The Day After Earth Day

I think that we can declare Earth Day 2007 a success: the earth is still revolving, and we're still here.

I admit that I am old enough to remember the inaugural Earth Day in 1970. My elementary school celebrated with something called "Field Day." It sounds like we were enjoying a day outdoors kicking around a soccer ball, but in fact "Field Day" was a clever euphemism for "send the kiddies out to pick up trash day."

Troops of tiny future recyclers were sent out to the school's sports field to pick up discarded candy wrappers, paper cups, Popsicle sticks and other bits of debris. Once each of us filled a lunch bag full of trash, were could have the rest of the afternoon to play.

There was one kid -- and I won't name names here -- who saw his way around the system: he brought his own trash from home. What a cheater. I wonder where he is today… probably driving an SUV and throwing cigarette butts out the window!

The point is, since those Field Day celebrations I have yet to toss a paper cup (or Popsicle stick for that matter) because I know that somebody has to pick them up -- whether at ground level or from our water supply.

These days, my biggest hurdle in being litter-free is junk mail. Yes, I recycle, but without intervention the mailings just keep on coming. If, like me, you're tired of wading through stacks of junk mail, there are some steps that you can take to make every day Earth Day.

Step One. Ditch the catalogs. Before you throw them into the recycling bin, make a note of the web address and send an email message asking for no more catalogs. I did this at the start of the year and, just a few months later, I'm nearly catalog free.

Step Two. Get rid of those offers for credit cards. You can call (888) 5OPTOUT (888-567-8688) to request that you no longer receive offers. It will take a few months before you're in the clear, but you'll be taking a smart step for the environment and for your credit rating.

Step Three. This is my favorite option. Check out www.greendimes.com. For 10 cents a day, this company will wipe the junk mail slate clean of your name and address. Their "Sapling" membership is only $36 per year and plants a tree on your behalf each month.

Here's to a world free of junk mail and discarded Popsicle sticks!

Until next time,

Conna