I ask you to consider honoring Mother Earth everyday. We can not continue to take from our resources and never give back in return. There needs to be a balance in nature. We have moved so far away from living in harmony with nature. The foods that we eat no longer come from the local community. We drive when we can walk or bike. We make several trips when they could be minimized. We spray pesticides and bug killer like they do no harm. We consume to try to fulfill a deeper need…

Where will it stop? How much ’stuff’ do we truly need? How big do our homes need to really be? How many cars do we need? When will we begin to live in harmony with the earth that nurtures us? We in North America are perhaps spoiled and lazy and it is time to wake up and realize that you can make a difference in many ways. Be an example to your children and grandchildren.

You can help celebrate earth day every single day in so many small ways. If you will just do it. If you aren’t ready to move to the woods and live in a yurt with a composting toilet and no electricity like some of us that’s okay, but you can still make a difference! Here are a few ways to help you begin celebrating the earth each and everyday and you may just have fun doing it:

1. Join Freecycle. Freecycle can be found online at www.freecycle.org You can join your local group to give away things that you no longer need or get the items you need from others. It’s all free!

2. Shop at thrift stores. By buying second hand clothes and household goods you save the environment and help various causes. Finding a local thrift store in your community helps your local area too.

3. Bike, walk or take transit. Do you really need to drive three blocks to the market? Come on, you can use the exercise and may enjoy the moment by meeting a few folks along the way. And if it’s too far to walk or bike then try transit.

4. Buy local organic food, eat wild foods or grow a garden. Buying local organic food not only helps your community farmers but saves on the transportation of food and helps you by getting fresher and healthier food into your body…putting you in sync with the area of the earth that you live on. Growing your own garden is the best for those that are willing and even better is to eat ethically harvested wild foods.

5. Recycling is so easy these days. You can recycle just about anything. Be creative.

6. Plant trees. For all the trees we cut down…lets plant a few in their place. They help us breathe.

7. Have a green baby. Come on mamas use those cloth diapers and cloth baby wipes. They are so much easier then you may think with snaps and velcro. The money you will save is amazing and they are healthier for your baby as well as Mother Earth. Try elimination communication.

8. Use the library. Instead of buying more magazines and books use the library. There is interlibrary loan if they don’t have what you are looking for in your community. Just ask and they will help you out.

9. Hang your clothes on the line. There is nothing like the smell of fresh laundry coming off the line. You can turn it in to a totally zen moment when you are outside hanging the clothes. Saving on your electricity and enjoying the simplified life is not so bad.

10. Use cloth shopping bags. So, you probably think only granola, sandal wearing folks use cloth bags to go to the market…well, yeah some of us are but come on and join us. Those plastic bags can be easily replaced with creative cloth bags. Some places are even banning the plastic.

11. Use eco friendly cleaners. There are many eco cleaners that are found in your local health food stores or even your markets. However, you can easily make your own with some simple household goods such as vinegar and baking soda. Much better for you and the earth.

12. Make your home more energy efficient. Spend the extra money for making your home more energy efficient and it will pay off in the long run. Check out your area for possible tax incentives as well.

I could go on and on with ideas as I sit here, but you get the idea. You can all do something. So, if you don’t mind please do you part. We are all in this together and the sooner that we become cooperative and live in harmony with the earth and each other..the happier and healthier we will be. Celebrate earth day everyday by making a difference…in whatever way you choose.

Author: Lisa R. Marshall
About the author: Lisa R. Marshall is the facilitator of Path to Nature….honoring life through whole health, natural living, herbal healing, sacred celebrations & journeys. Path to Nature’s vision is to help people recognize their ability to empower themselves. She is a also a mother and doula. Lisa is a facilitator to those who want to make changes in their lives. Visit http://www.Pathtonature.org for further information or to contact the author.

Image Source: http://flickr.com/photos/aussiegall/759309122/

The traditional wedding is expensive, extravagant, and elegant. The bride and groom will pay a large amount of money to create an elegant, romantic, and fairytale wedding. Today we are seeing increasing numbers environmentally conscious brides and grooms choosing green weddings.

Green weddings show the initiative, awareness and responsibility to take care of our environment. Green weddings are also known as environment friendly, or eco friendly weddings. A green wedding theme inspires the guests, relatives and friends to do their part to protect and care for the environment.

Green Wedding Ideas

Use a recycled wedding band. Fair trade stores, pawn shops and thrift stores may sell recycled gold for wedding bands. Antique shows, auctions, and shops may also carry some lovely wedding bands.

Arrive in style with a hybrid car. The hybrids use a fraction of fuel compared to conventional cars. Organize car pools for the guests. The car pool will take several cars off the road and pollutants out of the air. Set the wedding ceremony and wedding reception close together (or in the same location) so the guests do not have far to go for the next itinerary.

Ask for the print shop to use recycled paper for wedding invitation. Recycled paper and stationary is now widely available. For a paperless wedding invitation, the bride and groom may consider online wedding website.

Rent, or borrow the wedding dress from friends or relatives. Renting or borrowing the wedding dress allows the wedding dress to be reused or recycled. Sometimes you can find excellent deals on new or “like new” wedding dresses on eBay.

The quality of digital photography is often as good as a traditional film camera without the toxic hazards associated with film and developing. The wedding photographers can often get the same results with digital camera. Digital photography also allows the bride and groom to screen unwanted pictures and create an online wedding album.

Reuse the wedding flowers. The wedding flowers from the church may also be used at the wedding reception. Try to use wedding flowers that are available locally and seasonally to reduce fuel costs.

Try to use organic wedding flowers to reduce the use of pesticides.

Use dishes that are reusable and washable. If it is impossible to use reusable and washable plates, spoons and glasses, then easily biodegradable plates, spoons and glasses are an excellent alternative.

There are caterers who specialize in organic dishes. Using only organic ingredients, the chef or cook creates the appetizing dishes for the wedding reception to enjoy. The organic wines, spirits, champagne, beer, soft drinks and juices will quench the thirst of the guests.

Toss only biodegradable and bird friendly wedding favors such as paper, nuts, wheat and rice. The nuts, wheat and rice will feed the birds and squirrels.

Choose eco-travel for your honeymoon. The ecotourism is also known as ecological tourism. Experience the adventure local culture, wilderness, flora, and fauna. Ecotourism promotes recycle of biodegradable materials, efficient use of energy,conservation of water supply, reforestation, evalution of local culture, reduction of waste, education of ecosystem, reproduction of endangered species and reversal of global warming.

Author: Dennis Estrada
About the author: Dennis Estrada owns wedding advice & destination wedding traditions and destination wedding etiquette website.

Image Source: http://flickr.com/photos/koalie/2560862862/

Earlier in the week I was at our local health food store waiting for my turn at the check-out counter when I noticed the lady in front of me had bought her own re-usable carry bags which suddenly made a lot more sense to me than choosing “paper or plastic”. When we witness examples of people choosing to live in a more sustainable and eco-friendly way, it causes us to stop and reflect on our own living and buying practices.

The Global Green USA program that invites celebrities to arrive at the Academy Awards in energy efficient transportation started in 2002 with just four participants. This year Jennifer Aniston and supporting-actress nominee Frances McDormand were among the 25 VIPs to participate in the fourth annual “Red Carpet, Green Cars” event sponsored by the environmental organization Global Green USA and Toyota Motor Corp. Participants in the program arrived in either Toyota or Lexus hybrids. Considering that close to 40 million people watch the Academy Awards it creates a great opportunity for a lesson in green living and shows that you can be environmentally minded with style.

The same applies to planning a “green meeting”. In the process you are not giving up anything and can be saving a lot in terms of cost and waste in the process. A green meeting or event incorporates environmental considerations to minimize any negative impact on the environment. There are also economic benefits to using recycled materials, reusing items and reducing the amount of materials used. Plan an environmentally responsible event and promote your event’s environmental features keeping the following ideas in mind:

Prevent and Reduce Waste
Use double-sided printing for promotional materials and handouts. Avoid mass distribution of handouts and allow attendees to order copies. Provide reusable name badges.

Recycle and Manage Waste
Collect paper and recyclable beverage containers in meeting areas. Collect cardboard and paper in exhibit areas. Collect cardboard, beverage containers, aluminum cans, and plastics in food vending areas. If re-usable containers are not used, encourage use of recyclable beverage containers.

Conserve Energy and Reduce Traffic
Look for naturally lighted meeting and exhibit spaces. Publicize mass transportation options. Provide shuttle service from mass transit stops or hotels to the event site.

Food Service and Accommodations
Plan food service needs carefully to avoid unnecessary waste. Consider use of durable food service items. Donate excess food to charitable organizations. Work with the hotel on non-replacement of linens, soaps, etc.

Buy Environmentally Aware Products
Use recycled paper and vegetable- and soy-based inks for promotional materials and handouts. Consider selling or providing refillable containers for beverages. Provide reusable containers for handouts or samples (pocket or file folders, cloth bags). Where reusable items are not feasible, select products that are made from recovered materials and that also can be recycled.

Educate Participants and Exhibitors
Request the use of recycled and recyclable handouts or giveaways. Request that unused items be collected for use at another event. Encourage participants to recycle materials at the event. Reward participation by communicating environmental savings achieved.

For more information and support in planning your “green meetings”, go to: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - Green Conference Initiative The Green Meetings / Conference Initiative was developed and is supported by the EPA’s Pollution Prevention Division to provide conference planners and suppliers of conference services, easy access to environmentally friendly goals of conference planning. The Initiative provides green options and opportunities for conference planning.

Author:Yvon Douran
About the author: A desire to creatively express myself in the world drives me. A wish to provide a service of value is at the foundation of my business. Pursuits related to improving the quality of life on earth interest me. I have been working with professional speakers for 8 years. More info at:
http://www.keynoteresource.com

Image Source: http://flickr.com/photos/kino-eye/37596727/

Lots of novice gardeners believe that their plants and vegetables only need plenty of water and sunlight in order to sustain a healthy and fruitful lifespan. However this is not entirely true as plants also need healthy soil rich in nutrients to be able to survive and grow properly. The solution to this dilemma is composting.

Most of us aren’t too sure of what the heck composting is or what it even entails - I know I didn’t! An easy way to explain it is composting is a way for us to give back to the earth by using organic materials such as food scraps, vegetable scraps, grass clippings, leaves and manure from grass eaters like cows, sheep and rabbits. In general, composting is a wonderfully organic process that benefits your garden and the environment tremendously. In today’s article we’ll go ahead and talk about the benefits of composting, what you should and shouldn’t compost, and some composting systems you should consider investing in.

We all know that when anything dies it starts to decompose - humans, animals, plants, it’s all a very natural process. But did you know that in turn, the soil becomes very rich in nutrients and new life starts to grow? That’s the true benefit of composting and that’s what you want for your garden. In addition to improving your soil, composting saves you money, makes for terrific mulch for your garden, and places less burden on landfills.

Before you start undertaking a large composting project, there are a few key things you should keep in mind, like what you can and can’t use for composting. Let’s start with what you shouldn’t compost; this includes weeds full of seeds and/or diseases, pesticide infested plants, wood ashes, lime, barbeque charcoal, meat, grease, bones, dairy products, cat, dog and/or human waste, plastic, metal, glass, branches, wood chunks, anything contaminated, and large loads of soggy matter. Obviously anything in the aforementioned list would have an adverse effect on your compost, or won’t decompose properly, especially the bones, but we’ll go more into that later on in a future article.

With that said, it’s highly recommended that you use grass clippings, leaves, non-diseased and seed sprouting weeds, dead plants, food scraps like fruit and veggie wastes, cow, sheep or llama manure, straw/hay, coffee grounds, and even hair and lint when composting. These items break down quick and easily, giving you the end result that you’re looking for.

The next thing that you need to keep in mind is where you’re going to be doing all of this composting work. While some don’t mind working on their compost heap out in the open, like in the woods or in an open area preferably away from prying eyes (I never said it was a pretty looking process), I suggest looking into a bin or tumbler system. There are a couple of compost bin systems that you should consider: the one bin and multi-bin systems. For the money conscious the one bin system is the preferred method since it is easy and most municipalities even work with manufacturers to make this method available to the public.

In addition, it’s easy to move about, most can hold heat well and is sturdy enough to keep rodents and other wildlife out. The multi-bin system is for households that produce a lot of waste; it generally does the same thing as the one bin method but it allows you to stockpile your materials in one bin and in the other when more materials become ready. Both methods take anywhere from three to eight months in terms of ready to use compost. Another method you can consider is working with a compost tumbler, which isn’t cheap, but it is small if you’re working with limited space. Think of the benefits though: tumblers rotate which keep your compost aerated and generate heat, which in turn means that you’ll have a batch of ready to use compost in about three weeks. The wire collector is another option to weigh. Great for garnering up quick, ready to use composting, it’s cheap and you can even make one yourself out of rabbit wire or field fencing. However, I don’t really recommend it too often because it’s easy for wildlife to break in to and it doesn’t hold in heat very well. But the great thing about it is after your compost is done and ready, all you have to do is just remove the wire covering.

Do keep in mind the laws of your city. You wouldn’t think it, but check with your local government agency to see what your city will let you compost, like food scraps and what not. After all being cited for not composting within the legalities of your city isn’t very green. And when choosing the ideal composting system, think about your needs, how much waste you can you’d regularly add to it, how animal-resistant it is, and whether you can easily remove your ready to use compost. I know it’s a lot to think about before you begin, but trust me, it’s well worth the effort. In our next installment I’ll go ahead and talk about the science and art of composting - stay tuned! *Referenced from Home Composting Made Easy by C. Forrest McDowell, PhD and Tricia Clark-McDowell, 2002.

by Duong Vicki
For a wide selection in compost bins and rain barrels be sure to stop by Composters.com.

Image Source: http://flickr.com/photos/peteashton/50835402/

• Red Composting Worms
• Rubbermaid Bin
• Worm bedding such as old leaves, grass clippings or shredded newspapers

You can put it under your sink, feed it anything compostable, do your part to save the environment and get some excellent fertilizer for your lawn or garden (for free).

Author: Hillary Marshak

The NoteBaert Nature Museum hosts a multi-level Extreme Green House, inhabited by the fictitious and wacky Green family, who shows you how to be “green” in your bathroom, your basement, your dining room, and of course (the reason why we’re here)…your kitchen.

Demonstrating landfill capacities, and displaying live rotting meals, museum experts offered loads of information from the simple recycling tip, to the science of composting. They showed us what bacterias were good and bad for us, as well as what cleaning products are more eco-friendly than others. They even sold a kit for making your very own cleaning products.

Want to make your own green cleaning products? It is not only an eco friendly choice, but an economical and safer choice as well. Skip the toxic blue window cleaner. Mix white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Trust me, it cleans better and costs pennies. Sprinkle salt on a lemon half to scrub your counters. Make your own soft scrub by cleaning your sinks with baking soda. You will learn that you can clean just about anything in your kitchen with salt, vinegar and baking soda.

I didn’t have the time to take in all of the Green family’s great tips, but I was inspired to do more research about how one could consciously maintain a greener kitchen. From the simple tip, to more structural tips, here is what I found:

1. Induction cooktops - Heat is released directly toward the pan or pot only. Not only does this save a great deal of energy, but the rest of the stovetop isn’t hot.

“Induction cooking is one of many advances made in home cooking. With induction cooking, surfaces stay cool while the food gets warm or hot. It uses magnetic friction to deliver heat through coils to the pots or pans on the surface. This prevents the ceramic surface from becoming hot, which prevents burns.” www.eei.org

2. Countertops made from recyclables - Supposedly sleek, these suckers would make for the truest green kitchen out there.

3. Use recyclable products AND recycle them - I am a hypocrite sitting in an office that uses styrofoam cups and plates, but I know that we should use paper so that it can be recycled. Go out of your way to purchase recyclable products, and make it your mission to recycle them! All paper can be recycled…even paper towels! If you buy biodegradable products you can add them directly to your compost bin and do your own recycling.

4. Water conservation - Never walk away while the faucet is on. Even if it’s just for a second, it’s not like electricity where it costs more to turn it on and off. It costs more to leave it running! Even though we’re not always savvy to this fact, we really do need to conserve water in this country.

The little things really do make a difference. Shop locally. Seek out organic, sustainable and fair trade items not only for your refrigerator and pantry but also for your housewares and kitchen decor. Find more tips on creating a green kitchen at www.eei.org.

Buy the Book: Good Green Kitchens

About the author:
Hillary Marshak is an editor at Recipe4Living.com where she enjoys reading and writing all about food! She loves trying out new recipes and thinks that everyone out there should be adventurous with their food! Among her favorite cuisine is Japanese. She also writes entries for the “Chew on That” blog to be read at http://chewonthatblog.com. Check it out!

Author: Duong Vicki

You may have heard of Cesar Milan, also known as the Dog Whisperer, but are you familiar with Vern Culteur the Worm Whisperer? Unlike his canine counterpart, Culteur is well versed and in tune with the ways of the worm and its needs for a successful and fruitful compost. Compost, you say? What in the world does a worm have to do with composting? Well, my friend let me tell you more…

According to Culteur, known to his friends as Verny the Wormy, worms play a vital part in the composting process. In fact, there’s an entire composting process called vermicomposting or vermiculture which involves food scraps, yard wastes and worms. When visiting troubled gardeners and composters alike, Culteur adamantly but gently tells each one that if they’re going to start composting with worms, then they’ll have to adapt to a few changes. For instance, one of the first mistakes that many novice composters make is using the wrong worm.

“Recycling the organic waste of a household into compost allows us to return badly needed organic matter to the soil. In this way, we participate in nature’s cycle, and cut down on garbage going into burgeoning landfills…..The great advantage of worm composting is that this can be done indoors and outdoors, thus allowing year round composting. It also provides apartment dwellers with a means of composting.” Cityfarmer.org

Earth worms, though commonly found in the soil of any backyard and along sidewalks on rainy days, make for great fishing bait but not for worm composting. The reason, Culteur explains, is that even though earth worms aerate the soil they don’t properly digest the organic matter and produce worm castings, which is what’s needed for composting. “The best worms to use in the composting world are red wiggler worms,” says Culteur. “Night crawlers work well, also, but they don’t tend to survive for long in too damp of an environment. You’d be better off with red wigglers.”

Culteur also mentions that in order to ensure a successful composting experience, you’ll have to keep your worms happy, which means you have to regularly feed them. “Things like banana peels, chopped up vegetable stalks and leaves, in addition to some grit like a cup full of soil and some newspaper strips will keep your worms feeding and wanting for more.” After a few weeks, you’re most certainly guaranteed to have rich, black gold known as worm castings to add to your garden’s soil. Before concluding, Culteur made sure to add, “Unlike dogs, you won’t have to maintain who’s the boss in this relationship; your worms will be the hardiest of workers!”

“I’ve never been a big fan of bugs, spiders, worms and other small creatures. I don’t go out of my way to step on them or anything, but I usually prefer that they live in their world and I live in mine, and hopefully, never the two shall meet. I know that they have their place in the food chain and they are beneficial in many ways, but I’d usually rather not invite them into my home. EXCEPT, when having them around will reduce waste, create wonderful organic matter, and generally benefit the environment and my garden.” - Worm Compost - A Recycling Revolution

About the author:
For an excellent selection in lawn sweepers, compost bins stop by Composters.com today.

Buy the book: Worms Eat My Garbage

Websites featured in the video:
www.fairpacific.com
www.mohawkflooring.com
www.ppg.com
www.therawartist.com
www.veneziafireplace.com
www.hunterdouglas.com

by Ian and Jo Ludlow

Home owners who are remodeling their kitchens are increasingly seeking environmentally friendly kitchen design ideas. Kitchens are responsible for around 40 percent of a home’s energy consumption so not only does an eco friendly design help on a global scale but it can also seriously reduce a family’s electric bill.

We have put together a number of kitchen design ideas from recycling food waste to green products that do not necessarily add expense to your home improvement project. Indeed, the long term cost savings made from energy efficient performing materials in the kitchen should reduce your carbon footprint for years to come.

Here are some high-impact environmentally friendly kitchen design ideas:

* Kitchen Recycling Center
Look for sets of kitchen recycling bins that allow you to easily separate trash - paper, food, bottles, plastics, etc.

* Waste Disposal machines
These are ideal for reducing the physical amount of food waste down to small pieces. Then start a compost bin or wormery where worms can compost down the food waste more efficiently. Use the compost on your houseplants or garden.

* Energy-Efficient Kitchen Appliances
Advanced technology now means that appliances can use 10 to 50 percent less energy and water than standard models so look for the Energy Rating when considering your refrigerator, dishwasher or washing machine purchases for the kitchen remodeling project.

* Induction Stoves
Induction cooking uses electricity to produce a magnetic field that reacts with the ferric content in stainless steel, cast iron, and enameled steel cookware. This excites the molecules and produces heat. The cookware (and therefore the food) gets hot, but the stove-top doesn’t. Less heat is wasted and the food heats faster, saving time and energy. Induction cooking is about 90 percent energy efficient as compared to gas and electric radiant, which are 50 to 60 percent efficient.

* Dishwashers and Washing Machines
Use a full load in your dishwasher and washing machine. If you are thinking of buying a new machine, make sure you buy a water efficient model. Have a look at our website where we have collected more information on water efficient appliances.

* Stained Concrete or Indigenous Stone Kitchen Counter-tops.
Your kitchen design should include materials that are durable and water-resistant for both counter tops and back-splashes. Stained concrete uses non-toxic, natural pigments rather than surface-applied stains. Many types of indigenous stone are available and can come from salvage sources. Make sure they are adequately sealed to prevent staining.

* Energy-Efficient Task Lighting and Lighting Controls
Kitchen designs often include two or three light settings such as general, task lighting, and mood lighting. Maximize natural light wherever possible and low voltage systems for task and mood lighting.

* Eco-Friendly Kitchen Flooring
Products manufactured from renewable forests can provide you with a beautiful, affordable and durable floor - and an environmentally responsible choice. Bamboo, cork, and eucalyptus mature in roughly half the time (or less) that it takes hardwoods, grown in colder climates, to reach market size.

* Wall Insulation
Nothing improves the comfort and energy efficiency of a kitchen more than plenty of insulation in the exterior walls. To add insulation to existing kitchen walls, blow fibrous insulation material - fiberglass or natural materials like cellulose and mineral wool - into enclosed wall, floor and roof cavities. “Dense packing” the insulation inhibits air circulation within the cavities, thereby eliminating a major cause of condensation, moisture problems and air leakage.

* Kitchen Windows, Doors and Skylights
Well-designed windows and skylights can lighten the feel of a kitchen and save on fuel bills as well. Ensure the products used have low heat emission glass with solar shading, which increases the room’s comfort, protects items from sun damage and reduces condensation on windows.

About the Author:

Ian and Jo Ludlow have worked in the home improvement industry for many years. They can be contacted through any of the following websites. http://www.design-ideas-for-kitchens.com
http://www.home-and-garden-ideas.com & http://www.sales-and-management-training.com

Ian Ludlow’s background is in sales training and coaching with a specialization in supporting companies that sell direct to the public.

Buy the book: Good Green Kitchens

Image Source: http://flickr.com/photos/jonze/300811798/