Earth Day

April 22nd 2010, the 40th Earth Day, do something for yourself and the Earth.
Eco shows and fairs abound last weekend and this coming weekend with many projects and earth friendly activities today. The choices are many and the information is easily found to green your home, your work and your life. Simple activities are the best to start and implement on a regular basis.
Being aware of your surroundings and the conditions in your neighbourhood is a great start. Take a walk. Walking is relaxing and you become more aware of your community, parks, people and wildlife. Walking with family and friends is a great bonding time while you connect with your community. Walk the green spaces, knowing they are there and using them will help to keep them functional and safe. Pick up one piece of garbage during your walk and you help to clean your environment.
Washing just a few dishes? Use a bowl to wash them in and save water (& dish detergent). Shorten your shower by 2 minutes to save water, drive a dusty vehicle a little longer before you wash it. Set your lawnmoor to cut your grass longer, it will require less water to remain thick and green plus it will be able to crowd out weeds.
Find a cause and sign a petition. Check out www.savejapandolphins.org if you saw or have heard of the movie The Cove and disagree with herding and slaughtering 19,000 dolphins in a little cove each year.
Find a web site in touch with your local issues, in the Sudbury area I highly recommend Green Sudbury, the web site www.greensudbury.ca and the Facebook page. Locally written blogs, farmers markets, food cooperatives, local marsh conservation groups, and animal rehabilitation sites such as Wild at Heart www.northernontario.org/wildatheart the only place for injured and orphaned animals in this northern area. You will find something you believe in with all the choices there are.
You do not have to know everything or do it all, little things add up to a big difference, you just need to find the ones that fit you well.
Make every day Earth Day at your home or work by doing just one extra thing. Be a champion for those who have no voice. Enjoy and be kind to your neighbourhood, community and your Earth.