| Isn't it about time that caring about what sustains | | | | Factory farms pollute more and contribute to |
| us is part of our daily awareness and lifestyle, and | | | | global warming. Apart from the fact that they |
| becomes a constant practice like brushing our | | | | treat animals inhumanely, the meat from these |
| teeth? | | | | animals is harmful to your health. Choose |
| Unfortunately, that's not the case. Profit before | | | | sustainable farmed food, adapt a food-style high |
| survival seems to be more important. Short-term | | | | in vegetables, and when eating meat and eggs, |
| perspective comes before long-term, and our | | | | choose from free-range, non-antibiotic, and non |
| interaction with the planet that takes care of us | | | | growth-hormone animals. |
| every day isn't something that comes naturally to | | | | Choose fish from non-toxic farming resources or |
| us. | | | | from the wild. |
| I'm talking about Mother Earth. Earth Day has | | | | Shop and eat in appropriate proportions, cook |
| come and gone; are we still keeping Her in mind? | | | | with care, and don't waste it. This does not mean |
| How can we take something this essential to our | | | | eat everything on your plate, that doesn't help |
| existence for granted? Luckily, going green is the | | | | the environment either. Overconsumption causes |
| buzz phrase these days. Finally, it's fashionable to | | | | disease and therefore more waste with the need |
| be earth friendly. When our appearance is more | | | | of medicine and hospitals, not to mention, you |
| important than our values, we lose the aspect of | | | | suffer. Instead, ask in advance to omit foods |
| being human and the ability to interact instead of | | | | from the dish that you already know you are not |
| using. The ability to see ourselves as a part of a | | | | going to eat anyway. Bring leftovers home with |
| relationship that is an expression of who we are, | | | | you for lunch, or give it to someone hungry in the |
| rather than what we would like to be perceived | | | | street. |
| as, is lost. | | | | Go Wasteless and Choose Natural, Non-Toxic |
| Nine Easy Actions to Keep Mother Earth Healthy | | | | Products |
| The obvious one is recycling, which seems so | | | | Try to buy non-toxic household cleaners, |
| basic that it should be second nature, but it isn't. | | | | unbleached toilet-paper, and paper-towels. You |
| Please go out of your way to recycle and if | | | | don't have to breathe in the fumes or have toxic |
| possible, compost. | | | | products touch your skin. It also causes less |
| Choose products from recycled materials over | | | | pollution to manufacture these products. Products |
| those that aren't. For example, spend a little more | | | | from Seventh Generation, EarthWise, BioKleen, |
| money on quality clothes that last longer, then | | | | and Ecover are all good options. |
| save those items until they come back into | | | | Use recycled paper at the office and omit the |
| fashion. Or give it to those who need it when you | | | | throw-away pen. |
| don't. Some companies are also introducing | | | | Store your food in glass containers that last |
| eco-fashion, even big-name brands like Levi. | | | | longer, especially if you use a microwave (not |
| Carry your own bag instead of getting one from | | | | recommended) to heat your food. Plastic breaks |
| the grocery store. There are a lot of little foldable | | | | down over time and is also unhealthy for you as |
| ones on the market these days that fit nicely into | | | | it leaks into the food when heated. |
| your handbag. | | | | Buy microfiber cleaning cloths that are washable, |
| Choose non-toxic products. This is better for your | | | | reusable, and trap the dirt and spills better than |
| health and the environment. | | | | using tons of paper towels. |
| Eat in a way the helps sustain the earth rather | | | | Buy larger containers of dish soap and pour into |
| than exploiting it. Consider buying locally or | | | | smaller containers as you need it, instead of many |
| purchasing food from your neighborhood's | | | | small bottles. |
| farmers market. | | | | Wash and dry out your Ziploc bags. Hang it on a |
| Buy produce and food in its whole form so little | | | | chopstick in a glass to dry. |
| or no packaging is needed. | | | | Buy products that come in glass containers with |
| Get a water filter and refill a water bottle instead | | | | lids that screw on so you can use them for |
| of buying more plastic ones. | | | | storage later. |
| Get your newspaper online. And don't print | | | | Take off your shoes indoors means less cleaning, |
| documents unless you need to. | | | | less use of energy, and less toxins in your home. |
| Save energy. Turn off lights, don't wash dishes | | | | Choose airlines with the newest fleet when |
| under running water, only use the air conditioner if | | | | traveling. They use less fuel. |
| really needed, and use rechargeable batteries. | | | | There are many things you can do to green your |
| Product Tips and Food Choices | | | | life, every day of the year, not just on Earth |
| Choose Organic Foods | | | | Day. All it takes is a conscious mind and a |
| Eating organic food is healthier for you and for | | | | willingness to take care of our planet with |
| the environment as it omits the pesticides and | | | | everyday choices. |
| toxic fertilizers. It also helps sustain smaller | | | | "Achieving genuine happiness may require bringing |
| farmers, instead of factory farms, which leads to | | | | about a transformation in your outlook, your way |
| less pollution. | | | | of thinking, and this is not a simple matter. |