Save the Earth

You may not think you have the time or energy to volunteer, but there are lots of ways you can contribute with just a few hours a week. When you lend a hand on Earth Day and beyond, you help your neighbors and teach your children that becoming involved in environmental causes is worth one of your most precious gifts -- your time.Planting a garden is one of the best ways to share the Earth with your children. It will teach them about the seasons as well as the cycle of life. Gardening offers object lessons in the weather, chemistry and the local wildlife. Your kids will also learn that some creatures like worms, bees and ladybugs are good friends to have in an herb garden or vegetable patch with important jobs to do.

To make this a more Earth Day-focused event, choose to plant some native species in your landscape. Native plants are naturally suited to your local microclimate and typically need little if any extra water or special care. Using native plants and species that don't rely heavily on water in your landscape design is called xeriscaping. It's an earth-friendly practice that can reduce your carbon footprint and cut down on your garden chores at the same time.