In Honor of Earth Day–What Else Can we Do?

For one, we can change our lightbulbs. CFLs (compact fluorescent lightbulbs) reduce pollution by using 75%LESS energy than reguarl lightbulbs! If we each replaced ONE, we’d save $60 mil in energy costs. I bought a bunch of these and then as my regular bulbs went out, I replaced them with CFLs one by one. Now I have a complete CFL household! For starters, try GE Energy Smart Spiral (26 watts but = 100 watts of the old kind), costs about $5 and you can get it at Home Depot or try www.gelighting.com for a list of stores. Another one to try is Sylvania Supermini with 13 watts (= 60 watt regular bulb). This one costs about $8 for three and you can get it at Amazon.com. Then there is Westinghouse’s “mini-globe” which is 9 watts (= 40 watt bulb) for about $16 at www.servicelighting.com .

Be a friend to a farmer and get local, organic produce delivered to your table weekly (or maybe you pick up). Either way, join a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) and you can help cut down on energy used to transport food across the world AND use of pesticides and dangerous chemicals used for conventional farming.

Next time you invest, consider a company that is committed to using less energy. Money speaks volumes, folks. With so many choices out there, the power has shifted from the COMPANIES to the consumer. Let’s make our voices heard. We can make a difference.

Another thought–kudos to everyone recycling your water bottles. I require my kids to always bring them back home to recycle when they are out and about. BUT, there is a better way. Sipping water from a safely reusable metal bottle. I put a filter on my tap water. Whole Foods has a special plastic bottle made from a material that won’t break down during washing so it can be used multiple times AND recycled.

If you have some other good ideas, I’d love to hear them. Remember every conscious effort DOES make a difference. Commit to the change, one action at a time. We can make a better earth.