[quote author=BalthiesMom link=topic=22643.msg276915#msg276915 date=1208035814
Just as Valentine's Day is not really "necessary" because in THEORY everyone should recognize their loved ones everyday, Earth Day in theory should be practiced each day of our lives. In PRACTICE, these days often end up providing an important boost and reminder to many people in our nation who may not be consciously focusing on *expressing* or *acting on* these core values of love and respect year-round (for people and planet). For them, Earth Day is an inspiration...
a reminder...a fire under the proverbial butt!
It is also a chance, as this thread's original question so beautifully embodies, to celebrate the ways that people create positive change by making positive choices. Whether someone switches to earth friendly cleaners in their home, turns a few more lights off, uses recycled water to quench their garden, cuts out plastic bottles and cutlery from their daily routine, or even just commits to getting "new" clothes from Goodwill instead of a department store, we all win...most of all, Mother Earth!
Again, as a new one here, I may just not have a clue what's going on (and let's be honest, maybe being here longer I wouldn't have a clue, either, LOL), but it seems to me this thread was created as a positive, inspiring reminder and notation of the great things we *can* choose to do for our earth. I say, mission accomplished..
.
Who else has something positive to share about a special choice or commitment to environmental responsibility this Earth Day?
Love and Tree Hugs to All!
Jen xoxo
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You make some really good points, Jen! Ok, as another life-long "tree hugger"
, here's what we're doing:
- My children & I are life-long vegetarians. My reasons are primarily animal rights, but health & global concerns have always been a huge part of it for me, too. My husband (who grew up in a family that ate meat at every meal) has become mostly vegetarian now also, after over 17 yrs of marriage. Yes, I hear some of you saying "Poor guy" LOL
but it was his choice and he says that he's quite happy with it.
- We buy organic produce & dairy products whenever possible.
- We have already started seeds sprouting indoors for our vegetable garden. The seedlings will go outside after the last frost day. We hope to grow nearly all of our own vegetables this summer.
- My husband telecommutes.
- I'm the pain in the tuckus in the family that goes around turning off lights constantly, though all of ours are fluorescent anyway.
- We had this house completely re-insulated when we bought it. It's better for the planet, our pocket book, as well as our own comfort this way.
I applaud every one of you for your efforts, too. It's true, every change either big or small, makes a difference.
Jane, thank you for starting this thread! It's a great way to get us all thinking about what else we can do to help. Good job!