Today is Blog Action Day, and we’re talking about poverty!

Something simple that I do is sponsor children in third-world countries.  I have 2 boys right now (one through Children International and one through WorldVision), but one of them will be turning 18 very soon.  I have enjoyed getting see little snippets of their lives, and I feel great about the fact that I can help them receive proper care and education.

Another thing that I think is awesome is the gift guide that WorldVision sends out each year around the holidays.  Gifts that you can give to people include a donation for building a well, donations to buying livestock, donations for school supplies . . . or you can buy 12 months worth of gifts!

I know that by placing my money into the hands of trusted organizations such as Children International and WorldVision that I can make a difference even in places that I can’t go to myself.

Sidenote: This post fulfills #67 on my 101 in 1001.

The day is almost over and I have STILL not posted for Blog Action Day. I meant for this post to be way better than it is - I intended to put some real time and thought into it, but some real life circumstances have come up this past weekend that prevent me from doing that. If I get a chance, I will post about that tomorrow.

But today is Blog Action Day, and that means that bloggers around the world are all blogging about the environment. I’ve got a few tips/thoughts/links to share.

There’s a GREAT list of ways to get started over on Blog Action Day website, so make sure that you check out the 50 Quick, Painless Ways You Can Help the Environment Today.

Some simple things that I’ve done to help are reducing the amount of paper I use when printing by using the amazing software GreenPrint, making the switch to compact fluorescent lightbulbs in my apartment (now available at Wal-Mart, Costco, and the grocery store - this one is too easy), and getting rid of all that junk mail (which wastes paper, ink, gas for the trucks, and energy) by utilizing GreenDimes. You can read more about my posts regarding green living here on my blog.

I’ve also got some great green links on the sidebar. One in particular that I want to point out is TreeHugger - this is an AMAZING resource, and contains great information and links to get you really started on a greener lifestyle.

It’s awesome to do something like install solar panels, buy an energy efficient car, or offset your carbon emissions. But in all honesty, we can’t all afford to do those things (though it is important to note that these things are becoming more affordable every day - it’s quite remarkable actually). But all the little things add up. By each little contribution you make, not matter how insignificant or easy it may seem, it will help.

What ways have you found to help our environment - I’m always on the lookout for great green tips and resources!

“On October 15th, bloggers around the web will unite to put a single important issue on everyone’s mind - the environment. Every blogger will post about the environment in their own way and relating to their own topic. Our aim is to get everyone talking towards a better future.”

I’m going to be joining in with Blog Action Day - green living is something that I’m currently working on, so this is right up my alley! Join us and let all our voices be heard!