Earth Day (and other holiday) Resolutions
All the holidays seem to be evolving from their roots as recognition for an event or remembrance into days to give cards (more and more e-cards and even just e-mails) and gifts, make time for family that you normally don't, and maybe do an activity for that day you don't do the rest of the year. Two examples: at Christmas we give gifts, along with the staple holidays get together with family, and may go to church the only time for the entire year; for Valentine's Day men give cards and gifts to their romantic partner, carve out time form their schedule to take them to a longer, nicer dinner, and for that day alone try to pay more attention to their partner and 'act' the gentleman.
Earth Day - as it becomes bigger, more prominent, and more commercial - every year seems to devolve more and more into the American holiday model: we post messages and yes - even send cards, and take the time to do an activity just for the day such as doing a park, river, or highway cleanup. The only thing missing may be making time for family, although some of you may do your annual activity with family.

So on April 22 - Earth Day - go ahead and participate in the annual activities, but add into it a resolution to do one of the earth friendly things from here on out. As the saying goes- Make Every Day Earth Day. I am sure you will see lots of news items about what to do for Earth Day. Some suggestions include:
- Replace your lighting with environmentally friendly ones (CF, halogen, LED)
- Use reusable bags for shopping - buy bags, make sure they are accessible (in your car) and use them
- Use reusable drink vessels in place of water bottles and coffee cups from your cafe
- Switch to organic produce as much as you can
- Switch to bio-degradable and/or earth friendly cleaners and hygiene products
- Switch to natural lawn and garden care (including mulching your grass versus bagging it)
- Install a water barrel (yes it is one time but its effects last all year)
- Compost your waste (again a lasting item)
- Volunteer for a group that does weekly or monthly - rather than annual - clean ups of public spaces
I already do pretty much everything listed above. This year my resolution is simply to increase those as close to 100% as I can - mainly in the area of personal hygiene. What Earth Day Resolution are you going to make? Comment below.
And remember, when the next holiday comes along- Memorial Day is right around the corner - look for ways you can make a lasting resolution meaningful to the day's subject matter in addition to your annual one-time activities.
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