Simple ways to Preserve and Conserve the Earth

It's been about a year since I had watched "The Story of Stuff." (thanks Mom!)  It's simple. It's profound. And it's certainly timely.  It's 20 minutes of viewing that will change how you view your stuff.

Did you know that simply unplugging your cell phone chargers saves a TON of energy? For more ways to save energy in your home, check this out.  My computer needs to be on a diet!

If you are wondering what is actually in your drinking water thanks to our obsession with stuff, check THIS out.

My sister equates saving money with saving the world. Here are things she does to do both:
1- Buy used toys-keep them out of the landfill
2- Cloth diapers-win-win: better for Earth and baby
3- Cook from scratch-less packaging in the trash

4- Make her own laundry detergent-did you know that lots of the chemicals that go into our water supply aren't taken out?  You can help by not putting them in!  There are lots of great "recipes" on the web.  Here is what she uses:

Dishwasher Detergent:

Mix equal parts Borax and Baking Soda or Washing Soda.

Add 2 Tablespoons for each load.  If you use a rinsing aid or have hard water, replace it with Vinegar.

Laundry Detergent:

1 Cup grated Fels Naptha Soap, Zote, or Ivory

1/2 Cup Washing Soda

1/2 Cup Borax

I used my food processor to grate the soap and mix and chop everything up nicely.

Use 1 Tablespoon for a light or little load and 2 Tablespoons for a big or heavy load.

For some ways to help your kids see what Preserving and Conserving our Earth is all about, see links below:
The Wildlife Conservation Center

Join a local hike with the Sierra Club

Kids can learn what they can do to save energy Here

Check out Spring Outside 2009 at nature.org

This quote seems all the more poingant this week:

'There is a great work for the Saints to do.  Progress, and improve upon and make beautiful everything around you. Cultivate the earth, and cultivate your minds. Build cities, adorn your habitations, make gardens, orchards, and vineyards, and render the earth so pleasant that when you look upon your labors you may do so with pleasure, and that angels may delight to come and visit your beautiful locations. In the mean time continually seek to adorn your minds with all the graces of the Spirit of Christ" (Deseret News, Aug. 8, 1860, 177)."The more you trust and rely upon the Spirit, the greater your capacity to create. That is your opportunity in this life and your destiny in the life to come... trust and rely on the Spirit. As you take the normal opportunities of your daily life and create something of beauty and helpfulness, you improve not only the world around you but also the world within you."

~Brigham Young (nearly a century and a half ago!)

Being a good steward on this Earth is something that is personal.  It truly begins with the beauty you create and maintain in your own life and home.  I find myself more committed and more informed to preserve and conserve the Earth.  It's a Little Project that means a lot.