Every day is Earth Day!

Sorry, I got busy so I didn't get to post about Earth Day....so here it is.

If you read the paper or watch Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth...you know that we need to help save our planet for future generations. There are a ton of things you can do...pick just one thing to do first and do it...then pick something else.

Many people say that the Bush Administration doesn't care...but...the rising gas prices (thank you war, lack of support for better fuel programs, expensive hybrids)...many people aren't driving as much! They have been forced to stop driving as much. Take the bus, train, or your bike...even walk!!!

If you want to see how amazing the Earth really is....check out our new favorite DVD...the BBC series Planet Earth. It is amazing and interesting for all ages.

Awesome Idea of the Day!

Here is a great idea from Misc. and co to make your own reusable grocery bags (or bags for anything! a way to save your kid's favorite outgrown shirt).

Check it out!

Spring Break

First of all...what happened to Spring? It was fabulous last week...now its cold and is supposed to rain for the next 2 days. Oh well...library here we come. Our other plans include heading over the Jarling's Custard Cup (which recently opened for the season...we used to go opening day each year but we haven't made it yet). We want to see Horton Hears a Who. We already watched Mr. Magorium's Wonder Imporium (not bad, not great) for Movie Night. The oldest is going to Camp Grandparents for half the week. We are hosting Rites of Spring here next weekend (aka Easter minus the religious aspects).

And today is St. Patrick's Day! Read an interesting history about this holiday at Teahm Beahm. I am Irish so I usually like to do something but I'm too tired today. I do enjoy a good ruben from Courier Cafe and Irish soda bread from Great Harvest. Perhaps some shepard's pie may end up on the table.

But think of the day as Green Day...think of 2 ways to make your life a little greener (change those light bulbs, plan a compost, buy a push mower, walk or bike to work.....).

Go Green!!

No, I am not cheering for my daughter's soccer team...I'm talking about becoming more environmentally-friendly.

Here is a great site with some easy tips on how to become more green.
http://www.globalstewards.org/ecotips.htm

Here is what we did to Go Green this week:
*Purchased an old-school but brand-new push "reel" lawn mower...no gas, very little noise, a bit of simple exercise, works great! $100 at Meijer, $120 at Amazon.com, $130 at Home Depot.
*I got some small dishcloths to use as napkins instead of paper.
*We've tried not to use paper towels.
*Used cloth bags at the grocery store (and used the boxes that are on the shelves)**.
*We did not turn on the AC...despite the 89F temperature here.
*I cleaned out the attic and part of the basement...recycling tons of papers from college and grad school!
*And, we finally set up our compost in the backyard!!


**At Meijer stores, you receive a 5 cent discount for every cloth/reused bag and box you use to bag your groceries. You have to bag yourself and might have to remind the checker for the discount. We usually get between $1.50-$2 back.