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At the height of the flower child era, on April 22, 1970, 20 million Americans held demonstrations across the country rallying for a healthy, sustainable environment.

Earth Day 2018 Theme ~ “End Plastic Pollution”

We still face many of the same environmental issues as we did on that first Earth Day when founder, Gaylord Nelson, a Wisconsin Senator at the time, was inspired to make a difference after the devastation of the 1969 oil spill in Santa Barbara, a beautiful coastal town in Southern California.

Be earth friendly

With the thousands of chemicals that have been introduced into commerce since then, the GMO crisis we now face, deforestation, pollution, soil degradation and other environmental issues we face, we still have a long way to go when it comes to treating this planet properly. There’s definitely a hippie chick inside this savvy girl that compels me to advocate earth kindness.

There are many things we can do that help the environment and they are all safer for wildlife, marine life, and us humans too. I did a livestream discussing the topic on my Facebook page check it out and post your questions and comments. I’d love to hear your best tip to help keep the earth beautiful.

• The Planet Loves Healthy Hair Care Make the switch to clean, non toxic hair care. Americans poor hundreds of millions of gallons of shampoo down the drain each year. The waste water treatment plants in this country are designed to remove bacteria but not toxic chemicals so that contamination can end up back into our water supply.
• In Honor Of This Year’s Earth Day Theme, Stop Using Plastic Water Bottles Enough plastic water bottles end up in landfills each year to circle the globe 150 times and each of those bottles takes at least 700 years to decompose. Plus, the BPA messes with your endocrine system. There are a ton of reusable options out there. I love glass bottles and S’well stainless steel.  Even the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services cautions parents to reduce their kid’s exposure to BPA.
• Compost Like An Eco Boss  Seems sort of a big project but it’s not. The Spruce has some helpful tips on how to do it. Many cities even provide you with a free composting bin which certainly makes it far easier. Check with your municipality to find out if they offer that service.
• Leave Your Stillettos By The Door Pesticides, dirt, chemicals, bacteria, dust, lead, coal tar from asphalt (which is carcinogenic) and other substances get tracked into your home by way of those sexy over the knee boots (just got myself a hot pair I can’t wait to rock! Kinda excited about them). According to the EWG, nearly 85% of household dirt, pests and pollutants welcome themselves into your cozy home by way of your shoes. Soooo, leave them by the front door in one of those cute benches with shelves and cubbies and you’ll have a cleaner, healthier home.
• Ditch Toxic Air Fresheners They emit harmful chemicals into the air circulating our gorgeous planet and exposure can contribute to an increase in pulmonary diseases and increase your odds of developing asthma by as much as 71%. The fragrance used is typically very toxic because it usually contains harmful phthalates which are linked to birth defects, breast cancer, infertility, liver cancer, diabetes, obesity, autism and ADHD in first and third trimesters of pregnancy.
• Add A Touch Of Eco Romance With Clean Burning Candles Paraffin candles emit toxic chemicals such as benzene, toulene, and keytones into the air and many wicks contain heavy metals. Soy and palm oil candles are hydrogenated and often contain paraffin. Soy can be a safe option if it’s non GMO. Beeswax and coconut wax are clean, safe options.
• Hang Dry Your Clothes This will not only save energy and decrease your family’s exposure to the gas, you’re clothes will last longer and look better. It even cuts down on ironing which is one chore I avoid at all costs. Just toss them in the dryer for about 10 minutes to fluff them up, the heat removes many of the wrinkles.

Let’s love our glorious planet Earth and treat it as though every day is Earth Day. The Earth Day Network works all year with over 22,000 partners and organizations to fight for a cleaner environment. Don’t overwhelm yourself, but connect with your inner flower child and make a few positive changes for Mother Earth, we will all reap the benefits. 

Want more advice and tips on going green? Download my free guide: The Savvy Girl’s Guide To Eco Friendly Living. Implement the tips in this checklist and you’ll be a green movement rockstar.