Celebrate your other mother this Earth Day

Save the brunches, spa kits, and bouquets of carnations for May 9th and devote tomorrow to Mother Earth.

Since the start of Earth Day and the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency in 1970, Americans have joined forces to clean up the environment and improve our world. This year, on the 40th anniversary of President Nixon’s executive order establishing the EPA, celebrate sustainability and GO GREEN! 

Yes, going green is hot right now. And yes, you probably look great in green (most likely, it brings out the color in your eyes). And YES, your choices and personal eco-footprint matter. So, aside from dressing like it’s St. Patty’s day, how will you go green for Earth Day this year?

For starters, reduce, reuse, recycle ... and compost.

Grade school teachers preach the R, R, R mantra every Earth Day but how many of us grownups do all three at home?

By reusing bags, bottles, and containers, you will cut down on the amount and toxicity of trash you throw away. Reusing is easy to do. It is also far more chic to tote reused containers and bags than the plastic kind you get at mega grocery stores. Recycling is easy, too, and can significantly decrease emissions of greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. Reusing and recycling also conserve natural resources and reduce the need for landfills.

This brings me to composting, perhaps the least practiced of the three but definitely the most fun if you’re into science (or gardening). Compost is a combination of decomposed plants, food, and organic materials that makes for rich landscaping soil. According to the EPA, yard trimmings and food residuals constitute 26% of U.S. waste. Learn how to reduce waste by composting here.

Next, reduce your eco-footprint by turning off the lights and using less water. On March 27, 2010, an estimated one billion people around the world turned off their lights for Earth Hour. By turning off your lights and electrical appliances when you leave the room, you can reduce your eco-footprint and needless waste.

Finally, learn something new about the environment and climate change. Then talk, share, blog, sing, or Tweet it to your friends.

There are also great ways to volunteer for Earth Day. It is, after all, National Volunteer Week, so don’t miss out on celebrating Earth Day through service. Visit the nearest watershed and pick up some trash, plant a tree, or join a community event near you!

Elyse Berkowitz is an intern at the Case Foundation