themselves."
7. Turn off the lights. "Turning the lights off when you're not using can save up to 10 percent of your home's total energy expenditure". This is one of my awful habits....leaving lights, fans, the t.v., etc. on while I am in a completely different room. Who knows how much money I am going to save as I become more conscientious of energy!
8. Stop using paper plates and plastic utensils. They may be easier, but they use up a lot of resources to only be used once.
9. Plant a vegetable garden and/or shop at your local farmer's market. You are buying/using food that doesn't come in a package and is most likely free of pesticides and chemical fertilizers.
10. Compost. Composting food scraps and other organic materials diverts the waste from landfills. Go to naturalhealthmag.com/compost for simple instructions on how to compost.
I hope these have inspired you to be a little more Earth conscience. They have definitely inspired me! I have a long way to go, but I am starting small and hoping to make some big changes for the Earth (and for my wallet). For these and other tips, look in the April editions of Natural Health and Glamour. I am about to read The Eco Chick Guide to Life: How to be Fabulously Green by Starre Vartan.
There are TONS of ways to make Earth-friendly choices! What is your strategy for creating a more Earth-friendly environment?
stay tuned for blogs to come on cruelty-free home & beauty products...what to eat at restaurants if you are vegetarian/vegan....and more (:
Have a happy Earth Day & Easter weekend.
God Bless!!
No comments:
Post a Comment