Enjoy the Earth

Beach Debris
Photo Credit: Aaron A. Aardvark.

Earth Day is fast approaching, and eco-conscious people are doing their best to spread the word about green living. The more we learn about climate change, pollution and the overall health of our ecosystems, the more important it becomes to change our lifestyles for the sake of future generations.

Of all the things that humans have created since the industrial revolution, none of them is more hazardous or devastating than plastic. Toxic chemicals in our water, clear cut logging and fossil fuels have done plenty of damage, but when humanity is no longer a dominant entity on the Earth, nature will eventually heal. Plastic is not only a huge problem now, but it will continue to pollute our planet for millions of years.

The chemical properties of plastic that make it so durable also make it impossible for it to break down and return to it’s base elements. Throw away an orange or a book, and eventually it will become dirt again. Plastics only become smaller and smaller. As this happens, they also become more and more dangerous.

One of the things that anyone and everyone can do to reduce the amount of plastics that they use and throw away is to make the switch to reusable cloth shopping bags. After only a few trips to the market, they pay for themselves - and they’re incredibly fashionable.

This wonderful treasury by Oh Canada Team member The Art of Zen Crochet is a Tribute to Earth Day, and features a great selection of reusable bags that are also handmade - no sweat shops involved! There are also some fabulous handmade, recycled and natural goodies.

Congratulations to Oh Canada Team member Bovine Bubbles for making it into the Leisurely Lunch Etsy Finds tribute to spring picnics. Why not have a picnic, and get out to enjoy nature during Earth Week, April 16th to 22nd? But don't forget to clean up your litter!

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team