Happy Earth Day

In honor of Earth Day I have come up with a list, with some help from Bree, of 10 things we can do today to help our planet! So, lets get started!!!

1. Paper or Plastic? Neither!! Get in the habit of taking reusable bags to the grocery store. I keep several in my car just so I do not forget. Saves the trees and the landfills plus some stores, Whole Foods, actually gives you a credit for using reusable bags. It's a win, win!!

2. Replace regular light bulbs with the energy efficient variety. It costs more to purchase but you will get a good return in the long run. They last longer and obviously use less energy therefore making your energy bill lower. Another win, win!

3. Don't buy any more bottled water! Instead start using reusable water bottles as well as reusable coffee mugs.

4. Switch cleaning products to ones that are Earth friendly. You can even make your own cleaning products with water, vinegar and baking soda. I have not done that yet but it seems like a good plan!

5. Compost! To learn how to compost visit www.howtocompost.org

6. Stop the insane amount of junk mail!! You can sign up to stop junk mail at www.dmachoice.org/mps

7. Clean the lint traps in your dryer after every load. Your dryer uses an insane amount of energy as is so, by reducing the lint we can reduce some energy consumption. If Earth friendliness doesn't get you maybe this will, a linty dryer filter is a fire hazard! Yes, I am the wife of a firefighter!

8. Use rain bins to water plants and grass. This was Bree's suggestion and a great one at that! Simply have your down spout empty into some bins to collect that water and save for later.

9. Support local growers and buy fruits and vegatables that were produced locally. Saves the cost in transport plus, it is way better than fruit and vegetables picked prior to becoming ripe. Yes, a win, win!!

10. Switch your shower heads to a 'low flow' type. Save water ladies when you take that 20 min. shower!

Just in the span of about 1 hour this list was created...but the ramifications of putting this list into action will last a lifetime!! Does anyone else have suggestions?