LiveEarth + Green Tips

Register to host an event or find out how and where to attend a LiveEarth Party. LiveEarth is a 24-hour, 7-continent concert series taking place on 7/7/07. With over 100 music artists and 2 billion people watching, Live Earth's goal is to trigger a global movement to solve the climate crisis. This is the perfect occasion to have a Green Rock Party at your place with friends. Keep it simple and earth-friendly and be a part of the universal solution to global warming. Check the Live Earth blog for more information on the concert, how to host a party or attend one, and for ways to help, get involved, donate time or money.



From the website I then found that MSN now offers a very helpful eco-conscious resource with an easy earth-friendly guide. With articles ranging from home decor to weddings to fashion, including the all-encompassing 50 Ways to Go Green.

A few of my favs...

*Recycle smart

From furniture to electronics, one person's trash is another's treasure-so when you want to dispose of an old item, don't make the dump your first stop. Two sites with alternatives: freecycle.org and earth911.org. The Freecycle Network describes itself as "a place to give or receive what you have and don't need or what you need and don't have-[to keep] stuff out of landfills." The Earth 911 Web site offers community-specific resources, with a focus on recycling. Check out the home page to find out where you can recycle your computer, your cell phone-even used motor oil.

*Bring home superhero plants

Certain greens can help remove indoor air pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene. Don't have the gardening gene? Golden pothos, English ivy, and peace lilies are all easy-to-grow toxin fighters.

*Recycle re-chargeables

Cell phones, digital cameras, and camcorders have made these batteries more popular than ever, but in certain states-Florida, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, and Vermont-it's illegal to throw them away. Wherever you live, you can find a nearby store that will recycle them for you; just go to rbrc.org and type in your zip code.

*Adjust fridge and freezer temps

Refrigerators eat up the most electricity in the household. Maximize efficiency by keeping the fridge at 37°F. and the freezer at 0°F.

And remember to keep the shades drawn during the day with the blinds turned down. This keeps out a lot of sunlight that heats up your home. Keep a fan blowing, and you can cut down the major A/C usage. I'm not preaching suffering here, just small little things that help cut down on the amount. Over time it cuts your bill down and energy-usage as well.

Keep cool with large amounts of ice cream, popsicles, and of course, a nice, tall cold one.


*Protect the earth while you picnic

At your next outdoor party, ask people to write their names on disposable cups so they'll use only one (to make it easy, put out markers). If you use disposable dinnerware, buy the kind that won't clog landfills or kill trees. To try: EarthShell plates and bowls. They're made from corn, potatoes, and limestone-and cost less than 6 cents per plate.

Tree photo from Tree of Life