Earth Day is coming up this weekend and I think it's a great time to think about what kind of an impact we're making on our planet. Small changes or adjustments can make a huge difference. For example, those plastic bags we get when we go shopping. When I started buying those reusable bags for groceries, I couldn't believe how many less bags it took to bag my groceries and then I began to think how many bags I used per grocery trip, and I thought of all of the plastic bags I have used over the years. That's a lot of bags!
I don't think it's cliche or uncool or even a political gesture when talking about or thinking about who much of an impact you and your family is making on our environment. I also do know that not all solutions, tips, advice or small steps will work for everyone but I think if each of us makes a few changes, it can amount to a whole lot.
Here are some Earth Day tips that I try to use in my every day:
- turn off the lights in rooms no one is in, that includes those ceiling fans
- unplug electronics or chargers not in use
- making my errand trips efficient by planning out routes
- when buying new appliances or electronics, trying to get energy efficient ones
- in the kitchen, I'm always trying to use kitchen towels more than I use paper towels
- when possible and affordable, I try to buy locally or regionally grown produce
Like I said, these may not work for everyone but it's worth taking a few minutes to think about how you can make some small changes to exact real big change.
The Nature Conservancy is trying to get the word about Picnic for the Planet – they are trying to have the hold the title for the world's largest picnic celebration. To find out more, visit Nature.org. To host a picnic or find one near you to join, visit Picnic for the Planet.
And now for a giveaway…to get your picnic started off right. I love these collapsible baskets, don't you?
Picnic for the Planet Giveaway (Value $75)
- Coleman Collapsible canvas basket lined with gingham fabric
- Official Picnic for the Planet merchandise (water bottle, tee, blanket, temporary tattoo)
- Reusable bamboo utensil set by To-Go Ware
- Popchips
- Peeled Snacks organic dried fruit
- Green and Black chocolate bar
- Back to Nature crackers and cookies
- Burt's Bees chapstick
How to Enter
Answer either or both questions: What have you done in your life or in your home to lessen your impact on the planet? OR visit Nature.org and tell me about a action or actions you have learned about that can help make a positive impact on the planet.
Extra Entries
For seven more extra chances to win, leave a separate comment for each type, saying you did the following:
- ‘Like' The Little Kitchen on facebook
- Subscribe to The Little Kitchen via email
- Follow The Little Kitchen on twitter and tweet the following:
Enter the Picnic for the Planet #Giveaway from @nature_org & @TheLittleKitchn http://bit.ly/Jp2nnQ ends 4/23 #picnic12 - Find a local picnic here and join the fun. Tell me where the picnic is located
- Tweet an #EarthDay tip for your follows using both of the hashtags #EarthDay and #picnic12 and be sure to share the link to the tweet in a comment below
- ‘Like' The Nature Conservancy on facebook
- Follow The Nature Conservancy on twitter
Details
One winner will be chosen at random from all of the comments/entries posted here on this post. Be sure to do the mandatory entry and you're entered into the giveaway. The extra entries are optional. Giveaway ends on Monday, April 23, 2012 at 11:59 PM EST.
For more chances to win, visit the awesome blogs below:
Disclosure: This giveaway is sponsored by The Nature Conservancy. There are a couple of affiliate links in this post – if any of the items from the giveaway with affiliate links are purchased via my Amazon store, I'll donate the affiliate commissions to the Nature Conservancy.
Sand says
We recycle everything our city accepts.
chadro says
I ‘Like’ The Little Kitchen on facebook (A Ann Casson)
retirenavalflyer(at)gmail.com
JD Northwest says
I ‘Like’ The Nature Conservancy on facebook
JD Northwest says
I ‘Like’ The Little Kitchen on facebook
JD Northwest says
Tweeted. https://twitter.com/#!/jdnorthwest/status/194567163372240896
JD Northwest says
What have you done in your life or in your home to lessen your impact on the planet? We garden, compost and recycle.
Michelle Tucker says
‘Like’ The Nature Conservancy on facebook
Michelle Tucker
michedt at yahoo . com
Michelle Tucker says
Follow via email (confirmed)
michedt at yahoo . com
Michelle Tucker says
‘Like’ The Little Kitchen on facebook
Michelle Tucker
michedt at yahoo . com
Michelle Tucker says
We garden, recycle, and make our own laundry detergent to lessen the amount of bottles and boxes to use.
michedt at yahoo . com
dddiva says
Like you on FB Shrry Conrad
dddiva says
We are using a lot less packaging and try to reuse and recycle everything. Also, packing reusable container lunches & water bottles instead of disposable.
Tonya Dean says
Screensavers don’t use less energy but putting it in “sleep mode” can reduce a computer’s energy consumption by 60 to 70%.
tdlsfm(at)gmail(dot)com
Lauren Knott says
Following Nature Conservancy on Twitter as LaurKnotter
Lauren Knott says
Liked the Nature Conervancy on FB as Lauren Davies knott
Lauren Knott says
Liked the Little Kitchen on FB as Lauren Davies Knott
Lauren Knott says
I use cloth diapers!
Leslie S. says
I like The Nature Conservancy on FB as Leslie Luke Stanziani.Thanks!
lstanziani(at)yahoo(dot)com
Leslie S. says
I like you on FB as Leslie Luke Stanziani.Thanks!
lstanziani(at)yahoo(dot)com
Leslie S. says
We use reusable bottles for water and also compost what can not be recycled so to avoid filling landfill.Thanks!
lstanziani(at)yahoo(dot)com
Jennifer says
We walk or ride our bicycles whenever we possibly can… which has been a ton lately with the awesome weather!
Patrice says
I recycle everything that I can, I have a composter, I use natural cleaning and beauty products, I garden organically and I have planted a lot of trees, shrubs and flowers, which have mostly been native plants.
Kristie says
We like to dry our clothes on the line, grow and can/freeze our own veggies and fruit, we recycle some and use reusable bags.
Lana Bradstream says
I like the Nature Conservancy on Facebook.
Lana Bradstream says
The closest one to me is in Dallas.
Lana Bradstream says
I subscribe to your emails.
Lana Bradstream says
I like you on Facebook.
Lana Bradstream says
We produce less trash.
Michele says
I subscribe via email
Michele says
We use a Brita filter in place of buying bottled water
Eileen Burke says
We do a few things…we wash all our clothing with cold water, we recycle everything we can, we use reusable grocery bags, and we use energy saving lightbulbs.
Wehaf says
We recycle, compost, and have our own vegetable garden!
bn100 says
We recycle newspapers and magazines.
Shannon says
I’m subscribed by email
Shannon says
I think the biggest impact I’ve made is going vegan, I also try to conserve and reuse as much as possible
Janet W. says
I subscribe to The Little Kitchen via email
Janet W. says
I like The Little Kitchen on FaceBook
Janet W. says
I follow The Little Kitchen on Twitter and tweeted
https://twitter.com/#!/thatmommygirl/status/194296329562898433
Janet W. says
I turn lights out when I leave a room and try to use as many natural cleaning products as I can.
Sylvia Ortiz says
My Earthday Tweet link: https://twitter.com/#!/sortiz99/status/194280822503784448
Sylvia Ortiz says
Unable to Follow @nature_org on Twitter due to limit reached on my Twitter account (@sortiz99).
Sylvia Ortiz says
Liked The Nature Conservancy on Facebook.
FB name: Sylvia Zamora Ortiz
Kyl Neusch says
‘Like’ The Little Kitchen on facebook
Kyl Neusch says
recycle bottles
Sylvia Ortiz says
Unable to locate a “local” picnic for my area (90280).
Sylvia Ortiz says
Tweeted giveaway: https://twitter.com/#!/sortiz99/status/194278108659073024
Sylvia Ortiz says
Unable to Follow @TheLittleKitchn with Twitter due to limit reached for Following with my Twitter account (@sortiz99).
Sylvia Ortiz says
I subscribed to The Little Kitchen via email.
email: [email protected]
Sylvia Ortiz says
I Liked The Little Kitchen on Facebook.
FB name: Sylvia Zamora Ortiz
Sylvia Ortiz says
Our household recycles cans, glass and plastic and takes to the recycle yard for cash – which helps up immensely with our grocery bill.
shawna says
We recycle and we plant a garden.
Kristin Donley says
‘Like’ The Nature Conservancy on facebook ~ Done
Kristin Donley says
‘Like’ The Little Kitchen on facebook ~ Done
Kristin Donley says
We recycle and reuse when we can.
paige jagan says
I bought a recycling bin! paigejagan at yahoo dot com
Jill L says
Follow The Nature Conservancy on twitter @chipdip2010
Christine says
I reduce and reuse
Jill L says
‘Like’ The Nature Conservancy on FB – Jill Lear
Jill L says
Follow you on Twitter and tweeted Enter the Picnic for the Planet #Giveaway from @nature_org & @TheLittleKitchn http://bit.ly/Jp2nnQ ends 4/23 #picnic12
Jill L says
‘Like’ the little kitchen on FB – Jill Lear
Jill L says
We hang out our clothes to dry, recycle what we can, walk to school, reuse and repurpose things.
Carmen says
https://twitter.com/#!/cmouse01/status/194236442208247809
Carmen says
I follow the little kitchen on facebook
Carmen says
We started raising our own chickens, gardening, and composting.
Julie Lynn Bickham says
The picnic for today is located at Picnic for the Planet at Boston Common! 🙂 Didn’t know about this, glad I do now!
Julie Lynn Bickham says
Subscribed to The Little Kitchen via email.
Julie Lynn Bickham says
We grow our own veggies, use cloth bags when shopping. Of course recycle.
Veronica @ My Eats & Treats says
What a wonderful recipe and great giveaway! I’m new to this blog, but have been really enjoying reading it! I truly value living an eco-conscious life, and make earth-friendly choices with every opportunity… Over the years, this has encouraged me to follow a mostly plant-based diet, purchase eco skin/body care products that are not tested on animals, walk/bike/run to places that are within a 3mi radius instead of driving, carpool, and minimizing the use of electricity and water at home. But quite honestly, nothing has been as tremendously impacting in my life as the closeness that I’ve come to feel with Earth as a result of becoming aware of animal farming… I love animals and simply cannot make decisions that can ultimately hurt them in any way. Such a perspective, I believe, has made me a kinder, more compassionate, and open-minded person, and I am grateful for that. I still consume some animal products, and that is a recent choice I’ve had to make because of health problems that I was facing while living a vegan lifestyle. Though veganism may not be best suited for everyone, living a life of awareness and compassion, and making appropriate decisions, is. Happy Earth Day!
Diane Baum says
I think everyday should be Earth Day-I recycle, plant a garden, try not to waste water, paper or electricity.
Natalia says
I also like you on Facebook!
Natalia says
Im lucky to have a vegetable garden. For about 6 months of the year, I’m supplied with fresh produce! I am also very big on recycling, anything the looks recyclable is put in that green bin outside. I also clean up after my coworkers, putting their plastic bottles in our work recycle bin when they have ” accidentally” thrown it out. I ride my bike to work (5 miles) when the weather is decent. I am also very big on unplugging small appliances – I believe the smallest things can make the biggest difference!
Krissy says
I like The Nature Conservancy on facebook.
Krissy says
I now Subscribe to The Little Kitchen via email.
Krissy says
i like the little kitchen on facebook.
Krissy says
my family and i have 3 recycle bins and we try to fill all 3 of them up each week.
i’m very big on recycling.
Valerie Taylor Mabrey says
we use cloth grocery bags
vmkids3 at msn dot com
Sammi says
I recycle as much as can be recycled, and always unplug appliances and turn off lights – it’s a little change, but every bit helps!
Paula Tavernie says
We recycle every thing possible!
ptavernie at yahoo dot com
kristen m says
In our home we have started being careful to recycle every single possible item. Most weeks we recycle more than we throw out.
blue65829 at aol dot com
tamar says
Recycling is very big in our household. I also walk everywhere I possibly can.
Lesley says
There are no local picnics in my area, but I signed up on the page.
Lesley says
I follow you on Twitter.
Lesley says
I like you on Facebook.
Lesley says
We recycle everything we can. Our town recently implemented a Pay As you Throw program where the more trash you have, the more you have to pay (you have to buy special trash bags and you pay by the bag) so, the more you recycle and use the towns no-sort recycling, the less trash you have, therefore less money you have to pay for bags! A great program to encourage everyone in this area to recycle!
Muriel says
I take lukewarm showers. Not only does it help save energy heating the water, it also makes your hair shinier.
Peggy says
‘Like’ The Nature Conservancy on facebook (peggy d)
sweetheart4171(at)yahoo(dot)com
Peggy says
‘Like’ The Little Kitchen on facebook (peggy d)
sweetheart4171(at)yahoo(dot)com
Peggy says
I pack my children’s lunchboxes with reusable containers, I recycle almost everything, and use reusable bags at the grocery store
sweetheart4171(at)yahoo(dot)com
Kathleen Richardson says
Like you on Facebook via my blog’s FB page… https://www.facebook.com/SBSITK
Kathleen Richardson says
I am subscribed to your blog.
Kathleen Richardson says
*I continue to walk most places (decided to live without a car in early 2000s)
*I use reusable grocery bags for all my shopping; even use them for packing clothes, food, toys when traveling with my daughter and grandsons
*I shop often at a local thrift store for used goods
Tari Lawson says
I have been recycling for years. I also use reusable shopping bags and recycle bags that come into my home from time to time. Additionally, I give gently used household items to friends or charities and I shop local farm stands for fruits and veggies when available.
debbie says
I unplug everything when not in use (saves on the electric bill, too)
I use white vinegar instead of some laundry and cleaning products.
I grow my own vegetables.
I walk places when I can.
[email protected]
Debbie C says
I like The Nature Conservancy on facebook. Debbie Christie
chrisdeglen(at)gmail(dot)com
Debbie C says
I like The Little Kitchen on facebook. Debbie Christie
chrisdeglen(at)gmail(dot)com
Debbie C says
I now use CFL bulbs in my home and I take reusable grocery bags to the store.
chrisdeglen(at)gmail(dot)com
chadro says
I follow thelittlekitchn on twitter(Harzich) & tweeted
https://twitter.com/#!/Harzich/status/193903028754063360
retirenavalflyer[at]gmail.com
chadro says
I conserve water, re-purpose discarded items, recycle paper plastic and aluminum
retirenavalflyer[at]gmail.com
Jennifer says
I use cloth bags when grocery shopping!
Seth says
I always keep a couple reusable water bottles in the fridge.
Joanne @ FifteenSpatulas.com says
One of the easiest things I’ve done is use reusable grocery bags. I just keep them in the car instead of using the plastic bags from the store!
Rachel R says
I recycle and plant my own small garden each year. [email protected]
Charles Burbridge says
I have planted a garden this year, and the food that comes out of it will end up not having to be shipped here, and less crap will be used on it while growing it.
Shannon Baas says
I work for a company that not only recycles but composts also. I carry a drink container with me so that I don’t have to use disposable containers.
Cheryl Free says
Following @nature_org on Twitter
Cheryl Free says
I Like The Nature Conservancy on Facebook
Cheryl Free says
http://twitter.com/TheLuckyLadybug/statuses/193808305217470464 Tweeted an #EarthDay tip
Cheryl Free says
Following @TheLittleKitchn on Twitter and tweeted the giveaway
Cheryl Free says
Subscribed to The Little Kitchen List by email [theluckyladybug[at]yahoo.[dot]com]
Cheryl Free says
I Like The Little Kitchen on Facebook
Cheryl Free says
We make our life greener by regularly recycling everything possible. We also use CFLs, Energy Star appliances, and reusable shopping bags. We combine driving trips to save mileage — and turn things like lights off when not in use. ヅ *Thanks* for the giveaway!
tml says
Use recyclible bags at the grocery store
Rhonda says
my husband and I carpool to work and always use reusable water containers instead of bottled water.
mbb says
reuse bags and conserve water!
Jackie C says
I “liked” The Nature Conservancy on Facebook
Jackie C says
I “liked” the Little Kitchen on Facebook
Jackie C says
We recycle even though there is no recycling program in our area, we’ve installed a rain barrel to keep our plants and flowers watered and try to buy local from the farmer’s markets as much as possible and take our cloth grocery bags every time.
Sharon says
I subscribe via email
Sharon says
Just last week I purchased a Camelback water bottle so that I can just reuse it instead of buying plastic water bottles.
Phyllis says
We recycle more and grow a lot of our own veggies.
Lauren @ From Everyday To Gourmet says
I follow #nature_org on twitter!
Lauren @ From Everyday To Gourmet says
Here’s my #earthday tweet link: https://twitter.com/#!/evryday2gourmet/status/193444704757612544
Susan B. says
I recycle everything!
Lauren @ From Everyday To Gourmet says
I’ll be picnicking at Fair Park in Dallas!
Lauren @ From Everyday To Gourmet says
I follow @thelittlekitchn on Twitter!
Lauren @ From Everyday To Gourmet says
I subscribe via email!
Lauren @ From Everyday To Gourmet says
i like the nature conservatory on FB!
Lauren @ From Everyday To Gourmet says
I like thelittlekitchen on FB!
Megan P says
reduce, reuse, recycle 🙂
Lauren @ From Everyday To Gourmet says
What a great giveaway! Here are some of the changes I’ve made in the last year ~
* really stepped up my recycling and upcycling game
* public and bike transit instead of a car
* gardening and composting
* reusable products
Thanks!
Trezlen says
I subscribe to The Little Kitchen via email.
Trezlen says
I follow The Nature Conservancy on twitter.
Trezlen says
I follow The Little Kitchen on twitter and tweeted.
Trezlen says
‘Like’ The Little Kitchen on facebook.
Trezlen says
I eat at home as much as possible, have cut down on the amount of meat that I eat, vacillating toward vegan/vegetarian depending how my body is responding.
Cori Westphal says
I’m an email subscriber, coriwestphal at msn dot com.
coriwestphal at msn dot com
Cori Westphal says
I follow Nature Conservancy on Twitter @coriwestphal (twitter.com/coriwestphal)
coriwestphal at msn dot com
Cori Westphal says
I like you on Facebook: Cori Eckstrom Westphal (facebook.com/coriwestphal)
coriwestphal at msn dot com
Cori Westphal says
I follow you on Twitter @coriwestphal (twitter.com/coriwestphal)
Tweet: http://twitter.com/coriwestphal/statuses/193417500891947008
coriwestphal at msn dot com
Cori Westphal says
I’ve switched to all natural cleaning products, we recycle, and I use reusable bags and containers!
coriwestphal at msn dot com
Sam H says
We’ve recently started trying to get away from disposable bags and utensils by using more earth-friendly tupperware, so hopefully we’ll decrease the waste we send to landfills!!
mark winslade says
I garden…
good for me,
good for my head,
good for the environment
Margaret says
Changes I have made in the past year to my lifestyle:
– Avoiding the use of plastic packaging–this one is insanely difficult but SO important!
– I am 100% vegetarian and my boyfriend is completely vegan.
– Bought a bike after finding a path to work! 🙂
– Air drying my laundry when the weather is nice.
– Using baking soda, lemons, and vinegar for cleaning purposes.
– Composting my food scraps.
– Instead of buying new clothes, I try to go thrift store shopping and donate my old clothes–saves money too!
– Added 10 plants and a small herb garden to my house this year.
Athena says
Following on Twitter and tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/GoddessFoodie/status/193371495941160963
Athena says
I follow TNC on Twitter.
Athena says
I like TNC on FB.
Athena says
I use reusable shopping bags at at the super market. I also have started a garden and try to eat more plant based foods.
Jan says
I’m always shutting lights off plus I’ve been recycling for years.
BusyWorkingMama says
email subscriber aleksa91 hotmail com
BusyWorkingMama says
FB fan of yours – aleksandra n.
BusyWorkingMama says
I started composting about 2 years ago, and finally used the compost in my own raised veggie bed this year. It is my first year trying vegetable gardening. I have kale, spinach, radishes, peas, beets, potatoes, zucchini and carrots 🙂
JoAnn says
At work, I always “shut down” not just “log off” my computer. It only takes an extra 30 seconds!
mary fanara coleman says
I like the Nature Conservancy on fb.
mary fanara coleman says
I follow you via email.
mary fanara coleman says
I like you on fb.
mary fanara coleman says
We recycle everything and are now starting a compost pile.
Susan in the Boonies says
I follow the Nature Conservancy on Twitter.
Susan in the Boonies says
I like the Nature Conservancy on Facebook.
Susan in the Boonies says
I follow you on Twitter and I tweeted your tweet.
https://twitter.com/#!/BoonieSooze/status/193327870691647488
Susan in the Boonies says
I subscribe to you via email.
Susan in the Boonies says
I like you on Facebook.
Susan in the Boonies says
We recycle plastics, aluminum, and newspaper. And cardboard.
Angie says
One small thing I did was to purchase the re-useable grocery bags
Kel says
I recently have been trying to compost – much less goes in the garbage.
Sondi Hardy says
I recycle, save water, turn off lights, turn my furnace down. I think it’s really important to help our planet where we can.
cassie says
I follow the nature’s conservancy on Twitter
cassie says
I like the nature’s conservancy on FB
cassie says
I follow you on twitter and tweeted
cassie says
I subscribe via email
cassie says
I like you on FB
cassie says
I recycle and try to use biodegradable plastics.
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
I like you on FB
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
What have you done in your life or in your home to lessen your impact on the planet? = today I walked to the groc store and used cloth bags and carried them home. No gasoline or plastic bags used.
gail says
liked you on facebook
gail says
liked nature conservancy on fb
gail says
i have recycled newspapers and cans
Leslie says
I subscribe to The Little Kitchen via email 🙂
Leslie says
I save all of my recycleable items and drive them to my mom’s house… my building doesn’t recycle (yet)!
Amy Tong says
Following The Nature Conservancy on twitter (@utry_it)
amy [at] utry [dot] it
Amy Tong says
‘Liked’ The Nature Conservancy on facebook
amy [at] utry [dot] it
Amy Tong says
Tweeted the Earth Day tips with the tags: https://twitter.com/#!/uTry_it/status/193133920479481856
amy [at] utry [dot] it
Amy Tong says
Nice, I found the picnic in Riverside, CA. 🙂 I can take my In-Laws there too.
amy [at] utry [dot] it
Amy Tong says
Following you and tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/uTry_it/status/193132393543114754
amy [at] utry [dot] it
Amy Tong says
‘Liked’ The Little Kitchen on facebook
amy [at] utry [dot] it
Amy Tong says
I use all environmental friendly household products, recycle as much as possible and cook with local ingredients from the Farmer’s market. 🙂
amy [at] utry [dot] it
Kate says
We have also tried to make little changes: using canvas bags instead of plastic, composting our food waste to fertilize our garden, taking shorter showers, etc. Hopefully, it all adds up eventually.
amy marantino says
I Follow The Nature Conservancy on twitter
amy marantino says
I Follow The Little Kitchen on twitter and tweeted (@onitnaram)
amy marantino says
I Subscribe to The Little Kitchen via email
amy marantino says
i am fanatical about turning off the lights when noone is in the room
Holly says
We recycle as much as possible and we will compost as soon as we get our yard together. Oh, and we plan to cloth diaper.
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar says
I like you on Facebook.
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar says
We compost and recycle 🙂