Making the transition to being "eco-friendly" can be expensive and hard. If you are finding yourself struggling to make a difference, you are not alone.

Going Green is a process you should approach one step at a time. If you try to change at least one thing you do for the sake of the planet, eventually being green will become second nature.

A helpful hint is to try doing things the "Natural Way". For example if you need to clean your home and you run out of the usual cleaning products, try googling alternative ways to clean without using harmful chemicals. I ran across this dilemma last night when taking a shower and realized my drain was clogged, which brought me to my GREEN TIP OF THE DAY: PLUMBER CRACK IS WACK!!

Avoid the plumber (unless he is cute, of course!) and skip the Drano by choosing this alternative way to unclog sinks and drains.

FIRST- Put the DRY baking soda down the drain. I use about 3/4 of a cup.

SECOND- Pour 1/2 cup of vinegar down the drain after the baking soda. Be sure to cover the drain immediately afterwards with a rag or plug, filling the hole completely so nothing can escape. This is because the interaction of
the two will cause a “mini volcano” that will want to come up and out of the drain...you want to keep it down there.

THIRD- Leave this concoction in the drain for about 30 minutes. While you are waiting, boil a tea kettle full of water.

LASTLY - After 30 minutes, remove the plug and slowly pour the HOT water down the drain.

This works, I also use this method when my kitchen sink starts to reek! Try it, and you will be on your way to a greener you!

STAY GREEN YO!!!

This Saturday, March 28, 2009, at 8:30pm people around the world will be turning off their lights for an hour to demonstrate concern about climate change. This event is sponsored by the World Wildlife Fund. For those of us here in Vegas, we'll get to see the Strip marquee lighting turned off. It's so cool that the hotel casinos have signed on to be a part of this!

So while this is an important environmental event, there's also a lot of opportunity for fun! I'm torn between going to the Springs Preserve or having friends over for a candlelit barbeque. The barbeque would be easy, but the Springs Preserve has a view of the Strip and also has a yummy cafe. They are hosting a viewing party that evening, which will be lit by LED candles.

You can get more information about Earth Hour at www.earthhour.org. Las Vegas is a flagship city and has its own Earth Hour page at www.earthhourlv.org. The Vegas page has links to a variety of events going on at this time around town. Definitely worth checking out! How easy to support the environment here, just turn out your lights!

Note: The focus of this event is not the energy saved during the hour. It's simply a demonstration of concern. Also, they are asking for non-essential lighting to be turned off, so streetlights and casino lighting will still be on.

When you think eco-friendly shoes and where to get them, I hope Vans and Zappos comes to mind. Nowadays everyone is trying to get their hands on anything "green" and some go as far as stepping up their game and producing green/eco-friendly product.

MY GREEN SHOE OF THE WEEK IS: Vans Rata Plus

A awesome after surf, or your ordinary comfort shoe, features all hemp and premium textile upper that are all eco-friendly.

Not to forget, the bamboo lined midsole, bio-degradable corn lace eyelets, and all over design made of water based inks.

Green Tip of the Day: SURFING

When you're looking for beach access before you catch the waves always keep your vehicle on marked pathways, and never drive across sand dunes.

You will be saving gasoline, coastal habitats and ensure the future of a good surf!

Surf's UP, Stay Green YO!