Green Day Giveaways -- Earth Day, April 22, 2011

What will you do to mark Earth Day 2011? It can be something as simple as making more of an effort to turn off all the lights when you leave the house, shutting off the faucet while you brush your teeth, or adhering to the old adage, "if it's yellow, let it mellow. If it's brown, flush it down" to save a little H2O when you're in the loo. (obviously, that last suggestion is best done in the privacy of one's own home!)

If you'd like to think a bit more "out of the box," here are some other ways you can do a little good by going a little greener for the day. (be sure to read all the way through for info on some great freebies!)

• Got a bunch of ratty flip flops hanging out in your garage from season's past? TerraCycle is working with Old Navy to launch a flip flop drive. Bring in any ole pair of used flip flops and they will be donated to make safer grounds for one of four public playgrounds across the country. The Flip Flop Relay, as they are dubbing it, runs from April 22 - May 21.

• My favorite all natural cleaners by Cleanwell are on sale this week for 30 percent off if you use the code ED11 at checkout. This offer is good through April 24. Stock up as they only do this once a year in honor of Earth Day!

• Enjoy a magazine subscription without sacrificing paper of any kind (read: money). Launching online this month, Bamboo Family magazine looks to be a hip collection of natural parenting tips, green living ideas and overall organic living. 

• My daughter's coveted Piggy Paint nail polishes (odorless, non-toxic, chemical-free) are celebrating the day with an extra 10% off through April 22. They've even developed a new line for tweens and teens. Use code EARTHDAY10 at checkout. 

• When you think, vanilla, do you think of ice cream? Turns out, that oft used vanilla extract sitting in your pantry comes in handy for more than just flavor. According to the latest issue of Health magazine, vanilla can be used to naturally banish mosquitos (combine 2 oz of the extract with 2 oz water. Add to a spray bottle and douse exposed skin). A little vanilla also makes a delicious smelling, non-chemical room spray -- and there is evidence that a compound found in the sweet elixir may be naturally antibacterial. Add a few drops of pure essential oil of vanilla to a few cups of oil. Place in a spray bottle and spritz to your heart's delight!

• Speaking of clearing the air, visit your local nursery and pick up a plant that will naturally remove icky chemicals from the air in your home. Among the varieties you might consider -- Ficus (removes formaldehyde), peace lily (removes alcohols, acetones, formaldehyde, benzene and trichlorethylene) or spider plant (removes carbon monoxide). According to Alexandra Zissu, green mom extraordinaire, the two plants that filter out the most chemicals are Boston fern and areca palm.

• If your idea of getting back to nature involves more than shopping for greenery, visit any state park this weekend and receive free admission. For a list of parks in your area go to http://www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm

• Get your caffeine fix and save some green. Grab that morning cuppa joe for FREE when you bring a travel cup into Starbucks on Earth Day. Your environmental efforts will be rewarded with a free cup of coffee or tea at participating stores.

• If shopping is your thing, be sure to stop by any Origins store on April 22 and bring your makeup discards (old bottles, tubes, compacts). They'll make sure the stuff is recycled and send you on your way with a bevy of free samples.

Whether you're observing the holiday of Passover or not, this simple "green" recipe will fit the bill, using nutrients from the earth to nourish your body. Found this on a delicious site thekitchn
Enjoy!

Artichoke, Kale & Ricotta Pie

1 cup canned artichokes, chopped
1 bunch kale, roughly chopped
8 ounces ricotta cheese
4 ounces Parmesan
4 eggs beaten

Oil to grease the cake pan. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease a cake pan lightly with olive oil. In a large bowl, combine the eggs and cheeses. Roughly chop the veggies and add to the cheese/egg mixture. Stir until combined. Pour contents of bowl into the greased cake pan and cook until custard is set, about 40-50 minutes. Cool on a wire rack for 5-10 minutes and serve.