Earth Day 2011

April 22nd is Earth Day which was created back in the 1970's to inspire awareness and appreciation for our planet Earth and is celebrated in more than 175 countries around the world.  It is is no secret that our environment is facing a global crisis after many years of abuse and miseducation and Earth Day is the one day we as human beings around the world dedicate to doing something about it. This day of action results in many consumer campaigns to be green and tree planting but protecting our planet takes much more than that.  This year Earth Day happened to fall on gloomy day which kept most folks at home or indoors but a few did show up the Earth Day Celebration at the Promenade on the Peninsula Mall in Rancho Palos Verdes sponsored by Hier Children's Clothing store.  This was an opportunity for the kids not only to meet Ms Earth and partake of a few yummy party snacks but also to learn about the environment and plant and decorate their own pot of flowers.  There are so many simple ways that we can all be more friendly to our environment and adapt to the changes that will inevitably come about if we open our minds and put forth a little effort.  Whether its water conservation, working with an organization to preserve wildlife, recycling (not just the regular stuff like bottles but just about everything can be recycled), or encouraging your organization to become "paperless", we can all do something to preserve the environment and its raw materials and natural resources. Back in 19** (yes I did that on purpose) I was the lone recipient of a special earth day award from my school Magnolia Jr High for my recycling efforts.  I have been a proponent of recycling for as long as I can remember.  So the next time you get ready to throw something away think about this:

• Junk mail is paper and can be recycled along with phonebooks and other paper products 
• Old clothes/furniture/shoes can go to goodwill and the salvation army
• Old jewelry can be sold at cash for gold locations that are popping up everywhere
• Personal/beauty products that you may no longer want can be donated to women's shelters
• Food garbage can be composted so it doesn't contribute to the 40% of landfill space it takes up and methane gas it produces, this way it will convert back into rich soil which is great for planting in your garden
• Old cars can be donated to charity or sold to car yards that can salvage the parts for others before recycling the metal

And these are just a few of the wonderful ways we can reduce and reuse and I know there are plenty more.  Do you have any other great ideas on how to help out planet, If so email them to me at: LHenry3198@aol.com