Earth Day has been celebrated around the world on April 22 since 1970. Originally founded by Gaylord Nelson, a US Senator from Wisconsin, it began a groundbreaking movement that led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water and Endangered Species Acts.
Earth Day festivals and parades act as a catalyst to rekindle public commitment and community activism regarding the current state of the environment. How can you participate? Volunteer, attend an Earth Day festival, launch a community garden and/or join a local environmental group. Better yet, set a good example for those around you by reducing waste, reusing items and recycling spent items.
An easy way to incorporate these ideas in your life is by cooking at home. Eating out, especially fast food, produces a considerable amount of waste. It takes energy to produce those burgers and fries. Not to mention, the paper, plastic, Styrofoam and cardboard needed for wrapping and packing that usually ends up in landfills. When you cook at home you not only help the environment but can add ingredients to increase the nutrient content. For example, try adding cubes of sweet potato to your chili for a boost of Vitamin A, which is beneficial for your skin and eyes.
What do you do with left-overs? Pack a lunch. People that pack their lunch typically consume half the calories of those that purchase a lunch. Not to mention, a typical lunch out costs $7/day or $35/week which adds up to $140/month. Over the course of year you can save $1680 simply by packing food you already have at home.
Packed lunch = Better Health
Packed lunch = Saves Money
April Packed Lunch Challenge
Your challenge for April is conserve resources by packing your lunch. Track the number of days you packed your lunch in April and send your monthly total to mtalicska@nmc.edu by May 6th. The person with the greatest number of days will win a local merchant gift card. All others will be entered in a random drawing. Good eating!