Celebrate Earth Day: Tips for Going Green

Tomorrow is Earth Day. What can we do on this day and everyday to reduce our ecological footprint and learn to respect and honor more our planet Earth?

The following quote is an excerpt of Chief Seattle’s speech when he surrendered his native land to the United States in the year 1854. His speech is very well-remembered today and much used to spread environmental awareness although there is some controversy as to its origins.

“Teach your children what we have taught our children, that the Earth is our mother. Whatever befalls the Earth befalls the sons of the Earth. If men spit upon the ground, they spit upon themselves.

This we know – the Earth does not belong to man – man belongs to the Earth. This we know. All things are connected like the blood which unites one family. All things are connected. Whatever befalls the Earth befalls the sons of the Earth.”

Here are a few green nutrition tips that we can start implementing. Don’t feel overwhelmed, pick one and slowly build on.

1. Try to eat local, seasonal produce. This will save on the fuel used to ship goods thousands of miles from their origin to your plate.
2. If you have the space, grow your own organic garden. I saw this idea on Facebook and it is so space efficient and will allow you to have fresh herbs and greens within arms’ reach.
   

   Affix gutters to a fence and slope them for drainage Courtesy: FB page - Eco Village International Network

3. Buy a reusable water bottle and refill it. If your tap water is non-drinkable, invest in a water filter. You will reduce your exposure to BPA and less bottles will end in landfills (as not all are recycled).
4. Reduce your intake of processed food. Not only is this good for your health, but it will also reduce the use of packaged plastics and materials. These use tons of fuel to be manufactured and most end up in landfills.
5. Choose a day or two to go meatless if you haven’t already. According to the United Nations, raising cattle contributes to more greenhouse emissions (carbon dioxide) than driving cars.
6. Use reusable grocery bags.
7. Plant a tree and enjoy the great outdoors honoring our Mother Earth.

What about you? What are your tips for a greener living? What are your plans for International Mother Earth Day 2012?

Related Reads

1. Rearing cattle produces more greenhouse gases than driving cars, UN report warns ( www.un.org)
2. http://www.earthday.org/
3. For US residents: Seasonal Ingredient Map(http://www.epicurious.com)
4. Negative Effects of Plastic Bottles on the Environment (www.ehow.com)
5. Ahead of International Mother Earth Day, UN officials highlight global concerns