Happy, Happy Earth Day!

We all know what Kermit said. However, as wise as The Frog is, I don't think that being green is really that difficult. Of course, what constitutes being green for one can be completely different for another, right? Never using plastic bags versus living without electricity are a wee bit different. But let's face it, unless you're No Impact Man, we all have quite a bit of work ahead of us. So today, on this dreary Earth Day (is Mother Earth actually crying???), let's all try to take some steps in a greener direction, shall we?

Some simple tips:

- Make a real, concerted effort to say "no" to the plastic bag.

Okay, this is an ongoing rant for me. Yet, ironically (and hypocritically of me), I occasionally find myself making an unplanned stop at Target and needing one of those damn bags. (Other times, I have punished myself for my shortsightedness and gone bag-less which has resulted in a juggling act of toothpaste, cat litter, and a bunch of other crap I undoubtedly dropped on the way to the parking lot.) My point is, I think we all know that these things darn bags are bad for the earth. If you have a car, it's pretty easy to throw a few canvas bags in the trunk for those regular trips to the store. There is also this marvelous little guy. Tragically, I recently lost mine and need to get myself a new one ASAP. (P.S. My birthday is coming up). This thing takes up very little room in my purse and is great for vegetables from the farmer's market. Barely weighs a thing.

- Get yourself a thermos or travel mug pronto.

Again, especially easy if you travel by car but also not a big deal to link onto your backpack or messenger bag if you walk/bike/mass transit yourself to work. Plus, a lot of coffee places are now giving you a few cents back if you bring your own mug and why wouldn't they? Saves them money at the end of the day, too.

- Give the dryer a rest.

Dryers use a crazy amount of energy and they certainly add to the electric bill. For $30, you can get a couple of drying racks and save some cash in the long run. Or think about installing an outdoor clothesline. There is nothing better than snuggling into bed on a summer's night and smelling your clean, fresh, line dried sheets. And the other awesome thing about drying racks? If you live in a climate like Wisconsin's which is insanely cold and dry in the winters, you will be adding moisture to the air. (Plus, your clothes will dry LIKE THAT.) So let me recap: saving energy, saving money, and no need for a humidifier. Ta da!

- Wash your clothes in cold.

Cut down on using warm and hot water. It is rarely ever necessary. And of course, don't run the washer unless you've got a full load.

- Ditch the harsh chemicals and befriend vinegar and baking soda.

There are a ton of ways you can clean with these two agents alone. Check it out. Plus it's so cheap!

- Stop eating Bessie.

As I write these very words, I know there is a good chance that over the Easter weekend, I will attend a cook-out and partake in meat consumption because God knows I love a juicy burger now and then. However, 99% of the time, I don't. Not only do I no longer feel good about eating animals whose origins and treatment are unknown to me, the environmental damage of our meat industry is monstrous. I would add a link here to back up my claim but there are about a bajillion out there so do a little google search if you'd like to learn more. Cutting back on your meat intake will not only do wonders for your health, it will undoubtedly do good for the earth. Trust me.

And there are, of course, many others things that we need to remind ourselves of. Turn off the lights! Unplug! Buy in bulk! Buy locally and seasonally! Use your reusable containers instead of buying teeny individual sized anything! Stop at St. Vinny's or Goodwill before Target to see if they've got what you need! Set up clothing exchanges between friends and families! Start asking your local cafes and shops where their recyclable bins are located so they'll start to get the hint that you care! And if you want more ideas, check out this link.

It's all about taking steps. We all have to start somewhere. Even though I feel pretty good about the way I treat the earth, I wonder why it is that I still don't have a bike. (Sigh.) Yes, steps. And if your first step is making a hippie move and hugging a tree, go for it. I hear they still like that, too.