Small Actions, Big Results

In the spirit of eco-steps, there are many seemingly small, easy things we can all do that can add up to have a collectively large impact on our health, our lives and our environment.  But maybe there aren't enough of us doing them.  And maybe we could all do a little bit more.  I think both statements are true.  With June of 2010 being the hottest on record, and terrible things like the BP oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, flooding in Pakistan, and drought and wild fires in Russia, I think it's time that everyone start paying a little closer attention.

Go Organic and Eat Fewer Pesticides

As mentioned in a previous post The Dirty Dozen, it is important to seek out pesticide-free fruits and veggies whenever possible.  The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has come up with a Shopper's Guide to Pesticides and Dr. Andrew Weil, renowned medical expert on natural health and wellness, tells us why and how he uses the Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides.

 For more information, go to: http://www.foodnews.org/.

Happy Eco-Stepping to cleaner food and better health!

Happy Birthday, Earth Day!

Since this blog is dedicated to all of the little things or eco-steps we can take to make this world a better and healthier place for us, I would be remiss if I did not at least acknowledge that today marks the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, along with the 91,100,000 other sites that Google returned when I typed in "Earth Day."  I feel somewhat of a kindred spirit with Earth Day since I am also turning 40 this year (gasp!).  40 seems like a good age to look back and reflect upon one's life and experiences, and then to look forward to the good that is yet to come.  It is somewhat of a milestone.  In the last 40 years, we have learned a lot about the environment and our impact on it. 

Surrender Your Soles!

In the spirit of eco-stepping to a more sustainable, happier world:

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April 8th is TOMS One Day Without Shoes. This is the day that we spread awareness about the power a simple pair of shoes has over a child's life. Most children in developing countries grow up barefoot. This leads to many diseases, hardships, and prevents the children from attending school. Through everyday encounters with domestic poverty, we are reminded to appreciate having food and shelter. But have you ever considered how lucky and blessed we are to have shoes? Imagine a life without them; constantly being aware of the ground in front of your, suffering regular cuts and scrapes, tending to infection after each walk, and enduring not only terrain, but the heat and cold too. 
By going a day without shoes you will be helping spread awareness of the simple solution to a huge pressing problem. Wearing shoes and practicing primary hygiene can prevent both infection and disease due to unsafe roads and contaminated soil.
Here are 5 interesting facts about our soles:

• In some developing nations, children must walk for miles to school, clean water and to seek medical help.
• Cuts and sores on feet can lead to serious infection.
• Often, children cannot attend school barefoot.
• In Ethiopia, approximately one million people are suffering from Podoconiosis, a debilitating and disfiguring disease caused by walking barefoot in volcanic soil.
• Podoconiosis is 100% preventable with basic foot hygiene and wearing shoes.

Come take a walk with TOMS! GO SHOELESS APRIL 8th, 2010!!!


Or, if that's really not an option for you, you can donate some gently used shoes to organizations like Soles4Souls.