Celebrate Earth Day!!!
Why not take time out to reflect about the beauty of this planet we call home during this day. Ask yourself this question, "Am I making a difference to enhance, protect and invest in the quality of life for future generations of this planet we named Earth?" If not, then begin this week by applying actions to a few green ideas and investments to this Planet.
Here are some helpful tips to get you started:
Save water by decreasing your shower time , or take a bath, which uses less water than a shower.
Get in the habit of brushing your teeth with the water off, and encourage your children to do so, as well.
Recycle junk mail, cell phones, paper products, plastic bags, and more.
Switch from paper and plastic bags to reusable bags and totes.
Forget the electric or gas dryer, and hang dry your clothing.
Opt for direct deposit, online banking, and paperless statements to reduce your paper usage.
Try your hand at composting (planting scraps from fruits, veggies, and coffee grounds outside), which will help create better soil and less landfill waste.
Don’t purchase disposable water bottles, but rather use recyclable (and refillable) beverage containers that you can fill with filtered water.
Unplug all of your appliances when you leave the house to save energy (and prevent a fire hazard).
If possible, take public transportation or walk.
Don’t use plastic storage containers, and try not to heat food within a plastic container in the microwave.
Keep one set of dishes at the office, (a cup, utensils, bowl, and plate). This will prevent you from reaching for disposable utensils, cups, and plates.
Save stained or ill-fitting clothing to use for dusting and cleaning.
Use rechargeable batteries.
Donate used items.
Purchase used items from thrift stores, garage sales, flea markets, and more.
Rent movies and borrow books, instead of purchasing.
If you are in the market for a new car, purchase a hybrid model.
Select products made of recyclable materials.
Buy groceries in bulk, as it reduces packaging and the number of trips you take to the grocer.
If possible, buy items that use less packaging.
Purchase locally produced food at farmer’s markets and even road-side stands.
Purchase fresh fruits and vegetables, instead of jarred, canned, or frozen.
Purchase organic foods, as they don’t contain pesticides and harmful chemicals, in addition to organic cotton.
Follow the celebrity trend and use cloth diapers, as opposed to disposable diapers, which cause landfill waste.
Select soy or beeswax candles, instead of paraffin candles.
Use healthy and environmentally friendly cosmetics, such as mineral-based cosmetics and natural bath products.
Make your own natural, eco-friendly homemade cleaners using vinegar, lemons, borax and baking soda. Go to blog.maidbrigade.com for quick and easy cleaning recipes.
