Earth Day is sort of a Valentine’s Day for Mother Earth, not a real holiday, but a good excuse to pay attention to someone you may not pay enough attention to the rest of the year. I thought I’d put together a quick list of less-than-painful ways to express your appreciation for the planet.

• Actually walk or ride a bike somewhere. Driving 200 yards to the store to pick up a Snickers Bar is not the way to express one’s “green-ness” on Earth Day.
• No texting. Actually have a conversation with someone.
• Turn off the big screen and read a book, (eco-libris suggests 41 ways to green your read). Or perhaps, better yet, write something.
• Keep your fanny out of the big box stores. If you have to shop, hit the local farmer’s market or local shops.
• Plant something.
• Turn the AC off in your condo or car. You’ll add a couple miles per gallon to your commute, lower your electric bill a smidge and lessen your carbon footprint a few iotas.
• Pick up some trash. We all should do our part to offset the slobs of the world.
• Spend some time with the kids in your posse doing something green like visiting the zoo or going for a hike – expressly avoid anything that involves a joystick, remote, or computer.
• Don’t drink or eat anything that comes in a plastic or Styrofoam container.
• Don’t buy anything at all. Over-consumption and waste are big problems that can be addressed by just not buying stuff. Try making something instead.