Earth Day is a nice idea but if we really want to help the earth, we should find a way to do earth friendly things everyday. While it wold nice to install solar panels or replace old windows, most of us can't do that right now given the economy. But you can still be earth friendly without spending much. Here's my list of ten earth friendly things you can do and most are free!
1. Become a digital scrapbooker. Okay, not totally free maybe, but you will save lots of trees and money because you can use the digital papers and elements over and over!
2. Buy a reusable shopping bag. For less than the cost of a cup of coffee or bottle of soda, you can buy a re-usable shopping bag. Of course, the trick is to actually remember to bring it into the store! Here's one way - post a reminder card in your car. Just click on the title below and download the full sized card and print it out. You could even print it on magnetic paper!
Bag Reminder
Credits: Rainbow Bright by Joanne Brisebios from the DigiShopTalk April kit; font is Beyond Wonderful;
3. Pause before you toss. Stop and think - Is there a way to recycle this? Can I recycle part of it - like dissemble it and recycle the metal and plastic parts? Here's a great guide to bookmark How to Recycle Anything from Real Simple magazine.
4. Pull through a parking space so you don't have to back up to get out. Not always possible but if you can avoid backing up, you save some gas!
5. Take a walk and bring a bag along to pick up trash. Wearing gloves is a good idea too!
6. See what you can do on-line - can you sign up for on-line check writing? Is the newsletter you get by mail available on-line?
7. Figure out your carbon footprint. This is fun for kids who, of course, love to correct us adults. Carbon Footprint Calculator from Nature Conservancy
8. Drive the speed limit. I do a lot of highway driving and so I am trying not to speed this week. Easier said than done but it does save gas!
9. Start composting. Not only will you be recycling vegetable matter, but you will also be making great fertilizer for your plants. Back to Basics Composting if you have never composted (or if you did once but found it complicated) this is a laid back description of how to compost from Gardeners Supply
10. Admire a sunset {sunrise}, recite a poem or just sit outside for a bit. Enjoy this beautiful earth!
