I couldn’t let Earth Day pass without offering some simple ways each of us can contribute to the healing of the planet.
I know. The enormity of the problem is often overwhelming.
The starfish story
It reminds me of the story of the small boy who came upon a beach littered with thousands of starfish, all in their death throes because the tide had carried them beyond the waterline.
The boy set about picking up the starfish and tossing them back into the sea. An old man walking the beach ridiculed the child for engaging in a hopeless cause.
“Why bother? You can’t save them all,” the old man proclaimed.
“That’s true. But I can save this one. And this one. And this one,” the boy replied as he continued returning the stranded starfish to the sea.
You can’t save the world by yourself, but you can do your part. Each of us together can make the change that will make a difference.
Do these today
Here are some really easy ways you can live sustainably, starting today. They will cost you nothing or almost nothing. In fact, most of them will save you money:
1. Get a stainless steel water bottle and stop drinking bottled water.
2. Invest in a few shopping bags and just say “no” to plastic bags.
3. If you don’t already do it recycle, at least your cans, bottles and paper.
4. Turn off the water while you’re brushing your teeth.
5. Limit your showers to five minutes.
6. Turn off the lights if you’re out of the room for more than five minutes.
7. Replace your regular light bulbs with compact fluorescents.
8. Eat organic foods as much as possible, especially fruits and coffee, which carry heavy pesticide loads.
9. Buy locally produced products, especially food. This saves on your gas, gives you fresher, more nutritious food and saves on the pollution and fuel consumption of long distance shipping.
10. Say “no” to acquiring additional plastic goods for your household.
Bonus
Finally, here’s your bonus:
Honor Earth Day by planting a tree on the south side of your house. In a few years, it will shade the house and lower your cooling costs in summer.
