Earth Day 2009

Happy Earth Day! Last Saturday afternoon MK and I worked alongside various organizations to plant trees along the Monongahela River in celebration of Earth Day, since pretty much everyone has to be at their job today, on the actual Earth Day. Which is probably for the best anyway as Saturday was sunny and warm and today is rainy and chilly. Digging holes in the rain turns everything into a muddy hell.
There were 300+ volunteers out on Saturday, and together we put 117 native species trees into the ground. All I can say is: MK can swing a mean pick axe! Kisses angel, kitten, sweetie!
Now, to talk a moment about what any of us can do to help the planet. Consume less. That's antithetical (from a Republican perspective) to a quick fix for the economy, but it's the best thing for the individual and the Earth. I don't live a spartan existence by any stretch of the imagination, but I do think about what I've got, how to best use it, and whether I really need something new. Books seem to be the only thing that I don't question too much when purchasing. I know that I should switch to a Kindle, but I love holding a book. I like the feel of paper. Maybe I should plant an extra tree or two to make up for it. But I do know that I won't be giving up printed books anytime soon. They're like pieces of art stacked on the shelf, holding their secrets but then giving them up freely once you crack it open. Enigmatic art. Yes, that's what a book is to me.
Well, I've digressed enough for this morning.
Happy Earth Day!