Happy Earth Day !

Tips for Earth Day

Give Up Plastic and Paper Bags: Paper or plastic? Neither is a good option. Twelve million barrels of oil were used to make the 88.5 billion plastic bags used in the US last year, and about 14 million trees are cut down each year to produce paper bags. Purchase a few reusable shopping bags and keep them in your car for convenience on your next shopping trip.In fact, many states are going to force this option on you, when they start enacting laws allowing stores to tax you on plastic bags! So start using reusable bags NOW, and you'll be in the habit, before long!

Substitute Windex for Homemade Cleaners: Create a greener, cleaner home with all-natural, environmentally-friendly cleaners. Made from ingredients that can already be found in your pantry, homemade cleaners will save you money and lessen exposure to chemicals that are unhealthy for both you and the earth. Lemon is affective against most household germs while white vinegar cuts grease and removes odors and stains.

Drink More Water: Did you know that the earth is made up of 75% water and your body is made up of 70% water? This is no coincidence… Stay healthy this Earth Day with Mother Nature’s original refreshment. If its flavor you crave, opt for an all-natural essence water or find an add in, with and no artificial flavors or preservatives.

Repurpose Something: Are you taking on a home renovation or sprucing up your living room while spring cleaning? Rather than knocking down another tree for a new coffee table, take that old one out of the trash and slap on a coat of paint and shiny hardware for that brand new look. A new handle goes a lot further than you would think! And think local- check for local habitat for Humanity or ReStore stores, where you can donate items you no longer need, and pick up others!

Also start thinking about Summer and what uses different items have for kids' Summer "I'm Bored" projects!

Put a Stop to Excess Mail: Some of us spend hours ripping up our junk mail and throwing away unread magazines. Save some time and trees by opting-out for pre-screened credit card offers and cancel magazine and catalog subscriptions that you don’t read or that have digital editions.

Share and Share Alike- Go trough your kid's books and donate the ones they no longer want to your local library. Do the same with toys, and donate to a local family shelter, or daycare! This is a great way to get your kids in on recycling products when they are young, and setting a good habit or two!

What about you?

Any ideas you want to share?