Happy Earth Day!

Today is Earth Day!  While I may not be the most environmentally conscious person in the world, I do try to be aware of ways that I can try to help the Earth. I think more then ever we need to take the time to focus on ways we can diminish our carbon footprint.  A lot of people don't believe in global warning, but whether or not you believe in it, it's important to realize all of our industrial advances ARE harming the environment.  Any little bit we can do to help save the planet- it's gorgeous plants, it's curious animals- can help are lives, our children's lives, and our grandchildren's lives.

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Here are some ways you can make this Earth Day count!

{These are all actually ones you can do.  I know sometimes lists get made, but no one is ever really willing to start a compost pile or ride their bike to work everyday}

1.  Replace some of you most used lightbulbs with energy efficient ones.

2.  Watch the documentary No Impact Man, about a couple who give up electricity, cars, garbage- you name it, they gave it up- for a year.

Or you can read the book or the blog!

3.  Go to one  of these earth day events!

Massachusetts- April 30, 9 AM Mystic River Cleanup

April 30, 10 AM Townsend Street Cleanup

 DC- Today, 10 AM Earth Day Party for the Planet at the National Zoo

Maryland- April 23, 1 PM Oregon Ridge Nature Center Tree Planting

Pennsylvania- April 30- May 1, 9 AM Silver Lake Nature Center Watershed Cleanup

New York- Today, Earth Day New York, Times Square

Texas- April 22-23, Earth Day Dallas

California- April 23, 12 PM, Berkley Earth Day

Washington- April 29, Takoma Children's Water Festival

Utah- April 23, 11AM, Zion County Celebration

See a full list here

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4.  Unplug your chargers and appliances when you're not using them!  Or better yet, charge your IPod, laptop, or cell phone with one of these solar chargers

5.  Turn off the AC when it's hot out.  Instead, open windows, close blinds to keep the sun out, and wear loose clothing.

6.  In the summer, put your wet clothes on a line outside instead of using a dryer.  

7.  Eat vegetarian for a day!  

8.  But locally grown fruit and veggies.  Check out farmer's markets.  Or better yet, grow your own!

9.  Skip the gym and instead hike, bike, swim, or run outside.

10.  Use a reusable water bottle instead of a plastic one.

11.  Buy a tote bag and use it to bag groceries instead of the paper or plastic varieties.

12. Buy sustainable clothing and accessories.  Vintage or Organic are great options.  Here are some great options I love:

13.  Use all natural products or make your own lotions/ lip gloss/ cleaning products
{I'll post a few recipes in the upcoming weeks}
Here are some of my favorite store-bought products:

14.  Donate to one of these Earth-friendly charities:
Charity Water
Plant A Fish
Clean Ocean Action
Greenpeace 
Friends of the Earth
Rainforest Rescue
Sierra Club

15. Calculate your footprint at H2O Conserve

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For more information, log onto the official Earth Day website

"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings.  Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees.  The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like Autumn leaves."
- John Muir

P.S My dear blogger friend Camilla launched her online magazine, the Violet Online, today.  It's, to say the least, simply outstanding.  It's the magazine you've always wished you could read.  From book reviews to recipes to intellectual articles to gorgeous photography, it's everything, well, awesome.  
Check it out here.