Being earth-wise can mean many things to different people. It can mean eating fresh food that is free from pesticides and other harmful chemicals or riding a bike to work. Using reusable bags, recycling, and conserving water are all ways to be earth-wise as well. Being earth-wise is important to live a healthy and balanced life. It is also important for individuals to have a healthy and positive impact on our environment, because by abusing our world, we are creating detrimental outcomes.

Being earth-wise not only benefits our world, but it can also benefit our wallets as well. For example, by living organic and growing your own food or by letting our clothes just dry outside, we are actually saving ourselves money! Just through making changes to your everyday life, we can all make a huge impact to alter the negative effects on our natural world. Even just making small changes to the way we live, such as walking instead of driving, growing your own fruits and vegetables, and recycling things such as ink cartridges or your old cell phones can help start the journey to a harmonious and healthy world.

Visit Jessica's favorite vegetarian website.  

I love the green and brown trees.

Some may think I'm even a tree hugger.

I love to climb up the tall trees

And swing from their big, strong branches.

The oxygen I breathe comes from the trees,

So in thanks I give them my breath.

My shelter is built from the giving trees

It helps provide a home for my family.

My favorite place in the world is with trees

Under it in the shady breeze or in its loving arms.

I love the green and brown trees.

Seen from space, our planet looks blue. This is because almost 70 percent of Earth's surface is covered with water. Earth is the only planet with liquid water -- and therefore the only planet that can support life. All water is connected. Every raindrop, lake, underground river and glacier is part of a single global well. Water has the power to change everything -- a single splash can sprout a seed, quench a thirst, provide a habitat, generate energy and sustain life. How we treat the water in the well will affect every species on the planet, now and for years to come. One Well shows how every one of us has the power to conserve and protect our global well. One Well is part of CitizenKid: A collection of books that inform children about the world and inspire them to be better global citizens. Ages eight and up.  

I really enjoyed our Art Contest and Art Festival. It was a great way to see what the children think about being Earth-wise. Plus it was their willingness to share their ideas and talents that was equally impressive.

Children help us bring our awareness to the fun things in life when sometimes we feel burdened with all the "stress" of life. By helping each other we can all learn to deal with the stresses that we have. Sometimes vacation can help. Since school is almost over, we begin to think about the summer. We're all getting excited about what we'll get to do during the summer. But even that can cause stress. Children may have to be left alone, or parents are concerned about the expenses of summer camps or vacations.

But summer can be a wonderful time and not cost a lot. Acworth has some wonderful free events plus all the beaches. You can have a picnic in your own backyard, or go for a walk in the park. Set up a movie on your garage door and invite the neighbors for a "drive-in theater". Add popcorn and you have a fantastic, stress free neighborhood fellowship.  

Think of all the free things you can do by yourself or to get to know your neighbors. Ask your children for ideas to share and have fun. We'd love to hear from you on your Summer ideas of what to do for free. Visit our facebook page and tell us about your summer plans. Meantime, enjoy our Earth and all those on it, and have a great peaceful Summer.