Today is Earth Day. While I’d like to think that we are all conscious about our impact on the earth every single day, having a specially designated day (or week) to shine the light on the issue is just one more way to really bring it home!

I really love Earth Day. And, as a parent, I love Earth Day even more. I take my responsibility for raising environmentally conscious (and active) children very seriously. My husband might even say too seriously, given the way my little ones love to collect and hesitate to throw anything away.

I like to do an annual assessment to see how we are doing in our efforts to help Mother Earth and set some goals for the coming year. Over the years we’ve made some great strides and challenge ourselves to do more. The more we do, the more fun it becomes to discover the next great way to have an impact.

I’m often inspired by the creativity my children display in their efforts to reduce, reuse and recycle. My oldest, now five and a half, learned the three R’s a couple of years ago in pre-school and has really been living them ever since.

So, what can you do? There are tons of small things that you can do to help, and I’m sure you’re getting lots of tips and ideas from the internet, radio, tv and newspapers as you move through your day. Here are a few more quick tips and resources:

• Sign the petition for the Do No Mail registry — http://donotmail.org//index.php
• Stop junk mail! Several online services offer tools to help reduce the amount of junk mail and catalogs you receive. Check out ProQuo at http://www.proquo.com and Green Dimes at http://www.greendimes.com
• Subscribe to a blog that focuses on the issue. It’s an easy way to stay in touch with the issues and learn how you can help. Do an internet search or check out http://www.bestgreenblogs.com/
• Sign up for online bill payment, either through your bank or directly with your service provider. Many companies also offer the option to receive invoices and statements via email.
• Participate in Turn Off The TV Week (April 21 – 27) and head out doors!

I’d love to hear what you’re doing along these lines. Share your tips, tools and resources here!

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