In Celebration of Earth Day 2011

In Celebration of Earth Day 2011

written by Indie of IndieWolf

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful,

committed citizens can change the world. Indeed,

it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead

With all of the distressing reports about oil spills and the oil shortage, disappearing rain forests and disappearing animal species, natural disasters and the increasing lack of natural resources, it is understandable that many feel hopeless about the future of our planet.

The good news is there are many things we can do to create change, and there is a vastly growing movement of people dedicated to preserving Mother Earth. It is true that there is strength in numbers, and our energy is amplified when we all focus on a common intention.

Conscious Living Journals

by ThisIsIt

This 41st anniversary of Earth Day is a perfect opportunity to take steps in our own lives that will ripple out and make a difference in our environment - for ourselves, our children, and the wonderful animals we all want so dearly to protect.

I’ve heard some people say that what they do doesn’t matter, that one person recycling, reusing, or reducing won’t make a difference in the “big picture” of the health and sustainability of our environment. But the truth is it does matter - it matters a lot!

Wait for Meee Baby Elephant

Signed photograph by OcelotEyes

Here are just a few of the steps you can take today:

Did You Know ?

In America alone, more than fourteen billion disposable coffee cups are used every year – which would circle the Earth fifty-five times. In addition to the waste clogging our landfills, the chemicals used to coat these cups could produce enough energy to heat over 8000 homes for an entire year.

Spring Owl

Large mug by TheRusticHome

What You Can Do...

Invest in a lovely ceramic mug or reusable travel cup and create the habit of keeping it with you for those (scheduled or spontaneous) coffee runs. Better yet, make your own yummy coffee or tea at home!

Great White Pelican

Original canvas painting by BirdsInHand

Did You Know ?

According to David Bach in his book, “Go Green, Live Rich,” Americans spend an average of $600 per year on cleaning products, many of which are toxic to us and our companion animals as well as the environment.

What You Can Do...

For MUCH less ($20 to $50 per year) you can make your own products from common ingredients like vinegar and baking soda, saving money and keeping our air, water and soil clean and safe. There are also a number of “cleaner” cleaners on the market today if you prefer not to make your own.

For recipes and other recommendations, visit my “Go Green while Spring Cleaning” post here: http://www.indiewolfinspired.com/go-green-while-spring-cleaning/

River Otter

Print by SavageArtworks

Did You Know ?

For the first time since the Endangered Species Act was passed by Congress in 1973, an animal has been removed from the “protected” list as a political move by both parties. On Friday, April 8th, it was decided by the House, the Senate, AND the White House that wolves would no longer be protected from slaughter. And to be sure, there are plans to kill them by the hundreds, headed by those who have either demonized them, or simply think it’s “fun” to kill such beautiful and powerful animals for sport.

Face of the Wilderness

Fine Art Photography by SimplyLodge

What You Can Do...

Let your voice be heard! This is certainly a situation in which every single voice matters, so please share your opinion with your Senators and State Representatives: https://secure.nrdconline.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=2225&autologin=true&JServSessionIdr004=pdj19fcez3.app306a

Calculate Your Own Carbon Footprint

To understand how your lifestyle is impacting the world around you, here are a couple of tools you can use:

http://www.fightglobalwarming.com/carboncalculator.cfm

http://epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/ind_calculator.html

Peaceful Planet

Charm Earrings by IndieWolf

When you know your impact, it is easier to see where you can make the most change in your daily life. It makes a difference not only from a purely physical/material standpoint; it also makes a HUGE difference energetically. Your choices contribute to the renewal or destruction of our environment, so please choose to act consciously toward the world you wish to create.

We have the power to create a new reality, and whether you lend your energy by attending an Earth Day event, offering your own personal blessing to the Earth, or simply recycling, your intentions and actions matter. Let us join together on Earth Day and every day – in person and in spirit – to honor this beautiful, awe-inspiring, enduring and sustaining planet on which we live!

Wide Eyed Owls

Novelty Fabric by brizel4TheAnimals

Ideas & Resources

For more ideas and resources for protecting the planet and all her creatures, and Earth Day 2011 activities and gatherings, see our list below. You can also check out meetup.com or google.com to find events in your area.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/One-Million-People-for-Animals-on-Earth-DAY-2011/120728064652272?sk=wall

http://wilderness.org/content/what-are-you-doing-earth-day

http://www.earthday.org/

http://earthday2011.org/

http://earthday.nature.org/

http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/publications/101things.htm

http://www.ppath.org/