5 Things to Do For Earth Day

Officially, Earth Day 2012 doesn't arrive until Sunday, but people from sea to shining sea are taking action to protect the planet all week long. Of course, if one cares for Mother Earth, being an ecologically responsible citizen of the world is something one can practice each and every day.

Still, this being Earth Week, it's the perfect time to present ideas for ways people can take steps in the direction of making the planet a cleaner and greener place.

Patch decided to enlist Parsippany's recycling guru, Public Works Director Greg Schneider, to share what he calls "very good ideas for Earth Day 2012."

1. Save Energy:  Turn off lights whenever possible. Use hybrid (reduced energy) light bulbs. Unplug appliances (phantom energy) when not in use. A mild winter this year doesn’t mean that next won’t be a bear; check your home for energy leaks and re-insulate.
2. Pick Up Litter:  Many of us are taking walks these days to stay healthy. Take a plastic bag with you and pick up any litter you might see on our roads, along our brooks and streams and in our beautiful parks.  
3. Use Green Transportation:  Walk, ride or bike whenever possible – Skip the car!                    
4. Go Chemical-Free around the Home: Adopt a chemical-free lifestyle. 
5. Most Important – Recycle!  Take a look in your garbage once every couple of days; you’ll be amazed when you see how much waste you have inadvertently thrown out that can be recycled.  Take the envelopes, cereal boxes, milk cartons, paper towel rolls and so much more and put them in your recycling container. Remember, so everything can go in just one container.