Tag: Earth Month

Take the 30-Day Zero-Waste Earth Month Challenge!

Every year Earth Day is celebrated on April 22. People and businesses all over the world perform acts of kindness towards the planet. As awareness of climate change and devestation brought forth by unprecedented natural disasters around the world, Earth Day quickly grew into Earth Month as the need to take on environmental actions became more prevelant.

Since its conception over 50 years ago, Earth Month is a time to show just how important our planet is to us. People from the smallest areas to larger organizations bring awarenss to the forefront, enabling and encouraging people to take action. We are all habitants in this big, beautiful world and it’s up to us to make sure she stays beautiful and clean for future generations.

This Earth Month, let’s take action in how to protect our planet. No small act goes unnoticed. No big act is too magnanimous.

HOW YOU CAN CELEBRATE EARTH MONTH:

  • Go Plant-Based during Earth Month. Plant-based foods are essentially food that comes from plants, such as legumes, soybeans, and any type of vegetables and fruit that can complete a meal. When you hear plant-based, you’re probably thinking of the term, “vegetarian” or “vegan”. But you don’t have to be either of those to enjoy a plant-based meal. If you’re new to the plant-based scene, try adding more beans, peas, lentils to your meals which replaces animal meat. Legumes are rich in protein and essential nutrients for a healthy body. Did you know, that eating just one plant-based meal for the week equals to planting 70,000 pine trees a yeaer?

  • Switch to reusable products. We are already beyond trying to reduce single use plastics. Why? Because manufacturers will continue to produce single use plastics based on what the consumers buy. The trickle down effect from big businesses to consumers leaves us with millions in tons of plastics being used throughout the years. We can still do our part in reducing plastics that end up in our oceans, our landfills, and eventually in our food. Switch from single use plastics (plastic containers that should only be used once and thrown away), to materials that can be reused many times and can also be easily recycled and reproduced. Materials such as aluminum, glass, and products made from sustainable resources such as bamboo, palm leaves, and reclaimed wood are better choices.

  • Buy Less, Save More. The need to buy, buy, and buy stems from the desire of thinking we want more than what we already have. Consumerism is a huge factor in what companies produce and sell. If they know we want their products – regardless of their need – they will produce them. But as consumers, we also have the strongest voice in what we buy. We don’t want the cheap quality products that break after a few uses. We don’t want products that are not safe for our families. And we certainly don’t want to support companies that don’t align with our values. In this sense, buy less of what you don’t need and you’ll actually end up saving more money. Pretty easy to understand and appreciate that your dollars speak volumes in sending out a message to these corporations.

  • Support eco-friendly brands. While we are trying to spend less, we can also support companies that are responsible with what they do with their products. Choose companies that are part of the circular economy, where they find ways to reduce their carbon footprint in the world. While most small businesses try to reduce their carbon footprint, there are some larger brands that are going the way towards more sustainable practices.

  • Grow a victory garden. Gardens whether big or small creates a natural environment for all living beings. But if you grow a garden for food, there are certain plants that require very little care, will come back every year, and can be a sustainable food in your meal planning. Try growing a garden that has seasonal and regional plants. Try out easy to grow fruits and vegetables that yield fast and large crops. Or try out plants that grow in successions which fills in gaps from a previous harvest. Beans, carrots, beets, garlic, and salad greens all takes advantage from the previous crop due to their warm and enriched soil.

  • Organize a cleanup day. The world is vast and filled with people who want a better environment. That’s why organizations around the world are taking action this Earth Day by hosting cleanup at beaches and parks, and even your local communities. Organizing a cleanup day is as simple as having a few friends and relatives pick up trash on the beach, or planting trees and native plants at a park (with permission of course). Some popular cleanup organizations include: United by Blue, Surfrider Foundation, and Earthday.org.

This Earth Month, let’s start reducing our carbon footprint and make a positive impact! Please see below my 30-day Zero Waste Challenge chart and see what you can accomplish!

 

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

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EARTH MONTH 2023 – Ditch Perfection and Embrace Action

April 22, 2023 is officially Earth Day. However, during the month of April you’ve probably heard the phrase, “Earth Day is Every Day” throughout social media, news outlets, and so forth. Well, no truer words can be said than how we embrace Earth Day, or Earth Month. Each year we learn something new, something that enlightens us on how we can help this beautiful planet and all the living things on it. While there are still skepticism on whether climate change is real, the bold truth lies in what you see around you and the environment you live in. Why there are fluctuating climate changes year after year is an indication that Earth is shifting and changing from the actions of her inhabitants. But there is also good news! According to an United Nations report, Earth’s ozone layer is slowly healing itself, due to drastic climate actions taken all over the world. It is estimated to heal in about 43 years as long as we continue on the path of restoring our precious planet.

You might wonder…well, how can I save the planet? I’m here to tell you…no one person can do that job. And no one can do it perfectly either. All it really takes is one small action, which will eventually lead to many small actions. We don’t have to spend tons of money buying an eco-friendly product, or ditch our gas powered cars to buy electric. We don’t even have to spend any money to be more environmentally friendly. We just have to take ACTION!!!

 

For some, being environmentally aware is a journey. For others, it’s a fast action, momentary clarity. Where you might fall in between is probably the easiest and most accessible to everyone. We can start our journey with a couple of earth saving tasks, such as using reusable grocery bags instead of store plastic bags. Then, as we see the changes that could make, we can add a couple more tasks. Below, I’ve listed 10 ways one can begin their journey. We don’t have to do things perfectly. We just have to take action with one small step.

DITCH PERFECTION AND EMBRACE ACTION:

1 – Look around you as you begin your journey. Do you live in an area where litter is practically everywhere? Or are your city workers diligently and regularly cleaning up litter and debris? It doesn’t matter where you live – there will always be trash and litter left on the roads, in beaches, and business areas. Strive to pick up litter when you see it. You don’t have to tour the whole city to do so – you can start with your area and instantly see the changes.

2 – Start within your Community. The best place to start is where you live. Gather your friends, family, and co-workers and choose places where you can do cleanups. Make it a weekly activity and help your community be more aware of climate action.

3 – Start at home. Your home is probably where you have the most control…and the most challenges. Getting your whole family on board to be more environmentally aware can be a challenge if anyone has opposing views. But keep it simple – start by recycling your plastic and aluminums. Sort your food waste from your regular waste. Some cities throughout the US has strict rules on how to recycle and what to recycle, so check with your city’s municipal and/or trash services.

4 – Choose to buy responsibly. Where you put your money can determine how businesses will act. Don’t want to spend money on plastic waste? Support businesses that create products meant to help the environment. Not sure what to do with a closetful of clothes you’ll never wear again? Think about what to purchase the next time you want a new shirt or pants. 

5 – Choose organic. The word “organic” has been around for many years and there were some ambiguity in the beginning. People thought they were being “green-washed” into buying organic while not really knowing where the products were made or how they were made. Companies were jumping on the bandwagon with easy terms such as “made with organic ingredients” or “all-natural”, and inevitably caused confusion for real brands who were producing responsibly. Always check the labels and ingredients and better yet – do some research on the brands you buy from.

6 – Grow your own food. You don’t need a green thumb to grow food at home. There are many easy to grow plants that can be grown in pots or the smallest of gardens. Growing your own food reduces the carbon footprint of food shipped to stores. Your food is right in your own home, so you can choose what you want to grow based on what your family eats. The easiest plants to grow for food are: radishes, snap peas, cucumbers, lettuce, beans, and carrots. Start off with seeds to sow in your garden or planter, or buy organic and locally grown seedlings at garden centers. Growing your own food is also healthier and create an eco-system that helps pollinators and biodiversity.

7 – Zero waste/Less Waste. You don’t have to go completely off grid to be more eco-conscious. Being zero waste isn’t achievable for everyone, but reducing waste can be achievable for almost everyone. Consider what you’re buying and why you’re buying it. If you have children then that can be difficult to do, but not unattainable. The next time you buy something, seriously think about the absolute need for it. Can it be recycled or reused? Can you keep it for many, many years?

8 – Contact your lawmakers. Government who makes laws to help or hinder the environment needs to hear your voice. After all, we elect these officials and help pay their paychecks, why not make them work for us? Contact your legislators, congress, and your governors. Write letters, make phone calls, and attend public hearings when possible.

9 – Reduce Waste at school and workplace. Besides being more eco conscious at home, take on climate action at your school and workplace too. Check to see if your school and workplace recycles bottles and cans, recycle paper, reuse paper, and have a trash sorting program. 

10 – Teach your children. Kids are the future and their actions to help the planet can start as young as possible. Ideas to get your kids and whole family on board:

  • start a trash sorting system where you sort food for Compost, regular trash, and any recyclable bottles and cans. Then be sure to dump them correctly and/or take them to recycling centers.

  • pack school lunches in reusable containers and make a habit to do so each time.

  • teach your children that it isn’t necessary to have new toys all the time. Trade toys with their friends or family members, buy gently used toys, or buy from brands that use recycled materials.

When it comes down to reality – it truly isn’t difficult to help the planet. The 5 words you can remember when you’re stuck in a situation are:

  • REDUCE, REUSE, REFUSE, RECYCLE, REPURPOSE

Happy Earth Month and let us know how you’ve helped the planet!!!

The Top 10 Earth Day Events of 2023

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

http://www.topmommyblogs.com/blogs/in.php?id=storm

 

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Earth Month with Natural Products Expo

Last month, the Natural Products Expo West graced us with their lively presence at the Anaheim Convention Center. Armed with an infinite amount of information in the natural and organic products industry, it is a worthwhile networking event that is not to be missed. My son has been attending with me since he was 7 years old, and each year the both of us look forward to the 3-day long event. Although we were tired and sore from walking the floors, we were also fulfilled with a sense of knowledge and pride that the health and wellness industry is continuously striving to do more.

April is the official start of Earth Month and as the old saying goes, “every day should be earth day”, the good people at the Natural Products Expo brought in many new brands that focus on sustainability, biodiversity, and of course, how to combat the climate crisis our world is facing. Helping the planet is an important job for all of us, regardless our age, gender, and situation.

Here are some key takeaways from this year’s Natural Products Expo West:

Functional, plant-based, and regenerative are key words we look for when it comes to food. With resources depleting around the world and not regenerating fast enough, it’s important to support this movement of food products that give back to the earth, its people, and its environment.

Diversity and representation are what we strive for when it comes to brands and companies. As we emerge from the pandemic, we should be opening our eyes and hearts to those who are still below the grid, individuals who want and need to be seen and heard by showing through their brands and products.

Upcycling and diversifying are what the natural and organic industry aim for in the future. The need to throw away what can be readily reused or “upcycled” is yesterday’s news. Growing in our own backyards and turning something old into something new is a form of regeneration and to reuse what would have once been thrown away, such as fruit and vegetable skins, seeds, and so forth.

When you’re out shopping this year, keep an eye out for these emerging and climate-friendly companies:

There are many, many more companies to watch out for, so stay tuned and keep supporting the natural and organic products industry.

 

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

http://www.topmommyblogs.com/blogs/in.php?id=storm

 

 

 

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Earth Month – It’s Easy Being Green

April 22, 2022 marks the 52 year anniversary of Earth Day. What started as a grassroot agenda to educate the world on the importance of preserving our planet, it is now a widespread event celebrated and honored throughout the world. Schools, businesses, and people all over the world come together to honor Mother Nature by leading, guiding, and performing kind acts toward the planet.

Each year I discover something new about our environment and the detrimental effects caused by humans. It oddly feels like we’re taking one step forward, two steps back. Just as we’re on the move to educate each other on the importance of cleaning up our planet, there is always some sort of setback. When will we open our eyes? When will we all realize that this planet is the only one we currently live on?

My favorite motto for people who want to do better for the environment and a more realistic goal is simply, “make just one small change. One positive change can lead to many more positive changes.” You don’t have to be a world leader on environmental issues. You don’t have to clean up the beaches and oceans by yourself. But you can take a small step to recognize that our planet needs help. You might ask yourself – what can one person do when this world is so massive? If we all believe we can’t do anything, then nothing will ever get accomplished.

My best advice is to start at home. Get your children involved. Most young children love to help clean up and learn about how to conserve energy and not be wasteful. But we must set good examples for our children so that they can grow up to inspire and lead others.

Here I’ve listed 5 super simple steps you can do RIGHT NOW. These are all basic steps that work for anyone of any age and gender. Try all of them or even just a couple. Remember – it takes just one small positive change.

5 EASY ECO-FRIENDLY CHANGES:

1- Start by assessing what you have in your house. Is your home filled mostly with single-use plastics such as takeout cartons, snack bags, and plastic water bottles? You can make small positive changes by not using single-use plastic water bottles or reduce the usage and refill a reusable water container for home, work, and school. Reducing your snacks such as potato chips and cookies is not only beneficial to the landfill, but to your health as well. As for take-outs, we all enjoy them now and then but it can be costly to our finances and health.

2- Start growing a small garden. You don’t need a huge yard to grow an edible garden. Many vegetables grow well in planters and pots. All of these can be grown from seeds and harvested within 6 weeks. Easy to grow plants that produce the fastest harvests are: Arugula, radish, turnips, micro greens, kale, lettuce, and cabbage. Try experimenting these in different stages or grow them all at once so you have a continuous harvest.

3- Start by eating less meat, particularly red meat. The road to being a vegetarian or vegan can be difficult and it’s not for everyone. But reducing even half a pound of red meat a day is equivalent to reducing 7.40 pounds of carbon dioxide produced. This is what people refer to as Greenhouse Gas which is the toxic emissions that damages our planet’s atmosphere. You might think – well, why don’t I just drive less? Well, that leads to my next step, and surely eating less meat is also good for animals right?

4- Start by driving less and using natural transportation. What – there’s natural transportation? What I mean is using your legs and feet. They’re as natural as can be. Take days where you are able to walk to school, work, or the local grocery store. Using less gas greatly reduces your Carbon Footprint.

5- Start a cleanup team. In the vast world we live in, you’ll surely see trash littered everywhere. Even if you live in the best community, trash is inevitable. They can be carried by the wind and thrown on the ground which can eventually lead into the oceans and devastate our overflowing landfills. Get together with your friends and family or join a local cleanup group. Check out Keep America Beautiful to find a local cleanup: https://kab.org/

***Check out my Earth Month Survey below!

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

http://www.topmommyblogs.com/blogs/in.php?id=storm

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Earth Month GIVEAWAY with Plaine Products!

All through Earth Month (April) I will be highlighting some wonderful brands that are doing good for the planet and people. With the rising awareness of climate change around the world now is a great time to support companies who are giving back to the planet. My own personal journey to switching out single-use plastic to more sustainable materials has truly opened my eyes to just how much single-use plastics we have gone through in my household. My family has also gone through the journey with me and I am constantly growing and learning new concepts, ideas, and companies that are helping the planet.

***Please read through to the end for details on how to enter and the official rules.

Today, I’d like to highlight one of the best eco-friendly company in the US: Plaine Products. Plaine Products is an all-natural, environmentally friendly, sustainably packaged beauty and health products brand. Founded by two sisters who personally experienced the devastation of plastics and waste, they decided to form a new eco-friendly brand focused entirely on reducing waste. At Plaine Products, you have the ability and control in how you use and dispose your products. With the opportunity for consumers to buy a refill bottle and send old bottles and caps back, this circular recycling opportunity ensures your products are always reusable by you.

PLAINE PRODUCTS ARE:

  • Free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, silicone, and palm oil

  • Blended with whole essential oils (instead of synthetic fragrance)

  • Vegan and non GMO ingredients

  • Designed to biodegrade

  • Baby safe and hypoallergenic

  • Cruelty Free, Leaping Bunny certified

  • Free of single-use plastic

  • Carbon Neutral

In collaboration with Plaine Products, I am hosting a GIVEAWAY during Earth Month. The prize will be a Hand Sanitizer gift set (1- 16oz and 1- 2.5oz) sent to the winner. Please read through to the end for details on how to enter and the official rules.

OFFICIAL ENTRY:

1- Subscribe to my blog: www.happymomblogger.com (this is a must-do)

2- Follow me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/scgmama and Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/happymomblogger. (You can follow me on both or at least one platform.) In the Comments section (of this blog post), enter your social media handle (example: @happymomblogger, etc.)

3- Follow Plaine Products on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/PlaineProducts/  and Twitter: https://twitter.com/PlaineProducts (follow on both or at least one platform).

4- Like my Giveaway post on Instagram and/or Twitter.

5- Tell me what you can do to help the environment (on Instagram or Twitter). Be sure to tag me and Plaine Products.

EASY AND DONE! GOOD LUCK AND THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING!

Contest Disclosure:

Giveaway starts on Monday, April 12 and ends on Friday, April 23 (12 am PST). Contest is hosted by Happymomblogger and sponsored by Plaine Products. Contest is open to residents of US only. 18 years and older please. Only 1 contestant per household please. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery of prize. Any violation of the rules will deem your entry as disqualified. Contest and prize is not associated with WordPress, Instagram, and Twitter and they are not held responsible. One winner will be chosen at random at random.org. Winner will be contacted via Instagram or Twitter, depending on your entry and winner has 48 hours to claim prize or another winner will be selected. Happymomblogger and Plaine Products are not held responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged products but will do everything possible to make it right. No purchase necessary to win. Void where prohibited by law.

***Be sure to check out my Ambassador Codes tab for an extra 20% off!

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

http://www.topmommyblogs.com/blogs/in.php?id=storm

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10 Easy Swaps for Earth Month

When I was a child and living at home, I’d see my mom save glass jars from food she brought back from the market. I didn’t really understand the need to save those glass jars but soon I’d see those cleaned out jars hold other unique stuff. She made pickled vegetables and stored them in the jars or turned them into drinking glasses or flower vases. I realized that there was an abundant uses for glass jars and that there are numerous ways to reuse something you already have.

Reducing or eliminating the need to buy something out of convenience is the best way in reducing waste and helping our planet. If we all do just one small act to help the environment, we are already going on a better path to cleaner air and less waste in our landfills.

Below I’ve listed 10 easy ways to make small changes to help the planet. Whether you believe in climate change or not, we can all agree that we want to live on a cleaner planet.

10 EASY SWAPS FOR EARTH MONTH:

1- Swap out single-use plastic bottles for reusable water bottles. Buying a reusable water bottle saves you money on buying single-use plastic water bottles. Plus you are eliminating unnecessary plastics in landfills.

2. Swap out single-use plastic sandwich bags for silicone or paper sandwich bags. These handy reusable bags last for many years and are compostable.

3. Swap out grocery store bags with reusable bags. Store grocery bags are usually made from a material that is not recyclable. It’s best to invest in a better quality reusable grocery bag or tote.

4. Swap out store-bought herbs and plant your own herb garden. Planting your own garden helps you have fresh herbs on hand and it reduces your carbon footprint by buying in stores.

5. Swap out polyester materials with eco-friendly materials. Materials made from organic cotton, repurposed cotton, and TENCEL are great alternatives, plus they wear well!

6. Swap out driving a short distance to get groceries to walking to the stores. If you’re within walking distance to a store, then try walking there to reduce carbon dioxide made by cars.

7. Swap out packaged produce to picking your own produce at a farmer’s market or a free-standing produce rack. The plastic packaging wrapped around produce is truly unnecessary.

8. Swap out plastic utensils and use reusable stainless steel or bamboo utensils. Just say “NO” when you’re offered plastic utensils. It’s easy to bring your own or use your own utensils.

9. Swap out new books with used books. Yes, that new book smell is quite delightful! But gently used books keep the circular recycling effective.

10. Swap out the need to recycle by reducing and reusing. Follow the 5 “R’s” and you’re on the path to reduce plastic use! Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle.

We can all do our part to make our planet healthier and cleaner. We all wish to breathe cleaner air and let nature reset itself so that our planet can stay healthy for many generations. Try doing at least one of these swaps and you’ll soon see a difference.

***Be sure to check out my Ambassador Codes tab for some great discounts! And stay tuned for next week’s posts for an AWESOME Eco-friendly prize!

 

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

http://www.topmommyblogs.com/blogs/in.php?id=storm

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