Earth Day!

So, about 2 years ago I saw something on 20/20 that disturbed me. They were filming in a rain forest down in Latin America and talking about the destruction that has happened over the years. They showed this bird that they had filmed that makes sounds of its environment. A couple of years ago it made the sound of a monkey and the rain. Now it makes the sounds of car alarms and a chainsaw. It really got me thinking. I started thinking maybe my once hippie brother was right about some things. I started looking into simple things that I could do that could help lessen my own personal impact on the earth. Since my mother and I are now so close, naturally she started doing some of the same things I was doing. Now my stepfather is getting on board with it as well.

So here are some the simple steps I have taken to make the world a little more green and make myself a little more healthy in the process.

1. I now skip the plastic and use cloth bags when I grocery shop and even go to the mall. NY is trying to pass a law wheere if you use a plastic bag, you pay $.05 for each bag to make state revenue. I can stick them right in my purse and when I need them whip them out. Reusable Bags http://www.reusablebags.com/ has produce bags as well as other things that are awesome and pretty cheap as well. Also many of stores now sell them too.

2. I no longer use harsh chemicals to clean. I use environmentally friendly products that don't have harsh smells and that have certified organic/cradle to cradle product labels. Method is my favorite http://www.methodhome.com/ and smell great.

3. I read now labels. I make sure I know what's in my food and body products and look for seals letting me know what they contain.

4. My mother and I recently purchased organic sheets made of Tencel which like bamboo, is a renewable resource. They feel like silk and are wonderful!

5. Like I said above I use organic soap and body lotions that are paraben free.

6. I try and eat organic or local produce. I find that it's not much more expensive than the regular produce at the market.

7. I use 7th Generation paper products and garbage bags. They are made of recycled post consumer content. Also there are paper bowls and plates that are made of sugar cane and are compostable.

8. I recycle bottles, cans, and paper.

9. I am learning to garden and will be helping my parents plant a huge garden done with some compost. We will not be using any pesticides and are researching natural ways to ward off critters and bugs.

10. I try save on electric and when things are not in use, they are unplugged and put on a power switch. No phantom power for me!

11. And finally, the biggest thing I have learned in KNOWLEDGE is POWER! There some very good/credible websites out there educating people. Here are some of my faves that I subscribe to.
http://www.sarasnow.com/
http://planetgreen.discovery.com/

Just some simple steps I have taken to lessen my carbon footprint on the earth.

I will be going to the 2nd annual Hudson Valley Green Fair this wekeend where I am hoping to find some great new organic clothing and other products.

Enjoy your Earth Day!