Happy Earth Day!
Since 1970, April 22nd has been a day set aside to appreciate Earth. The holiday has grown to be celebrated by nearly every country on the planet. But being pro-Earth isn't really enough. I think everyone on Earth basically likes Earth, 1. because we are on it, and 2. because we don't have any other planet options to be on right now. Earth Day is about saying a little bit more than "I like Earth." It's about doing something tangible to help Earth out.
Here are three commitments you could consider making this Earth Day, listed in order from "very easy" to "quite an effort, but totally worth it." Whether you commit to one of these ideas or some other way of improving our environment, try to think of at least one thing you can do this Earth Day to make a lasting impact.
Super-Easy: Swear off wrapping paper. One of the biggest wastes of paper is also one of the most needless: gift wrap. Instead of purchasing gift wrap, wrap presents in glossy magazine pages, brown paper bags, old maps, or even scrap material. You'd be surprised what classy and artistic gift wrap your recyclables can make.
Pretty Easy: Get your recycling act together. We all say that we recycle, but when we're alone in the kitchen with a pile of questionable recyclables, it's easy to be weak. This Earth Day, find out what exactly can and cannot be recycled in your area, and commit to doing the work to recycle everything possible. Personally, I don't like washing out dirty recyclable containers like soup cans... but I should, and I will.
Not-So-Easy: Install solar panels on your home. This costs money and is something only certain homeowners will be able to do. But if it's an option for you, please consider it. The initial costs will eventually be offset by energy savings, and what a thrill to know that your home is producing energy rather than just sucking it from the grid.
-Brigitte
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Comments
romeo Thursday, April 22, 2010
:)
Nure Thursday, April 22, 2010
I recently started to re-use wrapping papers, or use newspapers (with added touch). Also, if I find one sided/ scrap paper at home/work, I use them for studying. I bought a few notebooks at the beginning of the fall semester, and I have not used one! You would be surprised how much paper you can save if you try.
Watch "The story of stuff", a 20 min documentary and "The story of bottled water". Both can be found here: http://storyofstuff.org
Happy Earth Day.
Mike Thursday, April 22, 2010
Happy Earth DAY!!!
Joe436 Friday, April 23, 2010
Not using wrapping paper sounds easy. Recycling thing is a problem. Despite it being the law, my apartment complex doesn't have anyware to dump bottles and other recyclable stuff like paper. Since I'm in an apartment, solar panels are not an option.
Mikhaela Friday, April 23, 2010
Thanks Brigitte!