Happy Earth Day!

I don’t usually post on the weekend but I wanted to write an entry for Earth Day!

We waste a lot in this country and I truly believe that we can each make a difference if we alter our behavior even just slightly. I am the first to admit I could do more but I also know I do more than most and I like to educate others so they can see how easy it is to do just a couple of seemingly minor but important behavioral changes… Here are the things we do on a regular basis to help the planet be a little healthier:

> We recycle anything plastic that is marked “1” or “2” – this includes most drink bottles as well a medicine and shampoo bottles.

> We also recycle aluminum cans, glass, plastic grocery bags, and phone books. My friends are now trained not to throw away their cans and beer bottles when they come over and you should see the haul I take to the recycling center after we throw a party!

> In addition, we now recycle every catalog, magazine and old phone book by taking it to an Abitibi paper recycling bin (I used to take it to the city recycling center). This helps the environment and helps the organization where the bin is located to raise funds for themselves.

> We annually recycle our Christmas tree (typically used to build up the sand dunes along our Texas beaches).

> I am ordering a small compost bin for the backyard and will begin be making my own compost using kitchen scraps and other organic trash.

> I try to use actual metal flatware at work instead of throw-away plastic utensils.

> I also use real glassware instead of throwaway cups at work (I have a coffee mug and a plastic glass for water).

> I buy larger food containers and make snack size portions using Tupperware or bags. We save money and avoid buying wasteful snack packs that come with all that extra packaging. One favorite is apple sauce – and you can recycle the glass bottle it comes in.

> I cut the plastic rings that come on 6-packs of soda before throwing them away. The rings end up in landfills where they can get into the environment and get snagged around an animal’s neck, eventually chocking it. By cutting it up you avoid that catastrophe.