Earth Friendly

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released a report called the EPA 2008 ROE, which evaluates the different aspects of the environment. It’s like a report card for the environment. It can be viewed at the following address: http://www.epa.gov/roe.

It evaluates land, water and air, and it has a section on how human health is affected. Certain states are lumped together, and there is a PDF version of the report. Although these are long documents, they are very informative and explain different chemicals and emissions in layman’s terms. These reports can help you figure out what your state needs to work on, and they show why it’s important to get involved.

You have the right to know what could potentially be affecting your heath in the state you live in, so pull up these reports and exercise your right.

For a moment, put your religion aside. Often religious disputes distract from the bigger picture. When it comes to protecting and preserving the Earth, your belief system is not significant. What matters is how you decide to live your life every day. How often do you choose to do the right thing?

There is no ethical question as to whether or not humanity is responsible for taking care of the environment. It’s apart of our job, because we have the knowledge and ability to do so. While it’s important to believe and have faith in some type of higher being, it’s just as important to consider yourself as a higher state of being. Humans have the potential to steer the environment into the right direction. It’s just a matter of us realizing that potential and putting it to good use.

So how are you going to live your life— passionately on the front lines or indifferently among the crowd?

Essential oils are distilled from plants, and they have healing and disinfecting purposes. Using essential oils in your daily routine can decrease the amount of chemicals going into the environment and your body.

Certain essential oils can be mixed with water and used as a cleanser for counters, sinks and the shower. Citrus fruits like Lemon essential oil are commonly used as disinfectants. Cinnamon can also be used. The essential oil and water mixture can be put in a spray bottle.

When it comes to using essential oils on the body, it’s important to purchase 100% therapeutic grade essential oils so they do not burn your skin. Also you have to be cautious of which oils you put directly on the skin. Lavender is gentle enough to apply directly to the skin, and it helps calm any rashes or other skin irritations (do not apply to open sores). Also Thieves can be placed in water and gargled if you have a sore throat. Finally, Tea Tree oil helps dry out acne.

Not only are these oils more natural, they save you money since you will not have to use much of the oil.

There have been more and more companies publicizing their dedication to the environment. Companies are changing the way in which they process their products. They are becoming environmentally conscious and reducing their wastefulness as well as trying to create their products with less energy too.

Some commercials I have recently seen on television are about SC Johnson and Sun Chips. Companies like this are stepping out and setting an example for other companies to follow. Not only are their eco-friendly ways good for the environment, they also save the company money too.

As consumers, it’s our job to support companies like this. By purchasing products from environmentally conscious companies, we are voicing our satisfaction and approval. In the environment’s time of need, it’s beneficial to start paying attention to brands and researching the company before investing in their product.

Greening your home doesn’t have to be an inconvenience if you’re organized and consistent. The television show called “Wasted” helps families reduce their ecological footprint as well as save money.

It was surprising to find out that the type of trash the one family was throwing away consisted mostly of recyclable items like paper and plastic. However, this problem was fixed by putting recycling containers in the kitchen. Another way they reduced wastefulness was updating their washer with a more efficient one, and they installed solar panels to supply more energy to the water heater.

I definitely suggest watching this show and using the tips they provide. It proves that even if you don’t have enough money to update your appliances or install solar panels, you can do other things to make a difference like turning off the lights and television and recycling.

Welcoming a pet in your home can make a difference in your mood and health. Having a pet excitedly greet you when you come home gives you a sense of love, security and companionship. Some psychologists say that owning a pet can help lower your blood pressure too.

According to www.PetFinder.com, there are 258,360 pets that need a home. Visit your local humane society or an adoption group and take a look around. Determine which type of pet is right for you. If you are not home during the day because of your job, you may want to get an animal who is self-sufficient like a cat. If you are looking for an exercise buddy, consider getting an active dog. Most importantly, only give an animal a home if you are willing and have the ability to provide it with food, water, shelter and attention.

If adopting a pet is not an option for you, volunteer your time at an animal clinic or adoption group. The animals can never get enough attention.

Every day I look forward to getting the mail out of my mailbox, but most of the time I’m disappointed because I’ve received more junk mail than important mail.

Approximately 100 million trees are cut down every year in the United States, which are used to create paper for junk mail. The best way to reduce the amount of junk mail you receive is to call any businesses that are sending you unwanted catalogs and other pieces of mail. However, this takes time to call so it’s convenient to have organizations like GreenDimes help you with this process. At GreenDimes.com, you can stop the junk mail once and for all.

Another way you can help decrease the amount of trees being cut down is to opt for receiving checks and statements electronically. Some employers, banks and credit card companies have this option now.

In addition to saving trees, stopping junk mail decreases the amount of waste being sent to American landfills too.

In the United States, clean water is not hard to come by. However, in underdeveloped countries, there are at least a billion people who lack access to safe water.

May 22 is World Water Day, and there are many organizations involved with the purpose to raise awareness about the importance of water and water quality. Register early to walk for water this year or join a virtual walk by going to www.worldwaterday.net.

Or you can donate money instead. For example, Water Partners International is a non-profit organization. If you donate $25, you provide safe water to one person for life. If you donated $150, you provide safe water to an entire family.

Whether you decide to donate or walk for the cause, make sure to tell others about the upcoming World Water Day.

When I go to the grocery store, I always notice how my plastic bags are under packed with the food I purchased. Usually I try to shove more food into the bags in order to waste a few less bags, but I end up regretting it when my butter and tea is rolling down the parking lot.

Instead of using plastic or paper bags to carry your groceries, try bringing your own bags to the store. A few large recycled bags are great ways to help reduce the amount of plastic and paper waste. Some recycled bags are even made to keep frozen food cold. When you think about it, sturdy bags with handles that you can use over and over again are more practical and convenient than paper and plastic. So the next time you go to the store, be sure to pack your own bags.

When you celebrate Mother’s Day, include Mother Earth too. There are lots of different ways to pamper your mom and enjoy time with her while be eco-friendly.

Treating your mom to a spa session is a great way to help her relax and take time for herself. See if a local spa has gift packages that include treatments like stone therapy or mud facials.

Another way to enjoy your time with your mom is to take her outdoors on an adventure. Take a walk through the park and catch up on each other’s lives or remember old times that you two shared. If your mom needs help around the house, plant flowers or trees in the yard or work in the garden.

For dinner time, consider having a healthy, organic meal. Moms always love handmade gifts. Cook some organic meat with an organic side salad. Or go completely vegetarian for the day. For dessert, have fresh fruit cups with whipped cream.

Your mom and Mother Earth will thank you.