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The Earth Day Challenge is currently closed.
Earth Day Challenge
Happy Earth Day! As part of the celebration, earth creations would like to gather your thoughtful input and ideas on a variety of eco-topics. We will post one every day until April 25th for you to answer. Hopefully the answers will inspire all of us.
And the reward for your effort? In addition to feeling good about your contribution, we will pick the most inspiring one every day and the winner will pick a garment of their choice. Cheers!
earth creations is committed to keeping your private information private. We will only use your information to carry out our prize contest. If you should win, however, you agree earth creations may use your first name and comment in our communications.
Q In recent years, many companies (big and small) have begun implementing steps aimed at lessening their impact on the environment. Can you tell us if such initiatives have been implemented in your work place? What are some of the steps that you view as most beneficial?
A Our organization purchased tablets for all their employees - across the state - to improve communication with each other and our clients without having to use so much paper and to enable staff to work from home (reducing travel costs).
Q Global warming is a serious concern and therefore reducing energy use is very important and it starts with every one of us. Please let us know about the best/most beneficial Energy Saving Tip implemented by you or someone you know.
A I have reduced energy throughout my house by using energy efficient appliances, insulated blinds and drapes, as well as energy efficient light bulbs. I set my thermostat low for heating and high for air conditioning. As for the outside of my house, I have mature shrubs around the immediate house and trees around my entire house. I have also invested in a breathable, waterproof paint for the outside of the house as well as insulated shingles for the roof. The paint and shingles are in white so they reflect the heat.
Q Happy Earth Day! Please let us know how you are going to celebrate. What are you going to do? Is your community/town/city doing something exciting/interesting in celebration of Earth Day? Please let us know!
A Since my community isn't doing anything to celebrate Earth Day, I have made a list of 10 things i will do today and every day to show Mother Earth that i care. And I will remind myself often that small changes and efforts add up to make a real difference. 1. I will pay more bills online, thus using less paper (checks and statements) as well as not contributing to the gas use by the USPS. 2. I will tell anyone who wants to listen that becoming a vegetarian makes a huge difference to the planet. I will bone-up on cold, hard facts such as: Producing one pound of beef uses as much water as 60 showers or driving a car 32 miles. 3. I will shorten my showers. 4. I will turn off the water when I wash the dishes. 5. I will buy locally and organically whenever possible. 6. I will use my compost bin...even when it's below zero outside. 7. I will use reusable bags for storage and transport. 8. I will throw away less by reusing, recycling, and upcycling. 9. I will use less energy - turn off lights, turn down the heat, take a walk instead of a ride, etc. 10. Bring my lunch to work - it's small, but it saves money, gas, waste. I will add to this list as the year goes on, and encourage others to do so as well. Is there a green version of "pay it forward"?!
Q Our imprinted designs celebrate the Earth and are aimed to raise eco-awareness among all of us. What is your idea for an inspiring eco T-shirt design? (Pictures are welcome on Facebook!)
A I love seeing our little blue planet, the more simply drawn the better, and I also love Gandhi's saying, "Live simply, that others might simply live." I think that having these words encircling the Earth, on a T-shirt would say it all.
Q Eating sustainably, especially locally, is a great way to celebrate Mother Earth. What is your ideal Earth Day meal? Be creative and include the recipe(s)! (Vegetarian or not, we will not discriminate!)
A My favorite way to eat sustainably is having a potluck with friends where we each bring a dish made with local ingredients, like a salad from a neighbor's garden with nuts from the farmer's market, or deviled eggs from backyard chickens. It's easier when you and your friends can inspire and motivate each other.
Q Environmental education for the next generation (yes, all those kids) is so very important. Do you know of or suggest an environmental lesson/experiment which children would enjoy, remember or leave a long lasting impression on them? Also, please let us know your ideas of how to include children in celebrating Earth Day.
A So many children and teens in our country are afraid of getting their hands dirty. Addicted to TV, video games, and cell phones, I feel that the simple joys of a day spent digging in the dirt, planting flowers, and enjoying fresh air and sunshine are being lost. It is a part of our human nature to dig in the dirt beneath a blue sky and to create beauty in the simplest of ways. My suggestion for a lesson/experiment which children would enjoy costs very little money. Buy one small flowering plant and using a shovel or household spoon and a cup for water, take your child or teen outside. Find a spot in your yard with sunshine. If you live in an apartment, find a friend or family member willing to let you plant a flower in honor of Earth Day. Let your child dig a hole twice as large as the plant. Talk to them about how our Earth provides beauty and joy and how our earth needs love and attention just like human beings do. When they have finished planting their flower, use a cell phone or camera to take their picture beside their flower. The photo will serve as a lasting reminder, that getting your hands dirty is a good thing, that it is possible to create beauty where before there was none, and that Earth Day is every day.
Q Do you use/wear eco-friendly products? If so, what is your most favorite product? Why?
A Gosh, it's hard to pick one favorite, so I have to say the local foods/products I use and here are a few of my reasons: Less environmental impact, supports the community, healthy, fresh, and carefully selected ingredients, chance to build awesome relationships with the owners themselves, they are truly one-of-a-kind products... the reasons are ENDLESS :)