Ways you can celebrate Earth day everyday

You do not have to attend events on Earth Day to be a part of keeping the Earth clean. There are several things you can do to be active in conserving resources and keeping the Earth clean. The following is a list of just a few ideas to get you started.

• Before you leave to take a walk or hike grab a small bag and maybe some gloves. During your walk you can pick up soda cans, paper and other debris on the ground.

•  Teach your children/child about Earth Day and conservation.

• Start a compost pile. You can either build one out of some 2 x 4s and chicken wire or you can buy one from your local hardware or gardening store. They range anywhere from $30 to $200. The $30 one is called Presto Geo Bin Composting Bin and was found at the Home Depot Website.

• Ride your bike to work, even if it would be one day a week it would make a big difference.

• Unplug appliances when not in use such as microwave, toaster, and coffee pot. And either shut off your computer or put it on stand by when you don't plan on using it for a long period of time.

• Get your children involved and do a craft using reusable material such as old t-shirts or jeans. You can make coin purses, pillows, rugs, and various other things.

• If you have the space in your yard you can plant a tree or start a garden. Even if you don't have much space you can do a container garden.

• Instead of using chemical filled pesticides for your garden try using some natural methods instead.

• Shut the TV off for a whole day once a week or more. Do other things such as a few of the ideas above or play board games, cards, or head outside.

• Star an Earth Day resolution. It is similar to a New Years resolution, commit to starting new habits and routines such as buying reusable grocery bags instead of using paper or plastic bags, don't  buy paper towels, or recycle more. They may be small things but over time it makes a big impact.

• Visit the Living Green Expo to get even more ideas. If you want to read further on that click here www.examiner.com/examiner/x-8256-Minneapolis-Recreation-Examiner~y2009m4d17-Living-green-expo .

It is simple to get into the habit of doing the things that I mentioned and many of the ideas won't take much time. By reusing, recycling and reducing, the Earth and your wallet will thank you.