Happy Day, Earth!

Happy Earth Day, earth! Umm...well. We're trying, right?

Big round of applause to all those folks out there who are working very hard to give Earth Day a face-lift. It's long overdue and I'm grateful for social networking as a catalyst for this change. I can remember when Earth Day was me and a bunch of young wanna-be hippie kids in our tie-dye tees and Burkenstocks, strummin' acoustic guitars and being pissed off that nobody came to our event, because nobody cared about Earth. Nowadays, Earth day marketing is slick, there are events happening globally and it's far more accessible to people of all walks of life.

But there's still a long way to go before the Earth and its inhabitants are in a state of balance. As we can see all around us, there are warning signs of the consequences of all our actions coming to a head; global warming (which by the way folks is probably REAL), natural disasters, new found disease that seem to result from chemical toxins in our air and water.... Luckily, more so now then ever, there is great information out there about what we can do each day to be a part of the solution. I think we should give a shit. I think we should care about what our kids will inherit.

Bottom line is, if you are a person who cares even just a little bit about the future of the planet, then it's actually IMPERITIVE that you make changes. And if you are not, well, you got your own thing going on and please just stay out of our way.

As we know, you gotta be the change you wish to see, so here are some ideas and thoughts for energy conservation and reducing your personal carbon footprint:

Start a Home Compost
You don't have to be a farmer to compost. You can just start one in your freezer at home by saving all the scraps of organic waste-matter that you create instead of throwing them in the garbage. Keep them in a small bucket or bin, a used orange juice carton, or even an old plastic bag from grocery shopping. Check with your local farmers market or grocer about who collects compost and find out where you can drop it off. In New York, there are composts set up at many major outdoor farmers markets and in some of the smaller community gardens and parks. Farmers are thrilled to receive donations of compostable material because its great for your soil. You can include all remains of fruits and vegetables, grains, coffee grounds, and even egg shells! DO IT TODAY!!! Feel free to email me with questions.

Ride A Bike!
If you don't already love riding a bike, then I promise you as soon as you get back on one and start rollin', you will love it again and the joy of cruisin' will come back with a new found purpose as you realize that not only do you feel more free as the wind whips through your hair, but Hey! you're saving money and reducine the amount of fuel-based toxins in the air. Get back on it buddy. Just DO IT. You will be so happy.


Unplug Appliances and Turn Off Lights
This is good for the environment AND your electric bill. It's so simple. Just make sure that unplug any appliances or lamps or stereos when they are not in use. Electricity seeps in very small amounts through the contact of the metals (even when your swithces are off). So you are wasting electrical energy, and wasting money. It's small but it's also big, you know.

Take the Plastic Challenge!
See how much plastic you use in one week and then make an effort to reduce it by half!
This is fun for the whole family. I bet you have no idea how much garbage or plastic waste you and your housemates or family create and if you did realize, you'd be embarrased.

So, here's what you do. For one straight week, just live normally, but bring home any plastic containers that you purchase and use both in and outside the house (eg: you had a salad at Whole Foods that came in a plastic carrier or you bought a 16oz soda and drank it on the bus).

Create a recycle bag that you fill with your weeks plastic usage so you can see it all pile up.
Make a note of how much you used and recycle it. The following week, see if you can cut that amount in half. The week after that, see if you can cut THAT amount in half, so now your down to 1/4 the original amount, and so on... If you're the competetive type, make it into a household challenge and set a reward for the person who makes the least waste for the week. This is a great way to SHOW your children the impact of their actions as well.

Remember things like stainless steel containers for water and bringing your own lunch from home in your reusable tupperwear.

That's all for now. Happy Day mama Earth!