happy earth day!

I've had a button since I was a kid that says 'Every Day is Earth Day'. I really believe that. Just like any other celebratory or memorial holiday, it's good to have a day to focus on the Earth, our environments, and the repercussions of our actions, it's also important that every single day is an opportunity to make a difference. And I defy you to tell me that one person can't make a difference.

So as we are often inclined to make New Year's Resolutions, let's take this Earth Day opportunity to make some sort of green or environmental resolution(s) for ourselves. Need some examples?
- Carbon offset your travel, and electrical and gas usage
- Switch to eco-friendly and biodegradable cleaners, soaps, and detergents
- Install your home with CFLs
- Start a compost pile. Plant a garden. Plant a tree.
- Resolve to cut your plastic bag usage in half (at least!)
- Recycle everything and buy recycled goods.

Let me know what you come up with and keep me posted with how it's going.

Hug a tree today and enjoy the springtime!

Texas seeking to adopt CFLs as State Light Bulb

A few days ago five mayors from major Texas cities met to discuss pushing replacing traditional light bulbs with the more energy efficient, and overall more cost effective compact fluorescent bulbs.

With the exception of Austin, Texas isn't especially well known for being environmentally proactive, but considering the amount of land it covers and the number of citizens it harbors, I'm glad to see it making a simple step in the right direction.

Switching your incandescent bulbs to CFLs is a great way to conserve energy and save money in the long-term on your electricity bills. The average bulb lasts about 6 years and expend up to 75% less energy than a regular bulb. I recently switched all of the lamps in the house to CFLS and have found they seem a bit brighter than their incandescent equivalents. I also really like them because of their funky, swirly look, which turns it into a neat design piece!

Here's the Austin American-Statesman's article.