Make a difference on Earth Day and everyday (and a freebie!)

Earth Day is celebrated annually on 22 April but that doesn't mean it's the only day we should focus on the protection of our environment. Here are five simple actions you can take at work and at home throughout the year.

You’ve got the power. Turn off your computer monitor, lights, and other electronic equipment when you’re not using them. Make sure that you turn on any energy-saving features.

Take part in a ride of passage. Instead of driving, start or join a carpool, or walk, bike or use mass transportation instead. By leaving your car at home twice a week, you could cut greenhouse gas emissions by more than 1,500 pounds (680 kilograms) per year.

I’ll drink to that. Recycle beverage containers such as paper cups, aluminum cans, and plastic soda bottles. Instead of paper or foam cups, use a reusable mug, glass, or water bottle.

Think before you ink. Print as a necessity, not as a convenience. If you must print a document or an e-mail, use two-sided (duplex) printing to save paper. Check your printer's manual or help files to learn how to print on both sides.

Lend a hand. Participate in an Earth Day event at work or in your community. Find one near you here.

Got kids? Get them involved, too. Here's a web site with information and activites geared to kids of all ages. It's never too early to teach our kids about the environment.

Remember, YOU can make a difference and not just on Earth Day — but on every day of every year. Visit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) web site for more information.

Challenge: Make a scrapbook page or two to show what you and your family are doing to protect Mother Earth. To get you started, here's a yummy freebie to use on your Earth Day layouts or greeting cards. Click on the image to download it.

Good Karma Friday: Eco-friendly printing ideas

We all want to do our part to save resources by being conscientious about wasting paper and ink to print e-mails ("I just have to show this funny joke to the guys and gals at work!") and documents and such, but sometimes you really do need a hard copy to hold in your hands. Next time you find yourself in that situation, and it doesn't matter what font you use, try Ecofont from Sprang. It will make you feel a wee bit better about revving up the printer...and it's free!

Ecofont (based on Verdana) is designed to use up to 20% less ink - which is also good for your printer supply budget, too. How does it do this? The tiny 'dot' pattern is actually blank spaces where ink doesn't print.

To make you feel even better, use recycled paper in your printer as often as possible. You can find it at your local office supply store or by searching on "recycled paper" in your favorite browser. Another good source is Conservatree with information for professional and individual paper buyers, how to choose the right paper, papermaking instructions, tips on reducing waste, and much more. I also found recycled paper information in the Eco-Mall with a list of sites for printers, artists, and companies that make paper out of alternative things (even elephant poo - no kidding!).

By the way, I don't recommend using any of your own handmade paper - it's generally a bit too thick!