This week is the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. People all over this little planet will likely take a few moments this week to thing twice about how their daily routines impact this world. At least I hope so. As the weather warms from spring to summer I have already been running around outside plotting out my garden, pulling weeds, and watching a rabbit nest in our yard. A few hawks were even seen circling above our little urban 1/4 acre plot-o-land last week. So as we head into Earth Week, take a few moments to do something new -- add a new eco-element to your regular routine. Join in 40 years of tradition and take a few moments to share your favorite tip or two here! I'll publish a list of the top ideas on Earth Day. If you've got a blog link of your own, leave it here as well and I'll list the top picks on April 22.
1. Take a walk. Pick a place you would normally drive and consider walking there instead. This will give you an opportunity to cut your CO2 emissions and burn a few extra calories as well.
2. Ditch the Disposable. Make a commitment to stop using plastic bags, plastic water bottles, or disposable cutlery and lunch items.
3. Plant something. Plant a pot of basil on your windowsill or a tomato in a pot. This past week Target stores carried starter seeds and pots for just $1.00 in their $1.00 bin. Consider expanding this to a vegetable garden, it's not too late to start for this year!
4. Shop close to home this week. Try to make all your purchase from local stores or vendors rather than from far away locations or vendors that are not connected to your community.
5. Buy one organic produce item this week and help the earth and your body steer clear of pesticides. Try organic apples and grapes as they typically hold lots of pesticides.
6. Visit your local zoo, arboretum, botanic garden, or park. Celebrate the diversity of the planet in a local place.
7. Sip a cup of fair trade coffee this week. Give a boost to the people who live on this planet while sipping some fair trade brew.
8. Hang dry your laundry this week, save on electricity this way.
9. Recycle.
10. Unplug your appliances that are not in use (like televisions, computers, kitchen appliances, cell phone chargers), these items pull electricity even when not in use. A simple tweak here will save some CO2 and a little bit of green as well.
What are your top picks? Share them here with us!
Tracey Bianchi blogs about finding a saner, greener life from the heart of the Chicago suburbs. She wrote Green Mama: The Guilt-Free Guide to Helping You and Your Kids Save the Planet
Got something to say about what you're reading? We value your feedback!