Every Day is Earth Day

I'm glad we're celebrating Earth Day every year, this year on Sunday. I'm excited about the increased awareness, happy to see more and more people around me making better choices, trying to protect Earth. Earth Day is celebrated globally, and brings us all together to support a hugely important cause. That's beautiful!

But I also think it's important to remember that every day should be Earth Day, because while it's good to have that one day a year that raises awareness in a big way, saving Earth requires constant vigilance, awareness and effort.

It's really quite unglamorous - all the little things one can do to produce less trash, to save and conserve:

- Reusing bottles, jars and containers

- Renting books and videos, or downloading them online, instead of buying

- Recycling used batteries and electronics

- Avoiding individually packaged items

- Buying items in recycled - and recyclable - packaging

- Donating unneeded items instead of throwing them out

- Choosing tap water instead of bottled water

- Using washable towels and rags instead of disposable paper towels

- Avoiding "to-go" packaging as much as possible

- Using reusable containers for food storage

These are just a few of the ways we can all contribute to a cleaner environment, and they are basically tedious, everyday choices that we make each and every day, even when the disposable option is more convenient, even when the clean option requires extra effort.

I'm not saying that I'm against Earth Day of course! But I am saying that more than an annual day of awareness, I value the small, and not so small, efforts that I see people around me making day after day, often sacrificing their own comfort and convenience in order to do the right thing and protect our only home.

Why I Choose a Green Lifestyle

I choose an eco-conscious lifestyle because I care. I worry about earth, about what we are leaving for future generations. I look at my children and I think abut them, how their lives will be, and then I think about their children, my grandchildren. How bad will things be for them? How polluted, depleted, will Earth be if we keep abusing it?

Think about it. If someone told people back in the 1960s that one day they'll have to be careful about consuming fish... that fish would have warning labels attached to them, they would be shocked and appalled. But we are living this very reality, of water that have become so polluted, that fish are gradually becoming more and more toxic.

I don't want things to get worse. I want things to get better. I believe we can heal Earth - if we make an effort, if we start now, if we all do it. Of course, I can't make everyone reduce, reuse, and recycle. But *I* can do it, and I can talk about it, spread the word about how important it is to stop abusing and polluting and to start growing and healing.

You and I CAN make a difference in our environment, and we can make the choice to help the environment every single day. At home, on the go, in the office, at school - there are so many ways to help Earth.

The best thing about being green? It also benefits us financially. When we become conscious about reducing waste and reusing items, we save significant amounts of money in addition to helping our environment. It's a win-win situation! Plus, once you get in the habit, it's so easy. It becomes second nature.

I choose a green lifestyle because it benefits me, my environment, and the next generation. I don't see it as making a sacrifice. On the contrary - it benefits my health and my finances, which makes it a very logical choice.

Will you join me?

The Barn Outlet

Last year around this time, I was planning on attending the summer Farmer's Market in Williamsville.

                                                     A Happy Customer and my Helper

It was a fantastic location and such an enjoyable time! Our customers were always in such a great mood and the farmer's brought in the best crops - a great way for me to get my shopping done each week. We enjoyed our time there but this year brings a new plan.

 We are excited to open our own farm stand right at the farm here. You'll be able to come on in and purchase soaps and items you couldn't find at the farmer's market because it was simply impossible to carry everything. We're located right near the shores of Lake Ontario in the beautiful Town of Porter. State parks are located nearby as well as Artpark, in Lewiston or you could visit the wineries on the Niagara Wine Trail. Fort Niagara is approx. 15 minutes away too. There is much to see and do so be sure to plan some fun adventures.

We have cold-processed all natural soaps, organic salves and oils, gift sets and more. Classes in soap making will also be offered on occasion.

Keep checking back often to see our hours or call for an appointment. Our online shop is always open.

Peace, Love & Harmony,
Nicole