Last year the Earth Day Network, via EarthDayNetwork.org, succeeded in signing up more than 1 billion people around the world eager to perform at least one act of green for Earth Day, the largest civic observance in the world, annually observed on April 22. Their 2014 goal is 2 billion people making a commitment. We hope to see you at a local event highlighted on page 16.

Although the phenomena of global warming and climate change have been in our vocabulary for years, sufficient answers are hardly closer. This year we were unkindly introduced to a new twist called the Polar Vortex. That alone should be a sufficient wake up call that “the times, they are a-changin’,” as Bob Dylan presciently noted decades ago.

Come gather ‘round people, Wherever you roam And admit that the waters, Around you have grown And accept it that soon, You’ll be drenched to the bone If your time to you, Is worth savin’ Then you better start swimmin’ Or you’ll sink like a stone For the times, they are a-changin’.

It is past time we each take an honest look at what our own existence on the planet is doing to either improve or degrade the quality of life on Earth. And insist that our elected representatives take helpful action.

This month’s special Green Living issue is packed with empowering tips and local resources to aid us all in thoughtfully and lovingly embracing a more Earth-friendly and sustainable lifestyle. We have infinite opportunities to keep learning and growing well together through our daily choices.

Simple steps such as buying something secondhand, prevents another item from going to the dump. Recently I was delighted to adopt a gently used treadmill outfitted as a walking desk. Long hours sitting in front of a computer is not my ideal way to work, so this is a wonderful solution. If I sound out of breath when you call, that’s likely where I am.

Other healthy choices include switching to eco-friendly cleaning products (page 22), shopping at local farms (page 11) and carrying reusable bags into every store. I’m partial to creating mini-ecosystems; our pet rabbit, for example, consumes our family’s vegetable waste (roots, bottom leaves, stems) and deposits her waste in a box of compostable litter. The litter then goes into either a traditional compost bin or vermicompost system to conjure rich natural fertilizer for our vegetable garden. Nothing from the garden goes to waste!

Please join millions of other Natural Awakenings readers across the country in resolving to make increasingly conscious choices, starting today. May this issue inspire us all to get outside more, connect with Earth’s bounty and continue on a daily path toward a greener, healthier and happier life experience.

To making every day Earth Day, Audrey

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