Hug a Tree

I know everyone is probably Earth Day'd out and its only 11am. I just wanted to share a couple of thoughts on the topic. I've been taking baby steps in this greener direction for a couple of years now... I didn't just wake up one morning and throw out all of my harmful cleaners and plastic bags. And by no means am I 'super-green' (just take a look in my diaper pail.) My philosophy is that I will do my best to be mindful and try to do my part and that's that.

1) Re-usable bags: These aren't just for the supermarket. Use them at Target, CVS, etc. Find one that folds down really small and stick in your purse. Also, re-use those thin plastic produce bags. I stick them in with my re-usable bags for grocery trips. Or better yet, skip those plastic bags all together, especially if you're just getting one of an item. I also re-use the mesh bags that you sometimes get certain produce in like kiwis or potatoes. They hold up well.

2) Re-use instead of throwing away or recycling: Pause for a moment before you throw something in the trash or recycle bin (when appropriate). Can you re-use it for something else? For instance, I've been saving plastic berry and tomato containers for this summer. Hopefully I'll have bounties from my garden to share with neighbors (and you!) and these are the perfect containers. I also use the larger ones for bringing cookies or whatnots to parties. I take the labels off, put some tissue paper or a pretty napkin inside, and then put in my food items. Then you don't need to worry about remembering to take your plate home.

3) Paper towels: Get rid of them. Keep a pile of rags under your sink. Its not as hard as you think.

4) Plastic bottles: Get rid of them. This one is a bit harder but you can do it. Invest in a couple of metal water bottles and a Brita or water dispenser.

5) Start a vegetable garden. Start a compost. Get a rain barrel. Many local towns offer reduced pricing on these items. If you can't do that, try and buy local from farmer's markets. This will also make you eat a more varied, healthy diet. If your garden happens to be sprouting cauliflower or if the farmer's market has leeks this week, guess what you'll be eating?

6) Transition to eco-friendly cleaners. All those chemicals have to be negatively impacting us and the earth, don't you think? Green cleaners are more expensive but the good news is that more companies are starting to make these products so the cost is going down.

You're probably already doing at least one of these things. Maybe just do one more this month, then another next month. Every little bit does help. Beatrice and her fellow little ones thank you!

Please share some of your earth-friendly ideas. What are you currently doing or what will you commit to doing this month or this year?