April 22, 2016, the 46th anniversary of Earth Day! Some good habits have become second nature in my house. We are finally expert recyclers without having to double-check the guidelines with every single item besides newspaper.
We feed the birds (and squirrels) all winter long, and have mounds of sunflower seed shells to prove it. We shop weekly at our farmers’ market and eat more fresh, organic food than ever.
READ MORE: BIBLE VERSES FOR EARTH DAY
Some simple things I’ll focus on this year:
1) Bags in Back!
I’ve remembered to put the reusable grocery bags in the back of my car, but darn if I’m at the checkout with a full cart when I remember that I forgot to take them inside with me. No more of that.
2) Walking, Take Two
Last year, my Evie had her mind set on trying out for the middle school volleyball team. Competition was stiff and Evie was too. We started walking/jogging two miles as soon as I got home from work. Evie made the team, I was in better shape, and we had some good talks.
3) Greenhouse Effect
I actually used the little greenhouse attached to the garage the first couple years after moving in. Nothing fancy but I was proud of my nasturtium, an edible flower that grows like a weed. And my basil, yum. Then, well, work plus kids plus pets plus garage overflow–who had time to water plants? The bikes are coming out of the greenhouse; something that loves sunlight is moving in!
4) It’s About Time
I will no longer let the water run while brushing my teeth. The girls have been after me for years about this. In my family, we’re going to be angels on Earth Day.
Waimea Canyon
Heaven and the heaven of heavens belong to the Lord your God, the earth with all that is in it...—Deuteronomy 10:14
Sunset
Then God said, "Let there be light," and there was light.—Genesis 1:3
From the terrace of the St. Regis Princeville Resort
Poipu, Kaua'i
And God said, "Let the waters under the sky be gathered together in one place, and let the dry land appear." And it was do.—Genesis 1:9
Photo taken aboard Kaua'i Sea Tours Catamaran Excursion
Limihuli Garden and Preserve
Then God said, "Let the earth put forh vegetation: plants yielding seed, and fruit trees of every kind on earth that bear fruit with the seed in it." And it was so.—Genesis 1:11
Pacific Ocean
So God made the dome and separated the waters that were under the dome from the waters that were above the dome. And it was so. God called the dome Sky.—Genesis 1:7-8
Along the Nā Pali Coast; photo taken aboard Island Helicopters
Waimea Canyon
I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.—John 4:35
Kilauea Lighthouse
Again Jesus spke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."—John 8:12
Nā Pali Coast
Then He got into the boat with them, and the wind stopped; and they were utterly astonished.—Mark 6:51
Photo taken aboard Island Helicopters
Limihuli Garden and Preserve
They are like palm trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper.—Psalm 1:3
Princeville, Kaua'i
The earth is the LORD's and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it; for God founded it on the seas, and established it on the rivers.—Psalm 24:1-2
Near Kalihiwai Falls
Nā Pali Coast
By Your strength You established the mountains; you are girded with might.—Psalm 65:6
Photo taken aboard Island Helicopters
Waterfall at Limihuli Garden and Preserve
You care for the land and water it; You enrich it abundantly. The streams of God are filled with water.-Psalm 65:9
Nā Pali Coast
The grasslands of the wilderness overflow; the hills are clothed with gladness—Psalm 65:12
Photo taken aboard Island Helicopters
Kalihiwai Falls
Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it. Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy.—Psalm 96:11-12
Photo taken during the horeseback waterfall adventure with Princeville Ranch Adventures
Nā Pali Coast
You rule over the surging sea; when its waves mount up, You still them.—Psalm 89:9
Photo taken aboard Island Helicopters
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