Photo by Dalibor Platenik / SXC
Earth Day, Earth Week, Earth Month — April is the time for remembering this big planet we call home. Around the world, people are focusing all thing eco-friendly — from community and volunteering events to news specials, eco product promotions and even new green websites (like Ecologue!).
Eco-living is center stage this week, but why stop there? Make Earth Month a kick off for year-round greener living. Get started with these easy ideas:
Hug a Tree
Well, not literally. Take advantage of warmer temperatures and update your landscape. Plant deciduous trees near your house. As they grow, the trees' lush leaves will shade your home from the warming sun. In winter, their bare branches let that sunlight through, which means less stress on your heating system and utility bills. Plus, more trees means cleaner air.
More greener lawn tips >>
Go Paperless
Sure, that junk mail is great fodder for a compost pile, but reducing waste is better than recycling. Take time this week to switch all your bills to paperless or e-statements. Consider canceling unwanted catalog and magazine subscriptions and sign up for a junk mail monitoring service, which removes you from mass mailing lists for small fee. Your letter carrier — and local landfill — will enjoy the lighter load.
More ideas for reducing waste >>
Unplug for a Bit
Give those electronics a rest. Snag a book from the library or a used book store and curl up by a sunny window. Take a walk or go for a bike ride. Just spend a few hours every week electricity-free. And while you’re shutting things off, consider unplugging less-used electronics, small appliances, lamps and other gadgets until needed; it reduces standby electricity loss, which means lower bills. Or group your electronics on one of these handy power strips.
More energy-saving tips >>
Grill It
Cook-out season doesn’t start till after Memorial Day, but start planning now. Grilling is one of the most energy-efficient ways to cook. Whether hosting a backyard party or a simple weeknight supper, always use real plates and silverware (or consider biodegradable plates), and shop for your ingredients from the local farmers’ market or food co-op, which will be brimming with fresh produce soon enough.
More fresh, eco-friendly food ideas >>
Get Crafty
Want to give a room a spring update? Consider a crafty recycling project for the kitchen, bathroom, living room or even garden. Look for ways to reuse recyclables: line garden beds with newspaper, turn old plastic bottles into a garden trellis and more. Or just refresh old furniture with a new slipcover or wood finish (try all-natural, soy-based strippers and low-VOC paints).
More creative recycling ideas >>
Shop Wisely
Looking for gifts for mom, dad, a grad or just for yourself? Bookmark shopping sites such as the The Rainforest Site, The Hunger Site, Care2 and iGive, where a portion of sales go to good causes (sometimes your choice). If you’re just in search of eco products, check out green ratings at Evo.com.
More eco-shopping tips >>
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