10 Ways to Appreciate Earth Day 2010

With the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day approaching, what will you do to appreciate or celebrate the world around us?  Here are a few soulful ideas to get you thinking.

10.  Spend a few minutes outside to decompress by taking three breaths. Be present to the sounds and sights the world has to offer be it your own backyard or nearby park.

9.  Spend time in your garden truly appreciating the efforts you have put forth or visit your local farmer’s market to pick out your own fruits and vegetables.  In either case, farm to table is kinder to the environment, as well as to your body and soul.

8.  Take a walk in a different park or take a walk with a neighbor around your block.  If you see any litter, pick it up to make the scenery even more enjoyable and then send good energy back out to the one so that they may think twice about their actions next time.

7.  As the days get longer, turn off the lights and enjoy the natural lighting in your home.  And of course, turn off when you leave.

6.  Think precycling as well as recycling. Is there another option with less packaging?  Can the item or packaging materials then be recycled?  Make sure you know all the acceptable items your City will take.

5.  Celebrate freedom from plastic bags with a reusable tote.  In fact celebrate freedom from any disposable item when you can bring or use a reusable instead like water bottles, coffee mugs, utensils, cloth napkins and dishtowels.

4.  Be thankful for the abundance of clean water available at your fingertips compared with so many across the world.   Conserve your usage by taking shorter showers and turning off while doing the dishes or brushing your teeth.

3.  Grab a blanket and or lawn chair and watch the clouds go by on sunny day.  Do this with a child for added imagination and fun.  Take in the warmth and be witness to the power of the sun.

2.  Plant a tree in someone’s honor or memory.

And the Number One way to appreciate and celebrate Earth Day 2010…

Engage and attend a local Earth Day event in your community to connect with your neighbors, learn new ways or share your knowledge to help all of us be kinder to our environment through renewed and resourceful living!

Jeanne Blaisdell

Jeanne Blaisdell publishes TheGreenSamaritan.com, her personal blog highlighting green living tips and information in order to help herself and others on their journey towards greater environmental awareness. She has also launched EcoAvenueLtd.com, an online shopping site featuring the latest deals and promotions from a collection of earth-friendly merchants. Jeanne lives in Greensboro, North Carolina with her husband Tom and two boys, Jack (10) and Ben (7). You can follow her @GreenSamaritan and @EcoAvenueltd.