1. Reusable bags
   

You can buy them from most stores for a mere 99 cents and most stores give you 5 to 10 cents for each bag you use. Here are 10 reasons for committing to reusable bags: http://ezinearticles.com/?10-Reasons-Why-You-Should-Use-a-Reusable-Grocery-Bag&id=700504

2. Stainless Steel Water Bottles
   

Better for the earth…better for you. Plastic water bottles are a large portion of the waste in land fills. They also leak toxins. So if you’re reusing plastic bottles, you are creating less waste than if you dispose of them immediately. But it isn’t safe to reuse them too many times. The average cost of stainless steel water bottle is about $10. You would likely spend this amount on plastic water bottles over 2 months time if you use one bottle for about a week before disposing of it. You could keep a stainless steel water bottle for years. Would you rather spend $10 every 2 months or every 5 years? Here are some more reasons to make the switch: http://earth911.org/recycling/plastic-bottle-recycling/plastic-bottle-recycling-facts/

3. Change your light bulbs
   

Changing from using standard light bulbs to compact fluorescent light bulbs saves energy and money. Read more on how here: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=cfls.pr_cfls

4. Plant a tree
   

The date that Arbor Day is celebrated varies between countries. Even each U.S. state celebrates it on a different day. Michigan celebrates Arbor Day on the last Friday of April, which is April 25 this year -- only three days after Earth Day and in the same week. Planting a tree has numerous benefits from providing more oxygen to providing homes for wildlife to just making things look nicer. See more statistics and get 10 trees free here: http://www.arborday.org/trees/benefits.cfm

5. RECYCLE
   

It saves resources, energy and money and creates jobs. It’s simple. It’s awesome. Do it!

http://www.recycling-revolution.com/recycling-benefits.html

So this earth day, buy your reusable bags, stainless steel water bottles and energy-saving light bulbs. You can probably do all that in one stop! Then go home, plant a tree and sort your paper, plastic and glass into your recycling bin. Then sit back and breathe the fresh air you’ve helped create.

Or feel free to do this sooner and get an early start on this year’s Earth Day. You can jump start your commitment to the Earth with two great Earth Day events on Saturday, April 19.

1. Whole Foods-Troy is holding a Toxic Trade In. From 2-430pm, you can trade in your toxic cleaners for a free sample of non-toxic cleaners. Also, The Sierra Club will be present beginning at noon with a variety of activities. http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/calendars/SST.html

2. Oakland University is the place to be for The Earth Day Expo. This event takes place from 11am to 6pm on campus. It features a mixture of exhibits and demonstrations, including a kid’s crafting area. There will be organic food, free massages and yoga classes. An Earth Day film festival will be featured along with other entertainment and music. You can also expect door prizes! http://www.earthdayexpo.org/

For more great ways to make Earth Day Every Day: www.makeearthdayeveryday.com

Happy Earth Day, everyone! And Happy Earth Day Every Day!