Happy Earth Day

Happy Earth Day!! There is so much going on in the world today, but I'm happy to take a moment out to acknowledge how grateful I am to be living and on this planet. I take a great deal for granted in my life and our planet earth is one of them.

I don't know about you, but I have noticed our changing weather patterns and have heard the reports about sea levels rising. It's got me a little spooked. Even my local weather man is hip to the difference. Some call it global warming others call it climate change and some still believe neither exists, but does that matter at this point? There's a difference in our climate and for better or for worse people are the contributing factors. I don't think most people intentionally seek out to harm the planet, but if you drive a car, have a smart phone, heat your home, or use a microwave (just to name a few), then you are having an impact on planet earth.

Going green has become cliche over the last few years. It's in print, on television and you hear it on the radio too. It is one of the many messages we are inundated with on a daily basis. Despite it being a cliche, there is a sound movement by concerned individuals across the globe that continues to chug along against the odds. These passionate and dedicated group of environmentalists, scientists and everyday people recognize that we need to look at how we contribute to climate change, be accountable for our actions and make changes in our behaviors that can create a global impact.

Earth Day is a great reminder that all is not lost. Everyday we wake up is a day that we can make a change for the better and improve our planet for tomorrow. Today a lot of attention and media attention will be paid to Earth Day. It should be, but everyday should be Earth Day. We should focus on consuming less and becoming more efficient. If you look at your daily routine you can find areas to improve and you and the world will bet better off for. 

Want to get started? Here are 15 Earth Day tips that you can do year round from freelance writer, Kathleen J. King. Read her full list here:

1. Lower your thermostat. Buy a programmable thermostat.

2. Reuse your water bottle. Avoid buying bottled water. In fact, reuse everything at least once, especially plastics.

3. Check out your bathroom. Use low-flow faucets, shower heads, and toilets.

4. Start a compost in your back yard or on your rooftop.

5. Buy foods locally. Check out Eat Local Challengeand FoodRoutes to get started. Buy locally made products and locally produced services.

6. Buy in season.

7. Buy compact fluorescent light bulbs. You’ll find more on energy-efficient products and practices at Energy Star.

8. Turn off lights and electronics when you leave the room. Unplug your cell phone charger from the wall when not using it. Turn off energy strips and surge protectors when not in use (especially overnight).

9. Recycle your newspapers.

10. Car pool. Connect with other commuters at eRideShare.

11. Consider a car sharing service like Zipcar.

12. Ride a bike.

13. Walk, jog, or run.

14. Go to your local library instead of buying new books.

15. At holidays and birthdays, give your family and friends the gift of saving the earth. Donate to their favorite environmental group, foundation, or organization.

REMEMBER, THINK GLOBAL AND ACT LOCAL!!