VivirLatino

5 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day : Latino Style

10:00 H | Topics: Environment

Feliz Earth Day mi gente. Hopefully today you will find a way to do something for madre tierra if you haven't been doing so already. Here are some quick and easy things you can do right now to celebrate and sustain mother earth for us and for generaciones to come.

1 : Let (Those Wires) Loose
Unplug electronics you're not using, this includes your cell phone charger, television, and yes, computer (when you're not reading VL). Even when many electronics are turned off they still use power (and still cost you).

2 : Don't Be a Chica(o) Plastica
If you're still choosing plastic when they offer paper or plastic, try changing your answer. Or better yet carry your own cloth reusable bag when shopping. I do (most of the time- sometimes I forget). And if you've been paying any attention you know that that plastics in water bottles (BPA's) aren't doing you (or landfills) and good. Buy a stainless steel water bottle that you can use over and over. Mala's favorite is Kleen Kanteen.

More tips after the jump.

3: Walk it!
Come on, you know we look good and no one can see how good you look when you're hiding behind a car door. The weather is finally nice, so go for a walk instead of driving, especially if you're going to the corner store (you know you do it!). Going somewhere farther? Try mass transit if you're in a big city. It's cheaper than filling up your tank. Or why not get some hot wheels and ride a bike.

4. Don't be a Sucia : Clean Green
All those chemicals that make your house smell like a pine forest aren't good for you or for the pine forest (and anyway- do you live in a pine forest? Well then???!!). Cleaning with items like baking soda, vinegar, and soap, you can make your own cleaning supplies and on the cheap! It's not as hard as it sounds (if Mala can do it- you can do it).

5: Listen to your mami and eat your veggies
Like any good Latina I love my carne. Bring on the pernil baby! But did you know that swapping one meat meal for one veggie meal during your week helps la tierra? Raising produce uses less energy than that vaca.

Related

• Constitutional Protections Not Applied to Ana Romero: Mujer, Madre, Trabajadora, Muerta (Wednesday, Sep 17 2008)
• Deadly Blasts During El Grito Celebrations (Tuesday, Sep 16 2008)