Happy Earth Day...April 22 2010 !

My favorite quote for Earth Day is simply "Everyday is Earth Day" by an unknown author. Indeed, if we treated Mother Earth in this manner things would be very different today. But as spring flowers are blooming and the trees budding and the chirp of birds returning I find I am still very passionate about the beauty of this Earth, despite the dire situation we've put her in. Passionate enough to try and live everyday as if it were Earth Day. Here are a few more quotes that I love, as well as a few ways to help keep Mother Earth happy.....Have a blessed Earth Day!

"Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's need, but not every man's greed." Mahatma Ghandi, Spiritual Leader 1869-1948

"I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in." John Muir, Preservationist 1838-1914

"To see a world in a grain of sand, And a heaven in a wild flower, Hold infinity in the palm of your hand, And eternity in an hour." William BlakePoet, painter1757-1827

Some "green" tips:
Consider going vegetarian, at least occasionally. There is more toxic waste produced from animal fields, slaughter, processing, and distribution that there is pollution from passenger cars. And besides, going veggie is paramount in the practice of AHIMSA...one of the first rules of yoga..."non harming".

Shop everywhere with re-usable bags. Some stores even offer you a discount if you bring your own bag. And some are now offering to plant a tree if you purchase one of their re-usable bags.

Turn off the water when you brush your teeth, or combine teeth brushing with showering.Collect the running bath water while you wait for it to heat up for your shower. You can use it on plants, to wash dishes, or the next time you flush the toilet.

Recycle your old yoga mat. They make great sticky strips for drawers, closets, or shoe racks. They provide extra cushioning on a hard chair. You can also cut it into really small pieces and use it for packaging padding. (remember to tell the recipient of your package to re-use it too!)

Don't throw away that junk mail. Much of it can be used for scratch paper!

Wash out freezer baggies and re-use them. I find I can get at least 10 uses out of one bag before it's spent. Saves money too!

Switch to organic, eco friendly products wherever you can. It really makes a big impact. And pretty soon the farmers markets will be open....support them and support sustainability!

Go to Uncommon Ground on Devon Ave and order a "tree-tini". For every '"tree-tini" purchased a tree is planted....and it's yummy too!

However you celebrate Earth Day, I hope you do it with a smile! That too makes the Earth a much better place!