Just one green act this Earth Day can make a big difference
Earth Day turns 40 this year, and frankly, it's looking really hot for 40. All around the world, individuals and communities are gearing up for the celebration on April 22 (and often, the weekend before and after). What can you do? Just one thing is all it takes: the theme of this year's Earth Day is One Billion Acts of Green. If we all choose just one thing to do, together we will make a huge difference.
Join in Your Local Rally
Recycling and composting are good deeds, but they aren't exactly a walloping ton of good-time fun. What is fun, however, is joining hundreds of other green-minded souls who are committed to making every day Earth Day. With that in mind, take a look at your local newspaper, community bulletin board or the Earth Day Network and find an event near you. Most Earth Day rallies have a carnival-like atmosphere, with live music, performers, kids' activities and other enjoyable events, so dive in and have a great time!
Plant Something - Anything
Spring is sprung, and even if all you do is stick a sunflower seed in a window pot, planting just one plant or seed may be all it takes to remind you of why Earth Day is important. Not only can a beautiful little seedling restore your faith in nature, any small step you take to reducing greenhouse gases will help (and plants help to absorb carbon dioxide, one of several greenhouse gases).
Take a Walk
Walk to work, walk to the store, walk around the block, or take a 20-Km hike. It's up to you where you go, but if you can hoof it for a day instead of driving, you'll get some great exercise and pollute less -- while getting a little closer to nature. Use your feet to reduce your carbon footprint.
Commute to Work
April 22 falls on a Thursday this year, so many of us will be trudging to work as usual. But this Earth Day, why not leave the car in the driveway and join the mass transit movement. Don't be shocked if you actually enjoy reading a magazine or book instead of fighting your way through rush-hour traffic. Who knows -- it could become a good habit!
Start Composting
If you're starting your spring garden this April, you'll want to take a tip from veterans who swear by composting. Not only is it easy and cheap to do, it reduces the amount of garbage in your trash bin, and nothing makes a richer soil than compost. Best of all, the new generation of composting pails look really sleek on your kitchen counter.
Spring Clean the Green Way
April is the perfect time to try some new green cleaning products, if you haven't already found some you like. And while you're spring-cleaning, remember to take care of the hazardous materials that are cluttering up your garage, kitchen and basement.
Recycle One Thing
According to a recent survey, not recycling is the #1 source of green guilt. And we all hate guilt, don't we? So, this Earth Day, recycle just one thing. That's it. A newspaper, a plastic bottle... whatever you can find. Recycling is easy and it's free.
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