Happy Earth Day!

Funny enough I was working on this post this morning without even realizing it was Earth Day. How fitting....

I've changed a lot in the last few years and one of the biggest things is my awareness of the environment and my effect on it. I know the changes I've made in my daily life are not that significant, but as Gandhi says, "Whatever you do will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do it." So here are a few of the things I do to lessen my impact on the environment, and they are all such easy changes that it's hard not think everyone should do it too.

As I mentioned in a previous post, when I buy something at a retail store, I never take a bag. Generally you can shove a t-shirt or book in your purse or stroller so why take the bag? Or if I know I'm going shopping, I'll bring my own cloth bag or shopping bag from home.

.

I almost always bring my own bags to the grocery store (except when I need a few paper bags for recycling). If you aren't in the habit of doing this already, it's a great place to start. After you unload the groceries, put the bags by the back door and they're ready to go the next time you head to the car.

In addition, I've become much more aware of the plastic that I buy, and I re-use all the plastic containers that food comes in. For example, a small sour cream or cream cheese container is perfect for snacks for your kids when packing a lunch. Use them for fruit, crackers, trail mix, you name it and it's one less plastic bag out the door.

I am also a leftover-oholic so I always make extra food to eat the next day for lunch. I generally use our regular plates and bowls and use plastic wrap or foil over the top which I always feel bad about. Well I just discovered Norpro reusable clear bowl covers. I love them! I bought a set of 6 bowl covers that come in a range of sizes from 3" to 10". Perfect for all the bowls of leftovers I am constantly shoving into my fridge. This is going to significantly reduce how much plastic wrap I use on leftovers.

These are just a few of the things we've instituted in our house, along with eating less meat, being psychotic about recycling, switching over to compact fluorescent light bulbs and being more aware of the energy we use. That said, I am always eager to learn more so please post your ideas and simple changes you've made to be more environmentally friendly. Thanks for any ideas and Happy Happy Earth Day!