What did you do on Earth Day?

Vow to not use plastic bags anymore? Did you know that most stores give a 5 cent reduction if you are using environmentally friendly shopping bags for your groceries? Doesn't seem like much, but it can add up.

A few reusable bags packed equals about 5 or 6 plastic bags. Ever notice how they they do in fact bag like this?

Get one today if you haven't yet; for less than a dollar, you have it permanently, they wash well, and by buying a bag, the funds go back to the support of other environmental causes.

Speaking of worthwhile causes,...

"Happy Birthday World Wildlife Fund"

50 years young! Founded in 1961, this 5 million member group works hard in 100 countries worldwide towards the restoration of 36 animal species populations, preservation of worldwide ecosystems and the reduction of human carbon footprints in 6 specific areas around the world. The WWF is responsible for some major achievements over the years, so support them when you can.

Heard of the Dublin Sycamore Club? It's Irelands first carbon neutral nightclub.

This Club has used eco-solutions in the design, including a heat exchange system, bioethanol stoves in place of patio heaters and a rain water harvesting system for the club’s grey water supply. Irelands first Carbon Neutral Vintage Fashion show was recently held here.

Vintage Fashion is back in a big way! Not only because of tight economics, but because the Fashion Industry wants to show how reusing clothes and choosing a more sustainable type of fashion-wear can go a long way towards carbon reduction.

The Royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton was predicted by a carbon footprint analyst to likely generate more than 10 times as much greenhouse gases that Buckingham Palace emits in a whole year. This mega event, joined by hundreds of hi-profile celebrities and guests, was expected to generate 6,765 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2) - 12 times the annual emissions from the London palace or 1,230 times the annual emissions of the average UK household.

When considering travel, the reception, the crowds and the type of event it was, we could hardly have expected less. However, apparently the Palace does understand the impact of carbon reduction and is committed to taking steps towards long term sustainability.

Kellog Co. has beaten it's 2015 target now, by sending only 5% of the waste they generate to the landfills. Overall waste to the landfills have been reduced by 51% since 2005, one plant in particular had a savings of 67% alone. That's impressive.

Kellogs has definate goals and policies in place towards: Sustainable packaging, agricultural sourcing, (where the foods they use come from) water consumption, and energy and greenhouse emissions all used to produce their products.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently named Sears the 2011 ENERGY STAR® Retail Partner of the Year. This honor recognizes Sears for their efforts to promote ENERGY STAR products by educating consumers on the financial and environmental benefits of purchasing an ENERGY STAR-qualified appliance, TV, etc. Sears aims to not only help customers save money, but also help customers reduce greenhouse gas emissions from everyday household activities.

From fashion to Corn Flakes, and so many other things in between, events are taking place in the background that work towards reducing our carbon footprints, which is only to our benefit.

As others are striving to do their part towards green living and carbon reduction improvements on a larger scale, let's still continue to do ours at home as best we can!

Until next time,

Jane