Earth Day, 2010: Change for the Better

April 9, 2010 by jameslucas.

By Meghan Teixeira

The 40th Anniversary of Earth Day falls on Thursday, April 22nd in 2010. The ways to get involved are countless, with major events taking place in each city across the United States. As the world consciousness expands, people are making it more of a priority to tread lightly on our earth. Fuel efficient vehicles, compact fluorescent light bulbs, and basic recycling are steps many Americans already hold as priorities in their homes. It’s time to take things to the next level.

Every aspect of life is filled with options, and as a global society it is our responsibility to seek out the better ones. For every chemically packed, oil based, and earth-harming option, there is a counterpart that is a cleaner and green alternative. To truly celebrate our Earth this year, take a moment in your upcoming projects, purchases, and even daily events to consider how to do just a little bit more, with these ideas as an offer to jumpstart the creative alternatives.

One of the best kept secrets in home and office flooring is cork tiling. Cork is harvested from the bark of a cork tree without killing the tree, and is compacted into various products (including bulletin boards and wine stoppers). One rising trend is the use of cork tiling for floors, as cork is naturally water resistant, offers excellent acoustic buffers, is simple to maintain, and is a more comfortable alternative to wood flooring with a similar look. Cork floors come in a variety of colors, grains, and sizes with incredible options for customization of colors and patterns. All the while, the trees from which this amazing product are harvested remain unharmed, and ready to re-harvest in a few years time. If you have home renovations in mind, consider this product for your new flooring. And take a look at the variety of green paints that easily available at local hardware stores.

Not everyone, however, has the time, means, or desire to undertake a major home renovation or purchase a fuel efficient car. Instead, pick a new answer to an easy question: paper or plastic? Over the past few decades, plastic bags have become the assumed choice, as consumers have considered it a kinder alternative to cutting down trees. Unfortunately, many plastics are oil based products that are difficult to recycle and even more harmful to produce. Almost all grocery stores offer bags that can be purchased for roughly $1 and can be reused indefinitely, with sturdy handles and lined insides. You will find yourself carrying less bags with these alternatives, and may even start saving a few extra cents at the checkout, as some major grocery chains offer discounts to those who bring their own bags.

Lastly, one great way to reduce trash and help the environment is to create your own home compost pile. Many cities offer compost containers created from modified trashcans that have been damaged. By learning a few simple guidelines on what to and to not throw into your compost pile, you will begin using less trash and have no need for expensive soils and fertilizers. A flourishing garden also creates more plant life that convert carbon dioxide into the life sustaining oxygen we thrive on.

The ways to preserve the environment are endless and simple. It is time to replace the feeling of helplessness with an educated empowerment that will ultimately improve our world for generations to come. If you don’t have time to participate in any of the Earth Day activities this year, make it a point to implement some of these simple and necessary changes in your daily life. You, and your planet, will be thankful that you did.

Meghan Teixeira is the Marketing Manager of ImpressInPrint.com an online invitation and stationary company.

Article Source: Meghan Teixeira

Earth Day, 2010: Change for the Better

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