Back in 1970, the idea of establishing a day to celebrate our planet and focus on protecting its delicate resources was radical thinking by some standards. Now, more than 40 years later, it’s a mainstream idea — but the environmental challenges continue. So the spirit of Earth Day remains hugely important year-round if we care for the “Big Blue Marble” that sustains us all.

At Earthbound, our work helps us make Earth Day every day; we believe that organic food and farming are the healthiest choices for people and the planet. (Organic tastes great, too!)

Yet even as individuals, every little thing we do, every little choice we make that helps lighten our impact on the environment can add up to big progress. Here are a few little ideas that are making a difference for folks on our staff:

• Ed on our Innovation team set up coordinated colored bins at his house, one set inside and another outside, for the recyclables, compostables and trash collected by his local waste management company. The colors make it easy to remember which materials go where: blue to blue for recyclables like cans and bottles, green to green for compostables like food scraps and plant trimmings, and yellow to yellow for trash that just can’t go anywhere else. He says the bright color cues help reinforce the recycling habit for his kids...(and keep collection day simple).
• Molly and Jean in Marketing decided to carpool, to not only save gas but to save time, too; their route between home to work has carpool lanes that routinely cut their time in tight Silicon Valley traffic almost in half. Other staffers join when they can. And it’s nice to have someone to talk to on the way!
• Seán in Operations Planning made the switch to compact fluorescent (CFL) light bulbs and installed light timers throughout his apartment…and he hasn’t had to replace lightbulbs for a couple of years now. Even in his small dwelling he’s noticed real savings on his electric bill.

Has Earth Day motivated you toward a greener habit or two? Check out the easy ideas and links on our Greener Living page and at the Earth Day Network, for starters. Find something you like and give it a try — then tell a friend. All we have to gain is a healthier planet.