By: Amy Hannold
24/y MOMS Frugal Living Editor
This Sunday, April 22 is Earth Day. Using resources more wisely and making earth-friendly choices also saves money as well.
In the Kitchen
Meatless Mondays are just for your health, they’re also lessening your carbon footprint on the earth. According to the United Nations, the meat industry generates nearly one-fifth of the man-made greenhouse gas emissions that are accelerating climate change worldwide. Meat can be the most expensive item you buy, and it’s far more taxing on the earth to produce. Plant foods on the other hand, require less transportation, refrigeration, and other earth resources in route to your dinner table.
Choosing to eat more plant-based foods, over the long-term, will also save you money because of the health benefits of fruits and vegetables. Encouraging your friends and family to do the same will save all of us money, as healthier diets consumed across a population will cost less in government health program spending.
Meatless Monday is actually a global movement, which first began during World War I when President Herbert Hoover encouraged citizens to cut back on meat meals on behalf of the war effort. Decades later, Meatless Monday has seen renewed popularity as people are more health and earth-friendly conscious. MeatlessMonday.com offers a great selection of recipes and ideas.
Around the House:
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Think about what you use every day. Whatever you do each day, there’s a way to Reduce, Reuse or Recycle. Before you buy new, repurpose something you already own to fit that need. Buy secondhand, or find your item of need through a neighbor or friend. Freecycle.org, ThredUp.com, PaperbackSwap.com, and Swap.com offer you opportunities to trade what you have, for what you need.
How can you be more energy efficient? Products with the Energy Star Logo indicate that you will save energy and money over the long-term use of these items. Recycle batteries, appliances and other energy-consumers when possible. Earth911.com has a nationwide database where you can learn about recycling programs in your area. Call2Recycle.org shows you how battery recycling is possible – making every day Earth Day.
Get the Kids Involved:
With our Earth Day efforts now, we’ll be leaving more for our children and their children to enjoy. Encourage them in good energy-saving habits and have them participate in your recycling routines. EnergyStar.gov/kids shows kids how they can join the fight against global warming at home and at school.
Picnic for a Planet, on Earth Day 2012 is hoping to set a world record for the largest picnic event. You can attend, host or donate to a picnic – and learn more about other Nature Conservatory Earth Day efforts by going to nature.org/earthday.
For the youngest of kids, PBS Kids has a fun variety of Earth Day ideas:
http://pbskids.org/games/earthday.html
Enjoy your Earth Day. Start some new habits and goals which will save your family and your planet some valuable resources.
