Earth Day

Earth Day turns 43 on April 22, and the event started by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson in 1970 continues to grow in popularity and impact. In fact, Earth Day has gained such widespread acceptance that major retailers and beloved brands now get in on the act. That's not just good news for the environment, but for all of us as consumers, too. Freebies and sales abound, and we've gathered the best of the lot here.

Free Reusable Bag from Target
In what's becoming an annual rite of spring passage for Target, the company is giving away one reusable Target bag per shopper on April 22. Head to your nearest store and visit the Guest Service desk to claim yours. We love Target bargains, and their freebies are even more on point!

Free Reusable Bags from Kellog's
If you can't make it to Target on Sunday, April 22, consider earning yourself a series of reusable shopping bags from Kellogg's. While you'll need to have purchased any two Kellogg's cereals or Kellogg’s Pop-Tarts (10 oz. or larger) to earn a freebie, toting around a '60s-inspired Kellog's print is almost priceless. Just fill out a short form and you can start collecting all four. Think of all the plastic bags you won't ever need!Read more

These days it's easy to "like" just about anything but did you know you can do a lot more for the planet than like it? Consider that the average user spends about 30 minutes a day on Facebook. Now consider that there are over 500 million people on Facebook and you've got a lot of potential for social and global change.

This year, Retrevo is challenging people to spend 30 minutes doing something extra for the planet. Have an idea of your own? Go to Retrevo's Facebook Wall and let them know!

In the meantime, here are 10 ways you can help in under 30 minutes:

1. Recycle Your Old Gadgets
Go through your home, gather all of your old electronics and take them to an e-cycling facility. If you have some older gadgets that are still in working order but you don't use any longer, drop them off at one of your local charity's donation station. If you're really feeling ambitious, let your neighbors know that you'll be going to the e-cycling center on a specific date and offer to collect their old gadgets and drop them off. Remember, lots of electronics have harmful materials in them and it's important that they don't end up in a landfill. To find e-cycling centers in your area, go to: Earth 911.Read more

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) on Friday launched a digital photo and video contest to celebrate Earth Day. Four contest winners, to be announced on Earth Day, April 22, 2011, will receive one digital camera or camcorder such as the Cobra Digital HDVC6000 Solar digital camcorder.

The Earth Day contest started on April 1, 2011 and photo and video submissions will be accepted until April 17, 2011. Entrants can submit one photo and one video showing what Earth Day means to them. Expert judges will select a winner in each category, and an online popular vote running from April 18 – 21, 2011, will determine a people's choice winner for each category. To view the full contest rules and submit a photo or video, visit DigitalTips.org/bestshot.Read more

By Jeff Zbar
www.chiefhomeofficer.com

Earth Day is about more than conserving the world's precious and declining resources. It's also about preserving resources in the home office or small business -- which, in turn, can help conserve the world's precious and declining resources.

It's not enough just to turn off lights and wear light clothes in summer and slippers in winter. You need to do more than close your window blinds to better insulate the home office (and home), or turn off fans when you're NOT in a room.

By buying and using simple tech devices, you can save resources for the long-term. Amid the current economic recession and flourishing energy conservation movement, home and business owners and lessees alike are looking to cut costs and conserve power. At www.ChiefHomeOfficer.com, we practice responsible home officing year-round. It's smart, and helps me look my kids in the eyes when I consider our shared future.

"One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to save is through technology," notes Paul Holstein, COO of CableOrganizer.com – an online storefront offering a wide selection of energy management solutions.

Examples? How about...Read more