Kindred Gifts' Blog

Another day, another important cause.... It’s easy to switch off isn’t it?

But you can make the choice now to either switch off and click on to something else or read on and become a little more aware of what you can do to help in this fragile world we share. You may even pledge to get involved and actually do something! After all, awareness is good, but action is great!

Friday 22nd April 2011 is dedicated to Earth Day, a day intended to inspire awareness and mobilise individuals and corporations worldwide to demonstrate their committment to environmental protection and sustainability.

Earth Day was founded in 1970 by peace activist John McConnell, and is celebrated in more than 175 countries each year. It's not just for the 'tree huggers' and 'hippies' and it's not a 'passing fad'.  Just like Apple and Microsoft, it's here to stay. It has to be. We've finally woken up and realised that the old ways aren't going to cut it anymore and change is inevitable.

Here are a few simple things you can do to help today. Remember:

Whether you do something big or start small, every step towards a greener future is a good one.

Tips for an eco friendly life:

- Wash your clothes on a cold cycle, and use eco friendly laundry detergents

- Where possible cycle to work or the shops, or catch public transport. Arrange with your employers to work from home at least some days every month

- Buy recycled paper, get stationery printed using eco friendly soy inks and only print emails where really necessary

- Recycle at home and work, and try to donate or reuse those items that can't be recycled

- Clean using natural (and non-toxic) ingredients like bicarb soda, vinegar and lemon

- Buy eco friendly, handmade, fairtrade and charitable gifts that give back to the world

- Buy local, organic and free range fruit, vegetables, meat and other groceries

- Cut back on the amount of meat you eat every week - a great place to start is with instigating one meat-free day per week

- Buy organic clothing or clothing made from eco friendly bamboo or hemp fibres

- Choose BPA-free resusable water bottles and lunch boxes

Want to find out about local Earth Day events, or information on how you can get involved? Head to the Earth Day website for more information and tips, including the opportunity to pledge your commitment to the environment and declare your Act of Green. 

So far over 100 million Acts of Green have been pledged from people all around the world, including many well known figures and celebrities. 

These celebs have registered their Act of Green at www.billionactsofgreen.org in the hope of inspiring others to follow their lead:

Leonardo DiCaprio, actor (seen in films such as Titanic, and The Departed)– An avid environmentalist, DiCaprio pledged $1 million to World Wildlife Fund for urgent tiger conservation. DiCaprio and the WWF teamed up to launch www.SaveTigersNow.org, where supporters can learn more about the rapidly dwindling tiger population; why tigers are important to the planet and humanity; and how to take action to prevent this species from going extinct. 

Matthew Modine, actor (films include Married to the Mob and Any Given Sunday)- A well known environmental activist, Matthew has most recently designated that all the proceeds from opening weekend of the new, animated film MIA AND THE MIGOO will support Earth Day Network's Canopy Project, which is part of the Billion Acts of Green Campaign. The movie opens in theaters on Earth Day, 4/22/11.