Earth Day: Top 10 Things You Can Do to Save the Planet BROOMFIELD, Colo., April 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- April 22 is Earth Day. What will you do to help the earth this year? Follow these simple suggestions offered by Gaiam, a multi-channel lifestyle company providing a broad selection of information, products and services to clients who value natural health, personal development, ecological lifestyles and responsible media. 1. SLEEP IN PURE COMFORT. Switch to soft organic cotton sheets and towels to help lessen the amount of harmful synthetic chemicals that are put into the Earth and on your skin. About 25% of all pesticides used in farming are used to grow conventional cotton, according to the Organic Trade Association. Organic cotton is grown and processed without the use of synthetic chemicals, plus it improves soil health and erosion protection, supports the health and sustainability of life on our planet, and offers a long list of other health and environmental benefits. 2. WEAR YOUR HEART ON YOUR SLEEVE. Show your respect for the planet by wearing organic cotton or hemp clothing grown without pesticides and made with low-impact dyes. Today's organic cotton apparel is available in the latest styles and seasonal colors, and lets you feel good about what you wear -- a fashion statement for the 21st century. 3. JUST SAY NO TO DISPOSABLE DIAPERS. Switch to cloth diapers. Using disposable diapers increases the incidence of diaper rash, exposes baby's tender skin to dyes and chemicals, and creates two billion tons of urine, feces, plastic and paper in landfills every year. What's more, it takes 80,000 pounds of plastic and over 200,000 trees to manufacture enough disposable diapers for American babies each year. Another alternative to consider: disposables made without chlorine bleach, which studies show is a serious health hazard for both people and the planet (see #9). 4. RECHARGE YOUR LIFESTYLE. Use rechargeable batteries instead of disposable alkalines. Batteries contain toxic heavy metals and the fewer you throw away, the better. Most rechargeables today have equal capacities to disposables and can be charged thousands of times, ultimately resulting in a cost savings. When their lifespan does end, however, it is still important to recycle your dead batteries properly. Most municipalities recommend you call to find out their hazardous waste disposal procedures. 5. STEP ON BAMBOO. Consider beautiful and sustainable bamboo wood flooring. Bamboo is the fastest growing plant on Earth, with some species growing a meter a day. It takes only three to five years to replenish bamboo, so an acre of bamboo can provide more flooring than an acre of trees. Cutting bamboo shoots does not destroy the roots and fresh new sprouts grow in their place, according to the American Bamboo Society. 6. LET THE SUN SHINE IN. Consider going solar, even in small ways. Use solar energy to power your garden lights, fountain and even your computer. One of the easiest and least expensive ways to start saving energy is with lighting. Replace your most frequently used incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lights. According to some experts, if you substitute just a quarter the incandescent bulbs used in high-use areas, you can cut the amount of electricity you use on lighting by half -- saving money and our environment. 7. CATCH A BREEZE FROM THE TREES. By strategically planting deciduous shade trees, you can protect windows from summer sun to keep your home cool, but still allow the sun in during the winter to heat it. Join the National Arbor Day Foundation and plant the 10 free trees they will send you. Trees improve water quality, lower air conditioning costs by helping shade and cool, absorb carbon dioxide and emit oxygen -- and even boost your property values. 8. REMEMBER TO RECYCLE. Recycling glass, plastic and paper is convenient in most communities, with recycling bins often next to trash cans or conveniently located in store parking lots. "Recycling paper uses 60% less energy than manufacturing paper from virgin timber," according to the Environmental Protection Agency. 9. DON'T REACH FOR THE BLEACH. The 1990 Clean Air Act lists chlorine bleach as a hazardous air pollutant. Chlorine bleach is also the most common household cleaning product accidentally swallowed by children. Inhaled, it can cause respiratory problems including emphysema and bronchitis. To get a safer clean, switch to eco-friendly laundry products. 10. SALUTE THE SUN. Practice yoga with your child to teach him or her about the Earth. Honor the power of solar energy with Sun Salutations. Talk about the importance of trees in preserving our air quality while standing in Tree Pose. More Easy Ways to be Good to the Globe (and good to you!): * Take your own coffee cup to work instead of using disposables, or buy a washable cup your coffee shop will refill. * Buy recycled paper, including stationery and greeting cards printed on recycled paper. * Walk or ride your bike to do errands; most vehicles' fuel efficiency is lower on short trips. Visit http://www.gaiam.com/ for more Earth Day information and one of the largest, most diverse selections of Earth- and health-conscious products anywhere. DATASOURCE: GAIAM, Inc. CONTACT: Lisa Elia of GAIAM, Inc., +1-310-393-9547, or fax, +1-310-393-7918, ; or Jeff Vaughan of Vaughan Communications, +1-610-774-9707, or fax, +1-610-774-9708, , for GAIAM, Inc. Web site: http://www.gaiam.com/

Copyright