What can you do for the Earth, and yourself, this Earth Day?!

think local!

Lowering our carbon footprint is a common phrase these days. Though it sounds a bit scientific, what it really comes down to is choice; choosing alternative ways to do normal everyday chores and routines. One way to lower your carbon footprint and combine juicing is to buy your fruits and vegetables for juicing from a local grower. The best way to do that is by going to your nearest green market. Unlike super markets that get their produce from across the country or even across the globe, shipped on trucks and large container ships that contribute millions of tons of carbon to the atmosphere. Local green markets are supplied by local farmers, many just a few miles away. Which brings up another point, by going to a green market, you are also supporting smaller, independent and family farms. To find a green market in your neighborhood, go to www.localharvest.org.

To cut down on your use of plastic bags, when you do go to the green market to buy your produce, make sure you bring your own reusable grocery bag.

Get the Most From Your Compost

Composting is nature’s way of recycling. It’s an easy natural way for you to get great soil for your home garden or potted plants, while lessening your family’s impact on the local landfill. And composting is a great way to reuse the pulp that’s created when you juice. You can compost using a container or bin you buy, and they range in price from 40 dollars to a couple of hundred dollars. Or you can use the “pile method” and just start a compost pile of your own on the ground. It’s really pretty easy. Just find a spot in your yard that gets either morning sun or afternoon sun, but not both, because too much sun will rob your compost pile of necessary moisture. Then dig a hole, not too deep, about 12 inches. The diameter will depend on the size of your yard, but 6 feet or less is fine, save the dirt you accumulate from digging in a pile off to the side to add to your compost every once in a while to help keep your pile warm and moist.

Once your hole is dug, line the bottom with sticks and twigs in order to hold your organic material slightly off the ground and to let air circulate through the bottom. This is important to help the material break down. Once the bottom is lined with sticks, then start adding whatever organic material you have from your yard work, your pulp from juicing, and other kitchen scraps like egg shells, tea bags, coffee grounds and cooking scraps. Avoid putting any meat scraps or bones in your compost, because they tend to attract scavengers. Then once your compost pile is started, remember to add to it and be sure to turn it over at least once a week to keep air circulating and to keep it from drying out.

Start Your Own Vegetable Garden

One of the most fun and fulfilling green projects you can do is to start your own garden. First, there’s nothing better than making a fresh glass of juice from fruits and vegetables grown in your own garden and second, planting a small garden is a project the whole family can do together. From tilling the soil, to planting the seeds, to harvesting all of the great produce you grow, a garden gives back in great tasting fruits and vegetables much more than the small amount of work it takes to get started. Third, you’re helping to fight against the large amounts of carbon dioxide put into the atmosphere each year transporting produce to supermarkets and grocery stores.

You can find out how to start your own garden at www.about.com
keyword: gardening.