10 ways to celebrate Earth Day all year round

April 22, 5:59 PMDC Green Lifestyle ExaminerBarbara Saylor

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Today is Earth Day, the annual celebration of saving our planet and showing our green side. These days, it's easy to celebrate Earth Day all year round. Going green isn't about 24 little hours. It's about the little things we can all do every day that make a big difference in our own lives - and in the life of Mother Earth.

10. Turn out. Unplug. Turn off. ~ Conserving a little energy goes a long way in lessening your carbon footprint.

9. Get out of the car. ~ Bike or walk whenever you can. It will not only save you gas and money, but it will help you stay fit and healthy.

8. Recycle. ~ Think beyond basic daily items like paper and plastic. Electronics like mobile phones, computers, and televisions can have second life and be used for their parts.

7. Don't waste water. ~ Take shorter showers. Install water-savers on faucets. Turn off the spigot while brushing your teeth and washing dishes.

6. Put your green where your green is. ~ Vote for the Earth with your shopping dollars. Buy only sustainable,organic, locally-grown food and products that use minimal or recycled packaging. And, while we're talking about shopping, take your own chic reusable bag with you wherever you go.   

5. Clean green. ~ Use only non-toxic, chemical-free cleaning supplies, or make your own using time-honored ingredients like soda powder, soap, vinegar, and lemon.

4. Cut down on mailbox clutter. ~ Register with the Direct Marketing Association's Mail Preference Service - www.dmaconsumers.org - to reduce junk mail.

3. Work green. ~ Leaving for lunch? Turn out the lights. Set your computer to hibernate. Printing? Only if it's absolutely necessary, and then remember, double-sided is best. Brighten up your office or cubicle with a plant to help absorb indoor pollution.

2. Pass it on. ~ Pass on your green knowledge and simple tips to others. Some people think it's hard to be green, or that eco-fashion equals burlap sack. My motto is "If people think being green can't be chic, fun, fabulous, and easy - then they're doing it wrong!"

1. Subscribe to this column. ~ Get the latest scoop on fun and fabulous ways to incorporate more green in your life.