Earth Day 2009

Happy Earth Day

Let this Earth Day be a reminder to try and live your life a little greener, here are a few suggestions:

1. Eat local and organic. Though it’s always summer somewhere, do we really need a jet flown peach from Chile? When possible shop local, buy organic, and support CSA’s. If cost is an issue buy conventional, but stay away from the 12 most sprayed.

2. Dump junk mail and catalogs. Each year over 100 million trees are massacred and turned into junk mail. Consequently, paper makes up 1/3 of the trash mountains in our bloated landfills. I don’t know about you, but I value oxygen (a trees main job) more than a Pottery Barn catalog or Sweepstake teaser. JunkBusters.com GreenDimes.com

3. Boycott plastic bags! Our planet wilts under the weight of plastic. . Sassy Chico Bags and Biobags are just a few of the many solutions.

4. Go paperless by paying bills online. It’s quicker and saves resources.

5. Bring your own reusable sippers! The average coffee or tea to-go cup takes about 100 years to breakdown, who knows if this is true or not but why would you want to make more trash? Why not bring your own travel mug, Klean Kanteen, or To-go ware to your favorite take-out joint?

6. Use natural skincare products. Your skin is your largest organ, so if you wouldn’t drink a cup of Jergen’s (for example) for goddess sake, don’t put it on your skin! Choose yummy, safe alternatives. Clueless about what brands are safe? Go to Skindeep.org

7. Use power strips and unplug appliances when not in use! Even when electronic devices are turned off, they still suck loads of energy.

8. Do you really need to let the water run when you’re brushing AND flossing your choppers? Nope.

When we care for the environment, we should be showing our deep respect for the Creator in much the same way we would admire the work of a great artist in a museum.

And for you bible thumpers:

* The whole creation — including the natural environment is the handiwork of God. (Genesis 1:1-2:2)
* Humans, made in the divine image, are to care for the earth. (Genesis 2:15)