Earth Weekend

So Earth Day was yesterday - hope you were able to celebrate in some way! My plans have been postponed a week, but I'm excited to get involved in more volunteer opportunities as the weather gets warmer. Here are your ideas from this week:

Speak Up:

Label GMOs (action.fooddemocracynow.org/sign/obama_signs_monsanto_protection_act_time_to_label_gmos/):This petition urges President Obama to introduce mandatory labeling of genetically engineered foods, which he has previously promised farmers, consumers, and environmentalists. I admit to not knowing very much about this issue other than the very basics, but my friend has recommended King Corn, a documentary available on Hulu, for more information.

Invest:

Solar Cookers International (solarcookers.org): This organization does amazing work by providing solar cookers and teaching about their use to people in need. The amount of fuel and carbon these cookers conserve is astounding, as well as making cooking an easier process for many people for whom time is a precious and dwindling commodity with regards to taking care of their families.

Charity: Water (charitywater.org): This organization spends 100% of its donations on its actual charity projects - a rarity in the charity world, unfortunately. They are committed to working on clean water projects in the developing world.

Mary says: "These two charities might be ones you would consider when making a donation in memory of a loved one or as a birthday gift for someone who has everything." Also, because charities are very complicated, when considering donations, GiveWell (givewell.org) is an organization that rates charities on effectiveness and responsibility.

Support:

Tradesy (tradesy.com): Another resource for used clothing! You can also sell your own items on this site. They even have a section for wedding dresses!

Everyday Living:

Garden with coffee grinds: If you are lucky enough to have a garden, and it includes azaleas or rhododendrons, spread your used coffee grinds around them. The acidity helps them grow stronger, and instead of rotting away in a landfill, your coffee grinds will be put to good use!

Travel sustainably: Travel is a fact of life for a lot of people, and sometimes it just seems inevitable that you'll use a lot of energy. However, there are MANY, MANY RESOURCES to make sure you can arrive, stay at, and depart your destination while still being as green as possible. At gstcouncil.org/resource-center/responsible-travel-tips.html, you can find a great checklist for being not only an eco-friendly traveler, but just a friendly traveler in general. Then, all the rest of your green traveling needs can be met by the great link list at travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/sustainable/travelers.html. Hotels, tours, volunteer opportunities - you name it, National Geographic links to it. Lastly, there's greenvacationhub.com, which has a map of green lodging available around the world. And of course, spread the word! If you know people who travel more than you do, let them know about these resources.

Green pets (aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care-tips/go-green-for-pets.aspx): This link provides a great checklist for green pet ownership, from donating old supplies and using tap water to using vinegar for messes and more. An excellent resource for all the pet owners in your life!

DIY and Spring Cleaning: For you students out there, hopefully you'll (and I'll) be getting some more free time in the summer. The internet is full of green DIY projects. The site Earth Techling (earthtechling.com) has ideas for greening your home, interesting DIY projects (algae powered nightlight!), and a lot of information about green technology.

Pick up trash: For Earth Day/Week/Month/whenever you want, taking it upon yourself to do a street cleanup is always a good idea. Leah, who was in the thick of a lot of the craziness in the Boston area this week (and is thankfully fine, as is her family!), says: "I'm going to do a little street cleanup of trash leftover from all the reporters and police and SWAT teams, and my son has been asking me to bring a bag next time we walk on the bike path so he can help pick up trash!" Any large gathering of people - most of which hopefully will not involve SWAT - will leave behind trash, and picking it up is a great way of improving your community.