As I grow older, I am coming to the realization that people tend to jump right into the “heavy” conversations. It used to be considered a faux pas to bring up controversial topics such as illness, religion, politics and the declining environment. However I am seeing these topics more and more in daily conversation. Now, whether I think this is good or bad, I appreciate learning from others during an informative discussion... though I am not an arguer. I am very fortunate to have several friends who help to keep me in the know; and I am not ashamed to say, are far more educated when it comes to government and policy.

As our country changes and goes through these difficult times, I find myself attracted to press relating to our environment and searching for even the littlest ways to contribute. I have been called many things in my life... tree hugger included, but this is something that I am passionate about and hopefully will be the next issue our government addresses. Every once in a while my girlfriends and I will have a “themed lunch”. The theme generally is news related and is a safe place for us all to express our ideas and better understand our world. Just this week our theme was... you guessed it, the environment!

April 22, is a day that I look forward to very much. It is a day when I can let my “freak flag” fly high! This Earth Day my friends and I have decided that we are going to do our part with pride. Our annual tradition of using and wasting as little resources as possible will apply, with a couple of fun additions. After our work day is through and we have carpooled back home, our local/natural/organic feast begins! Due to the fact that we are all in our mid-twenties and are not exactly cash flow positive, we are also planning at home group spa sessions (I cannot tell you the last time I had a fun treatment!) I am a huge advocate for buying locally... and organically if you can get it, so we are planning to do facials & mani/pedi’s all with natural products! I have to say that I was ridiculously excited to find nail polish with natural ingredients!

It is so important to encourage as many people as possible to get involved. Even if it is as small as putting a reminder in your calendar, repeating “Earth Hour”, picking up a piece of trash or making the extra effort to recycle just for one day! This year is the 40th anniversary of Earth Day... why not do your part and feel the pride?!
 

Written By: 

Alexandra Harder