Earth Day is April 22. Yes, I know – that's a Thursday, a work day. So let's expand the celebration to Earth Weekend, even Earth Month.
Now I'm not trying to guilt you into doing something time-intensive or expensive. If each of us makes a contribution (even a small one), it can make a big impact. You don't have to go out and buy and plant a tree. If you want to do that, though, consider yourself hugged! I planted an oak tree at my house in Kansas knowing full well I wouldn't be there to see it grow into a majestic source of shade. But it gave me pleasure knowing I was contributing to the future beauty of the neighborhood. I purposely put it fairly close to the curb so it would cool the street on hot summer days.
For those of you who have a smaller celebration in mind, here's a list of suggestions to get you started:
1. Buy a reusable bag and use it.
2. Replace one incandescent bulb with a compact fluorescent or LED.
3. Replace one of your chemical laced household cleaners with a natural one. The days of having to mix your own natural concoctions are over (but you still can and save money!), with all of the green products available, even at the grocery store.
4. Buy something local. When you're at the store, skip the imported nectarines, for example.
5. Spring clean your neighborhood. It's amazing how good it feels to pick up the trash exposed after the snow has melted.
6. Plan some additions to your landscape using native plants.
7. Buy a canteen to cut down on bottled water purchases.
8. Buy something used instead of new. Browse yard sales.
9. Donate clothing or books you no longer want.
10. Recycle all of those plastic bags you've been saving. Take them to your favorite grocery store.
Now that I've got you thinking green, I'm sure you can add a few of your own ideas to the list. Be sure to pass them along to your friends and neighbors.
Happy Earth Day!
