Activities for Earth Day

While we have all become more conscious of the importance of conservation, green living can get expensive.  I would love to buy organic 100% of the time, but on a recent trip to my favorite health food store, I got repeatedly zapped by sticker shock.  Perhaps I’m just feeling the pinch of the current state of the American economy, but has a pint of blueberries always cost $8?  And those raw food delicacies I’d love to toss into my cart…..$6 for 4 raw date balls?  $14 for a pound of goji berries?  $6 for 4 organic muffins?  And how about that $30 Noni juice?  Ouch!

On the fashion front, I won’t mention prices on Stella McCartney’s awesome fashion and skin care lines.  My husband would choke on his omega fatty acid pill if he saw the price of facial cleanser!

But anyway, today is Earth Day.  If you didn’t get outside to plant a tree, then how about honoring our planet, while stimulating our economy, experiencing retail therapy AND getting some great deals!?  What a treat to actually have a few greenbacks left in your vegan wallet for a couple of goji berries or a 1/2 oz of Noni juice?!

1)  Under The Canopy offers a smashing line of clothing and linens in a variety of eco-friendly fibers.  The “Green is Groovy” tee is cute, with its retro-goes-mod design.  Adorable and affordable!

2)  Soy-based soft stuffed toys.  These cuties are made from the waste produced during tofu manufacturing.  LanceSOYlot Ram is a great choice for creative, fiery, impulsive Aries girls of all ages, while SOYphia Goat would be a fun gift for the artistic, serene, private Chinese Zodiac “goats”.  For everyone else, Soynia bunny, or Tofu Bear, are just too cute for words!

3)  Chicobags are awesome!  The smart design folds right up into its own integrated carry case with a clip.  No more forgetting your bulky canvas or hemp bags – these clip right onto your purse or beltloop and you can clip several together by the clips.  Each holds up to 20 pounds.  At $4 each, what are you waiting for?!

4)  These soft, absorbent, long lasting towels are cultivated near the Aegean Sea, where cotton’s been grown forever!  Farmers organically grow a long staple cotton and no chemicals or dyes are used, reducing energy and water usage by 40% and 60%, respectively.  This causes less pollution and the towels keep their original plushness and color.  They are priced right, but you have to call to order because their website isn’t operational yet:-(

5)  Pure Fiji body butter in coconut cream is to die for!  A coconut milk and nut oil infusion is a divine pampering treat.  Love, love, love!!!

6)  Most dogs, even my uber-domesticated pair, are earth animals.  Simply Fido keeps your babies safe and healthy in eco-conscious style.  Check out the adorable plush toys and these sweet little blankies and summer tees!

There are lots of places that gave out trees or seeds to plant today.  Schools had children farming and planting all sorts of bushes, plants, herbs and trees.  It is a privelege to live on this beautiful planet and it is our duty to honor the earth each day we are here.

Hope you have / had a very happy, healthy and safe Earth Day 2008!