Earth Day was April 22 and was first established in the United States in 1970 marking the environmental movement. Today 6 million Canadians along with billions of people from 141 countries celebrate Earth Day. Earth Day is not just a day, but a way of life and this year I am going to use it to make some ‘Eco-lutions'. I can't think of a better time to start, with 2 young children in the house, I can promote good green habits and an earth-smart attitude. There is so much information about being eco friendly that it can seem hard to know where to start. Don't give up, small steps lead to giant leaps, one person can make a difference, YOU can make a difference. Here are some Eco-lutions you can adopt today!

1. Become a vegetarian - If you aren't already then give it a shot, at least for  a couple meals a week. Meat production is inefficient and energy consuming. For every 1 Kg of beef 6-7 Kg of grain has been used. Not to mention all the time and energy used to harvest the grain. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have estimated that livestock are responsible for 18% of greenhouse gases which is more than the estimated global transportation sector (14%). Remember, it's just as important to buy local and (if you can) buy organic. Don't be worried though. Cooking vegetarian or vegan is easier than you might think! There are tons of recipes available online. A sure bet is the 100 Mile Challenge reality show now airing on the Food Network Canada.
   
2. Change your light bulbs - Regular bulbs may be less expensive at the store but give off 90% of their energy as heat. An average 60 watt light bulb lasting an average of 8,000 hours will use about 480 kWh, at an average of 11.64 cents a kWh, your light bulb will cost you about $55.00 to use. Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs (CFL) use 75% less energy than a regular bulb and last longer. In comparison, a 13 watt CFL bulb lasting the same time will use about 104 kWh, at the same price of 11.64 cents, your  cost will only be about $12.00. Not only are you saving energy but money, lots and lots of money every year. How many light bulbs do you have in your house? There is one noteworthy tidbit about the CFL bulbs: They do contain a small amount of mercury. Since the mercury is encased within the bulb, there is no risk to us. The mercury cannot escape, but like batteries, CFL bulbs should be disposed of properly. for more information, read this Energy Star fact sheet on the CFL.
3. Bring your own bag shopping - Get yourself into the habit of bringing your own bags for shopping trips. These bags are not only stronger but have less of an environmental impact than their disposable paper and plastic cousins. Stores usually have them available for purchase. Superstore has launched their new campaign to push the use of cloth reusable bags. They hope that raising the price of the disposable plastic bags and promoting cloth ones will divert 1 billion bags from ending up in landfills by years end. If you are not keen on the store brand cloth bags you can buy them from local artisans in stylish designs. Buy Canadian First member Betty Bags has several cute styles of shopping bags including: The Sally Shopper and The Patsy Pocket Pac. Both styles fold up into a convenient size for your purse or pocket, never be without your shopping bags again. You can find a retailer near you here.
4. Travel right - Walk, cycle, take a bus and car pool to reduce your carbon foot print and when you travel, try the train. Trains are popular in Europe but have been grossly overlooked here in North America. A train produces less greenhouse emissions per passenger kilometer than an airplane and is 25% safer than cars. Try Via Rail. They have some great rates a special offers page you can browse.
5. Finally Read, Learn, Act and tell everyone to join you!
   

Did you know that Canadian caribou and boreal forest birds are in danger?
Pollinator numbers are on the decline, insects like bees and butterflies are at risk! These issues and more, like our oceans, need our attention. Find a cause that strikes a chord in you and fight for it!

Remember that your one voice, letter or action will make a difference, the world is changed one person at a time. What are your Eco-lutions this year?