Earth Day 2009: Planet-Friendly Celebrations

(CARLSBAD, CA) – Reduce, reuse, recycle. You’ve heard the words before. If you haven’t heeded the suggestion to go green in the past, there’s never a better time than now.

Earth Day occurs every year in April. This year, on April 22, 2009, folks around the country will celebrate a day devoted to saving our planet. Whether you’re an eco-genius or a novice to environmental efforts, take a moment to review your environmental habits. Try some of these practical ways to go a little greener in your daily life:

• Shorten Your Showers – The Department of Energy reports that water heating accounts for up to 25 percent of your home’s energy consumption. Try shorter, cooler showers to save on your energy bill and help the environment. And here’s an extra bonus – lukewarm water helps keep your skin from drying out!

• See the Light – Look for compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) that use only one-third of the energy of regular bulbs, while actually producing more light. You’ll pay more for the light bulb upfront, but you’ll save ten-fold over time on your electrical bills, not to mention that you’ll contribute towards environmental conservation.

• Tweak Your Appliance Knobs – Some of the biggest users in your household energy are major appliances. Tweak the knobs on these devices to save a little energy. Turn-on the “energy conservation” setting on your water heater. Wait until your dishwasher is full before running it. Wash your clothes in warm water, instead of hot water.

• Eco-size – Jazzercise Founder and CEO Judi Sheppard Missett recommends a few changes to make your exercise more earth-friendly. Jog outside instead of on the treadmill. Recycle bicycle tires and yoga mats. Buy a re-usable water bottle.

• Save on H20 – Install a low-flow showerhead and a dual-flush toilet, which will reduce your water consumption by up to one-half.

• Brush-up – Switch your make-up brushes from synthetics to natural bristles. Synthetic brushes come from non-renewable fossil fuels, taking away valuable natural resources. Natural bristles, on the other hand, are both environmentally friendly and are less likely to irritate your skin.

Jazzercise, created by Judi Sheppard Missett, is the world's leading dance-fitness program with more than 7,500 instructors teaching 32,000 classes weekly in the U.S. and around the globe. Since 1969, millions of people of all ages and fitness levels have reaped the benefits of this comprehensive program, designed to enhance cardiovascular endurance, strength, and flexibility. For more information on Jazzercise go to jazzercise.com or call (800)FIT-IS-IT or (760)476-1750.

Courtesy of Jazzercise, Inc. - jazzercise.com