With Earth Day approaching, it's a perfect time to start thinking about ways you can help improve the environment. If you're not already living a green lifestyle, here are five painless ways to change that:
1. Recycle. My family started recycling several years ago and I have to say, it was MUCH easier than we expected. We save our paper in a small recyling trashcan under the sink. You'll be surprised at how easily it adds up - particularly if you have school-age children. We also recycle glass, plastic, and cardboard. If you rinse your plastic and glass containers out as you use them, it's not messy. When we started recycling, we purchased a shelf for our garage and clear plastic boxes so we could seperate each item we were recycling. Many communities offer recycling curbside pick-up for a small monthly fee, or have a free, drop-off recycling center. It's amazing how much emptier our trashcan is now on trash day.
2. Purchase reusable grocery bags and keep them in your car. That way, you don't have to select paper or plastic. I really take issue with plastic bags - they litter our neighborhoods, get stuck in our trees and sit in our landfills. I love my reusable bags, and most stores I shop at give a 5 cent credit per bag - so eventually the bags pay for themselves (they only typically run about a dollar a bag).
3. Plant a Tree. I know this isn't usually an obvious way, but hey, I love my trees and thought I'd sneak it in here. I have to tell you that when I purchased my house years ago, the backyard was completely void of any landscaping or trees. I have planted six trees. Why? Trees are beautiful. They clean the air. They are good for the environment. Why not? If planting a tree sounds too aggressive, consider planting a bush, a small garden, or even a plant.
4. Reduce your meat consumption. Meat is not healthy for you. We're all consuming too much, and its effects on our planet are devastating. If you're still eating meat, consider cutting back. I know this may sound aggressive, but I speak from experience - you won't miss it as much as you think you will. Everyone could make a tremendous impact if they reduced their meat consumption, even if only by a small amount.
5. Consider a reusable water bottle. There is concern over the connection between cancer and plastic bottles. Especially if that plastic bottle got heated at any time during transport (say, in a delivery truck or in your car). Skip the worry and waste. Carry a stainless steel water bottle.
I hope these five painless tips will help you get started in the right direction. On Earth Day and everyday, we all need to do what we can to help protect our planet.
Colleen Brooks is a freelance writer and mother of three who is committed to living a healthy and green lifestyle. She is passionate about inspiring others to create a more positive and fulfilling life. Visit her blog --
Positive Living Chic.
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