Earth Day is so important to me. I consider myself a good steward of the earth. Caring for earth for me, is as though she were anther animal in my care. I try to find new and improved ways to provide good husbandry.

I urge everyone to make caring for the earth, and all of its inhabitants a priority.

First, don’t litter. It’s a simple choice to find appropriate receptacles to dispose of waste.

Secondly, recycle, reduce and reuse. Try not to be wasteful. Repurpose items that you can, and buy products that have recycled packaging. Recycle everything available in your area. Storing  food  in re-usable plastic containers vs ziplock bags is an example of not being wasteful. It’s impirtant that we don’t contribute to landfills.

Thirdly, be cautious of how you use, and  dispose of  items. Plastic six-pack holders have ensnared many wild animals. These should be cut prior to disposal, so that no loops are left intact. Plastic straws have been found lodged in sea turtles noses and throats. They will not deteriorate over time. Either switch to environmentally safer re-usable metal straws, or stop using straws.

Be sure to extract from waters, any fishing line and hooks, that may have broken off of your rod, when possible. Use heavier  test line when fishing, to prevent gear loss. Pack pliers when fishing, to safely remove hooks, from fish you’ll release.

Check with EPA, Agriculture Extension Office, Fish & Game Service, and even local Universities before starting any projects. Local universities entemology dept will have environmentally safe tips to controlling pests in your region.

Dispose of all toxic chemicalss (paints, motor oil, etc), batteries, tires, medicines and medical supplies, etc according to guidelines. Never flush expired meds in the toilet or sink, or throw into garbage headed for a landfill. There are centers to receive expired drugs, or return these items to your Doctors office, and ask that they be disposed of them with their medical waste. Switching to green household cleaning supplies can greatly reduce land,air and water pollution. I use green cleaning supplies as well as natural organic “soap” and shampoo for my personal hygiene, and in my grooming practice.

Use biodegradable bags when picking up after your dogs waste. These bags are handy for many purposes.

Avoid using chemical fertilizers ,lawn treatments, and chemical pest controls. These end up in our water table, rivers,  streams,, lakes  and ponds. Adding compost to your lawn both provides your lawn with quality nutrients, as well as keeps food product out of landfills. Food in landfills attracts animals. Landfills are dangerous places for animals to forage.

Donate clothes, toys, books, media, furniture,  appliances, cabinetry, fireplaces, etc. There are local charities that will pick up large items, like Habitat for Humanity. Local welfare agencies accept almost everything that still has use.

Lastly, after all of my efforts to care for the earth in my lifetime, I’ve planned for a green funeral. There are a variety of options now available. I encourage you to look into the many choices, and create a section of your Last Will, to reflect your choice. Pre-paying for one, and notifying family members of your choice and commitment, will help ensure that your wish is followed through.

These are some of many tips that you can easily employ to become a good steward of the earth.

And lastly, make every day Earth Day !

💜, jill

here are some helpful links;

You Tube video “You Can Save the World-Kinetic Typography”  https://youtu.be/08O_Z-OW1IE

••EPA: https://www.epa.gov/

••Habitat for Humanity: www.habitat.org/

••Fish & Wildlife  https://www.fws.gov/

••University of Floida; https://www.ufl.edu/

••To find your local Agriculture Extension Office:  

https://pickyourown.org/countyextensionagentoffices.htm

••Oasis Welfare: OasisCompassion.org

••For local chemical disposal: http://swa.org

••Green Burial Council :  https://www.greenburialcouncil.org/

••For an additional article regarding China’s new & more stringent materials policy effecting local recycling, see Facebook Business Page, at the bottom of website