April 23, 2009

Earth Day All Year

Cindy Freeland, Headquarters

Earth Day is a day designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth's environment. This Earth Day make a commitment to be green all year round, not simply on April 22. If you aren’t sure where to start, this list of 20 great green ideas will help you to both kick off Earth Day, and celebrate all year long.

10 Earth Day Projects and Ideas

Some of the projects and ideas below may seem very small. However, it’s good to note that even small steps make a difference. You don’t have to be extreme to be green. In the end, your green steps, no matter how small, added to everyone else’s green steps, create a greener, healthier, happier planet. And that’s what Earth Day should be about.

1. Find out how earth-friendly you are with the carbon footprint calculator. If your eco-footprint is bigger than you’d like, look into giving back with carbon credits.

2. Practice smart water conservation at home, all year round.

3. One of the best Earth Day projects is to plant a tree. If you join the Arbor Day Foundation, you can even get ten free fruit or oak trees!

4. If you’re buying a new computer, don’t just toss your old one into the trash. Donate your used tech equipment to a school, social service program, or look into computer recycling sites.

5. Consumer consumption is really hard on the planet. Excess consumption drains resources and energy, and creates massive waste. Before you buy a product get in the habit of asking yourself three simple questions: 1) Do I really need it? 2) Can I use something I already have at home instead? 3) Is the product recyclable, renewable, and safe for the earth?

6. Save water and money by learning how to build a rain barrel this Earth Day.

7. Some of the United States recycling statistics are pretty grim. Make an effort to learn about why is recycling important and become a dedicated recycling family.

8. Look into a compost kitchen container. Kitchen compost can reduce your throw-a-way trash and help your garden thrive at the same time.

9. Instead of doing small Earth Day projects this year, try making a big statement by remodeling your home into the most energy efficient house possible. Even the addition of one change, such as energy efficient windows can make a large difference; preserving resources and saving you money. For more ideas read: 50 Sustainable Home Design Features & Resources.

10. Changing out all the light bulbs in your house is one of the easiest Earth Day projects. Using fluorescent light bulbs is a highly effective way to conserve resources and saving money. Learn more about the different types of fluorescent light bulbs available today.

From: http://greenliving.lovetoknow.com/Earth_Day_Projects
Go Green and have a happy day!

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