Georgia and I were talking about Earth Day, which got her giggling, “Ha ha ha! Earth day is every day, because we LIVE on the earth!” My constant haranguing has paid off in some ways. Georgia is usually pretty good about turning off the lights (unless she’s scared), she turns the water off, easily grabs for a towel instead of a paper towel, and uses only what she needs when she does use paper towels, or tissues, or TP. She still doesn’t like to walk, but can get back on board when gently reminded that we’re walking whenever we can to help save the earth. She really does get it, and I feel proud about that, though there’s always more for all of us to do. I checked in with the Earth Day Network [1] to find out more, it’s a great place to start to see what you can do to get your family saving!

Here’s a quick overview of the Earth Day Network’s suggestions [2], a back-to-the-roots list of things that you might already be doing, and some things you might consider taking up for the good of Mother Earth!

• Change your light bulbs. It’s still a simple way to save energy, especially in those places, like my home office, that have to be lit for long stretches.
• Drive less
• Keep your heating and cooling systems clean, replace old systems, and set the thermostat two degrees cooler in the winter and two degrees warmer in the summer.
• Make sure your fridge isn’t sucking up all the energy. Also check how you use your hot water heater, dishwasher and washer/dryer. There are lots of ways to use them less, or more efficiently.
• Plant trees and native plants that don’t require a lot of water. Think about replacing your lawn with native plants, or even a vegetable garden!
• Invest in green energy, switch to green energy sources if they are available in your area.
• Go organic [2]! It saves tons of energy, and it’s better for the earth and YOU!
• Buy recycled products, which take less energy to produce.
• Use and buy less. Check your purchases with a “need-meter” and decide what’s really important!

Earth day is every day, and you can start one step at a time. Every little bit adds up. Happy Earth Day!

 

Photo credit: aussiegal [3]