Earth Day

April 22, 2010

Why is it that we designate one day each year to focus on an idea? Don’t you think the world would be a better place if we lived life as if every day was Christmas? People would be singing and being nice every day. In April, we celebrate our Administrative Professionals. Suppose we celebrated our employees every day..don’t you think that creating an environment that is respected and appreciated that job performance would increase?? How many of you celebrated National No Housework Day on April 7th?? If you look around my place, you would know I am still celebrating!! There are so many days it is hard to celebrate them all… well, here’s an idea, what if we lived every day in God’s Word..He teaches for us to love one another and to do unto others as we would for ourselves. If we would just live our lives as He has intended every day would be Christmas… we would be singing His praises and loving God for Christ. Our employees wouldn’t need a special day to point out the fact we appreciate them…because our Christ-like actions would already show them. And as for housework… you know where I am going so I won’t even start..

So now today is Earth Day. The day we are more “Green” focused. I believe that was one of the first responsibilities God gave us:

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” Genesis 1:26

He gave us “dominion” over this ONE Earth..shame on us for taking it for granted. So instead of making it a point to be aware of going green..let’s actually do it.

And here’s a few ideas you can incorporate on a daily basis:

1. Rid your home and routine of paper products like paper towels, paper plates, paper napkins. You can use old worn out T-shirts for the towels. Use real plates and linen napkins instead of paper. It really makes a difference not only for the environment but your budget.

2. Ban plastic baggies in your home. Try out my earth-friendly baggie alternatives for packing lunches. Use the bowls and corning-ware you got as wedding gifts to store food in the refrigerator. I put plates over my bowls to keep food from drying out.

3. Refuse the plastic bags from the grocery store and use cloth totes instead.

4. Make it a point not to forget your cloth totes before heading out to the store.. I feel so guilty when I forget.

5. Compost

6. Set your thermostats to 78-80 during the summer and 65-68 in the winter. You will be surprised in how much money you will save.

7. Use your dryer less. I hang out my clothes. I know it isn’t for everyone but it is a good workout and I love the lower electric bills.

8. Recycle… Recycle.. Recycle… I have been plagued with guilt on this one..we do not have a convenient nor comprehensive way of recycling in my area. It is time that it changes…there are three different recycling drop off centers in our county… in order for me to recycle paper, plastic and aluminum cans I will have to spend half a day driving from place to place because each area only accepts a certain recyclable item. The burning of gas and the inconvenience turns people off from recycling.. I am one of those turned off. .. and I am ashamed to admit it… Perhaps our local government needs to be more aware of Earth Day. Let’s call them today.. shall we???

9. Drive less.. walk more… Do I need to point out the obvious?

10. Do your part.. parents teach your kids…kids teach your parents… God only gave us one Earthly home.
Regina