40 Years of Earth Day – 40 Tips for Going Green

Eating Apples at a Michigan Orchard

It’s Earth Week!  April 22nd will mark the 40th anniversary of Earth Day.  And you know what? I think people are really beginning to have a sense of urgency.  Not everyone’s thinking has evolved yet, but it’s refreshing to see that people around the world are working together to help create a better world for future generations. We have a long way to go, but it starts with awareness and is dependent upon each individual to do his/her part.

All week, Kid Planet will be sharing our thoughts and tips about environmental stewardship.  I’m starting off with a simple list of 40 things that we can all do to live a greener life.  But here’s the deal.  After you read my top 40, please post a comment with some of your tips.

Here’s my top 40:

1:  Don’t litter:  That  means cigarette butts too!
2:  Say NO to plastic water bottles (install a water filter)
3:  Take lots of cloth bags to groceries stores
4:  Buy products with less packaging
5:  Batteries: Use rechargeable- Say NO to toys that use them- Recycle
6:  Inflate your tires properly
7:  Carpool
8:  Shower with your spouse ( shorter showers and fewer baths)
9:  Recycle all paper and cardboard
10: Recycle computers, cell phones and electronics
11: Start a recycling program at your office or church
12: Work toward a paperless office (print on both sides)
13: Receive and pay bills on line
14: Say NO to direct mail and junk mail
15: Use a reusable coffee/tea mug
16: Replace paper towels, napkins, paper plates with cloth
17: Help friends and families go green
18: Drive an energy efficient car or ride a bike
19: Use energy efficient lighting- and turn off the lights more often
20: Insulate your home
21: Invest in renewable energy sources (use the power of the wind & sun)
22: Give away or sell used clothing, toys and household items
23: Recycle plastic and cans
24: Plant a garden or a tree
25: Turn down the heat and put on a sweatshirt
26: Use AC sparingly
27: Turn off the water while shaving or brushing your teeth
28: Store food in reusable containers (reduce plastic wrap and foil)
29: Turn off your car when waiting for someone
30: Reduce air travel
31: Recycle Styrofoam
32: Eat foods that are minimally processed
33: Say YES to organic foods
34: Buy locally grown produce and goods
35: Educate children to help them form good habits
36: Set personal GREEN goals and become greener everyday
37: Reuse plastic and paper bags
38: Recycle glass
39: Use cloth diapers and encourage others to do the same
40: Subscribe to Kid Planet’s Blog!  And please don’t print this or print email

Everyday is Earth Day on Kid Planet