Earth Day Pledge

Earth Fair 2010 was a blast!  We learned so much!  Jack became totally interested in gray wolves, because he was able to talk to a volunteer from the California Wolf Center.  (He has been researching these wolves, drawing pictures about them, and cuddling with his "baby" wolf ever since Sunday.)  My husband looked into an electric bicycle that he could ride to work.  By the gas he would save, that bike would pay for itself in less than 9 months!  I learned about grey water systems.  We bought a solar oven for $20.  I think I will try it in a few days, so I will keep you posted on how it works.  

Jack had a wonderful time in the children's activity section.  He made a robot out of random odds and ends you would have around the house (cups, straws, sticks, pipe cleaners, and, by all means, googly eyes!)  I got connected with an organic farmer who makes hydroponic systems for vegetables.  We will probably be installing one of these systems in Jack's Montessori school next year, so I soaked up as much info as I could.  I spoke with a wonderful man from war-torn Northern Uganda.   It was all I could not do to weep as he told me the "real" story of what is going on over there - what we as t.v.-watching Americans do not see.   Such an enlightening day. And I couldn't help but walk away with a few thoughts - which I am turning into a PLEDGE to the EARTH. 

 

Dear Earth, 

Over the years I have become more and more connected to you.  I have been to the rain forests and seen deforestation.  I have seen what non-organic farms do to the land, the wildlife, and the people.  I have seen animals caught in trash dumped into rivers.  I have made changes because of the things I see.  I shop for local, organic produce.  I have planted fruit trees and vegetables in my own yard.  I recycle. I consume less.  But I can continue to do more.   MUCH MUCH more.  Although my intentions are good, I have gotten a little lazy here and there - so here is my pledge to you as of Earth Day 2010:

1.  NO MORE plastic bags!  In the past couple of years, I have used the canvas bags (of which I probably have 20) only about 75% of the time.  My problem has been that I forget to put them back in the car after unloading the groceries.  Often times, I stop by the store when I am already out and about and I don't have any bags in the car.  So, here is my plan:  1:  put the darn bags back in the car after I unload groceries!  2:  As a back-up, I now carry a fold up bag in my purse.  It takes up hardly any room and I ALWAYS have a bag with me - no matter what.  Plastic bags----sayonara!

2.  NO MORE plastic bottles!  Now, I am pretty good about this already.  But, I have now made a point of carrying my own bottle (and my son's) wherever we go.  So, there will NEVER be a reason to purchase those plastic bottles.

3.  Drink tap water.  Since my son was born, I have had water delivered to the house.  So, I figure, that is 6 years x 6 bottles per month... so, we have had  over 400 bottles of water brought in, hauled in over the past 6 years.  That truck has probably come to our house 144 times!  What a waste.  Our tap is fine.  And, I can get a filter if I need to.  Bye-bye, water company.  (Hey, and we will save lots of money by cutting out this service! - Added bonus!)

4.  Use our laundry line when it is sunny outside.  (And we live in San Diego, so that is almost all of the time.)  O.K., so last year I bought the laundry line, but we have had such a rainy winter, that I have really gotten out of the habit of using it.  But, the sun is out, the days are beautiful - that dryer is going to get a break.

5.  Summer project - create a grey water system from out clothes washer and add rain barrels to our gutters.  I have wanted to do this for years - this is the year!!!!

Earth, thanks, for everything you provide for us.  Now, it is our turn to give back!

Signed, 

Courtney 

EARTH DAY Celebration!

I am so excited - I can hardly stand it!  Earth Day is around the corner.  This year marks the 40th anniversary of the first Earth Day celebration.  On Sunday, my family and I are heading down to Balboa Park here in San Diego for Earth Fair 2010!  This years marks the 20th anniversary of our city's fantastic celebration. Each year, it draws over 70,000 people - is produced by 400 volunteers - features 350 exhibitors - has special theme areas, a Food Pavilion, a wonderful Kids’ Activity Area, three entertainment venues, the Children’s Earth Parade, the eARTh Gallery art show, and the Cleaner Car Concourse. I mark this event on my calendar just as any other holiday.  For me, it goes right up there with the big ones - Christmas, New Year's, Valentine's Day, Easter, Earth Day...  

I urge you to check out your hometown and see what activities and celebrations are going on this weekend. It is such an important event to involve your kids in.  Also, here are some ideas on things you can do at home to celebrate this remarkable occasion. 

Have a SLOW FOOD meal.  Eat a meal that is cooked from start to finish by you and your family.  All ingredients should be local and organic (within 60 miles of your home.)  Farmer's markets are great places to shop - as is your own backyard (if you have a garden).  Check out these websites for more info:

http://www.slowfood.com/

http://www.jamieoliver.com/campaigns/jamies-food-revolution

Pick up trash your neighborhood.  We have done this for the past few years - and our son really gets into it.  Finding trash almost becomes as much fun as an Easter egg hunt, oddly enough! Take precautions - wear gloves.  And keep an eye on your children - you can pick up the broken bottles and dangerous stuff - leave the paper to them.

Even though the official Earth Hour has passed - turn off all of your lights and appliances from sundown to dawn one night.  Eat by candlelight.  Play cards.  Sing songs.  It is great for Mama Earth and a nice bonding time for your family.

Plant a tree in your backyard.  Last year, we planted a plum tree to commemorate Earth Day.  

And now we have baby plums all over it!  

To learn more about Earth Day, please visit:

http://www.earthday.net

They have a great site.  Check out their mission statement:

"Earth Day Network was founded on the premise that all people, regardless of race, gender, income, or geography, have a moral right to a healthy, sustainable environment. Our mission is to broaden and diversify the environmental movement worldwide, and to mobilize it as the most effective vehicle for promoting a healthy, sustainable environment. We pursue our mission through a combination of education, public policy, and activism campaigns. Earth Day Network has a global reach with more than 20,000 partners and organizations in 190 countries. More than 1 billion people participate in Earth Day activities, making it the largest secular civic event in the world."

For San Diego's Earth Fair, go to:

http://www.earthdayweb.org/

HAPPY EARTH DAY!!!