Earth Day always seems to inspire us to double our efforts in protecting our planet. One reader, Sun from Austin, was extra motivated — no simple light bulb changes for this woman! She explains:

“We’ve been creeping towards more greenness for years, decided to jump off and do it big time in 2007. I traded in my car for a scooter, and we’re turning our standard city lot in the middle of Austin into an organic farm. I quit my jobs as a personal chef and substitute teacher to grow organic produce to hopefully sell to local businesses. Gardens this year, chickens (for eggs) next year. I also use ‘trash’ to create artwork, things that would otherwise end up in the landfill.”

What extra steps did you take this year to do more than your part? Be they big or small, the steps you take to protect Mother Earth are important. Leave a comment so we can all be inspired to take more action!

In this forth and final episode of our Earth-focused podcast series, you’ll hear all about our “Green Mission Team”, learn about some bigger steps you can take to green your life and get the scoop on whether or not buying local is a good environmental choice.

Please let us know what you think. Click the comment link and type away!

 Earth Day Podcast Series / Episode 4 [9:51m]: Play Now | Download (88)

In this third episode of our four part Earth-focused podcast series, you’ll learn about our National Green Mission Task Force, discover some good tips for reducing emissions and waste and even how to reduce, reuse and recycle when grocery shopping.

Please let us know what you think. Click the comment link and type away!

 Earth Day Podcast Series / Episode 3 [10:10m]: Play Now | Download (117)

Learn a little bit about one of Allegro Coffee’s featured sustainable coffees along with the history and tradition of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese making.

 Sustainable Coffee and Parmigiano-Reggiano [9:38m]: Play Now | Download (124)

In this second episode of our four part Earth-focused podcast series, we demystify some commonly used environmental lingo and learn about easy tips to help green your home, garden and kitchen.

Please let us know what you think. Click the comment link and type away!

 Earth Day Podcast Series / Episode 2 [9:58m]: Play Now | Download (100)

Sharing our love for the planet with kids is one of the smartest steps we can take to ensure sustainability. Laura wrote in to share what she is doing with her young son to teach him about reusing everyday items:
“We use egg cartons for painting, coffee cans and cottage cheese containers to store his toy cars and markers/crayons; he has painted many beautiful pieces of artwork on brown paper bags and the backside of gift registries; Daddy’s old shirt is the perfect art smock; and what little boy doesn’t like a big old box???? Jake is currently learning all about composting. Again tons of fun for a little boy: Throwing leaves, grass, newspapers, and kitchen scraps into an outdoor bin. ‘Slam dunk!!’ in Jake’s own words.”

It’s great to teach kids of all ages about ways we can conserve our resources. I chanced upon The Great Water Odyssey (put together by the St. Johns River Water Management District in Florida) the other day when looking for some online math games for my nine year old. She had lots of fun playing and loves telling me about the water conservation tips she learned in the concentration game.

What other ways do you teach your kids about conserving and taking care of the planet? What environmental learning websites do your kids enjoy? I look forward to checking out your favorites.

Right in time for Earth Day, April 22nd, we present a four part Earth-focused podcast series. We’ll talk about why sustainable actions matter, help you understand what you can do and share some of what Whole Foods Market is doing as well. In this first episode, learn about our Whole Earth Weigh-In program, how to reduce your carbon footprint and what it means to farm organically.

Please let us know what you think. Click the comment link and type away!

 Earth Day Podcast Series / Episode 1 [9:02m]: Play Now | Download (120)

Looking for an allergy free season? Or at least some allergy relief options that don’t have you snoozing the entire Spring away? Relief is in earshot. In this episode we speak with two Nutritionists about a variety of natural allergy relief products. Homeopathy? Nutritional Supplementation? Probiotics? Learn how allergies really affect the body and how to take a more preventative approach in dealing with seasonal allergy issues.

 Breath Easy This Allergy Season [14:47m]: Play Now | Download (160)