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This April 22 is the 35th anniversary of Earth Day,
when millions of people worldwide take action to protect
our planet. "Earth Day is our annual reminder to give
back to the planet," says Katherine DiMatteo, executive
director of the Organic Trade Association. "Parents
and kids lead busy, hectic lives, but on this day we
should all remember to do something good for the earth."
Here are some ways you can help.
1 Fight global warming, the earth's number one environmental
problem. Whenever possible, walk or bicycle, take public
transportation, and buy fuel-efficient vehicles. In
addition to conserving fossil fuels, ask your Congres-sional
representatives to support the Climate Stew-ardship
Act (S342, HR 759), a bipartisan bill that makes affordable
cuts in greenhouse gas emissions.
2 Buy organic products that prohibit the use of synthetic
herbicides and pesticides, sewage sludge (a source of
heavy metals), antibiotics, and genetically modified
organisms. Compared to conventional agriculture, organic
farming uses less energy from fossil fuels, reduces
water pollution, and enhances soil fertility and species
biodiversity. Not only are organic foods safer for the
planet, but they have also been found to contain higher
levels of important nutrients‹and far fewer pesticides.
3 Plant an organic garden, starting with organic seeds.
Instead of using synthetic pesticides, encourage beneficial
insects (like the carabid beetle, dragonfly, ladybug,
and praying mantis) to reduce pests. Plant herbs and
flowers (sweet alyssum, calendula, cilantro, fennel,
feverfew, and yarrow) that attract these useful predators.
4 Clean "green" with nontoxic household cleaners and
laundry products. Look for environmentally friendly
cleaning supplies at the store that gives you Taste
for Life, and keep baking soda and vinegar on hand for
a host of cleaning projects. Use natural insect repellents,
like garlic and neem, instead of dangerous toxins to
repel household pests. If you have any cleaners or pet-
care items containing toxic substances, follow directions
carefully in their use and disposal.
5 Support an Earth Day event in your area. Natural
products stores and food co-ops often host local Earth
Day events‹and many have educational materials for the
whole family. Volunteer to help clean up a local park,
playground, or hiking trail, and recycle any bottles
and cans that don't need to go to the dump. Learn ways
to protect your local watershed and the plants and animals‹including
humans‹that depend on it.
To Learn More
Visit the following Web sites for educational materials
and ways to help protect our planet:
Ç Clean Water Network, www.cwn.org
Ç Earth Day Network, www.earthday.net
Ç Environmental Defense, www.environmental
defense.org
Ç The Green Guide, www.thegreenguide.com
Ç Natural Resources Defense Council, www.nrdc.org,
212-727-2700
Ç Organic Trade Association, www.ota.com
or www.omamareport.com
Ç Riverkeeper, www.riverkeeper.org,
800-21-RIVER
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