Tomorrow is World Environment Day and is celebrated each year on June 5. World Environment Day came together for the first time by the UN General Assembly in 1972 to commemorate the opening of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. The purpose of World Environment Day according to their website is to:

1. Give a human face to environmental issues.

2. Empower people to become active agents of sustainable and equitable development.

3. Promote an understanding that communities are pivotal to changing attitudes towards environmental issues.

4. Advocate partnership which will ensure all nations and peoples enjoy a safer and more prosperous future.

This year's theme is "Your Planet Needs You-UNite to Combat Climate Change." And to help celebrate World Environment Day, we're spreading the news on two helpful tips below to help stop our planets climate change.

Dirty little secret #1: leaving your stuff plugged in sucks - literally. It wastes energy continuously and costs you money you could be using for something you'll actually use. This "phantom energy" use not only costs gazillions of dollars a year, it also sends tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere when this energy is produced. Be sure to unplug your electronics when not in use. You'll help save the planet and your wallet will be much happier, too.

Dirty little secret #2: bottled water is nasty, nasty stuff for a whole lot of reasons; it's sometimes not as clean as the free-flowing tap stuff; it's in plastic containers that may leak heavy metals into the water; and it's shipped all over the planet to get to you (which elevates the amount of carbon dioxide we're throwing back in our environment, too). Switch to tap or buy a home filtration system and halt the bottle water addiction.

To learn more tips and find out how you can get involved, visit their site for more details.

Method reaches Big Ben:  this week we got invited to the Houses of Parliament to mark World Asthma Day and the launch of Missing Out – A report by Asthma UK on the children missing out on childhood because of asthma.  needless to say we spread the good clean method love to all and one whilst discussing the serious issues around the most prevalent of all childhood illness.

Green guru Sophie Uliano has authored her second book, The Gorgeously Green Diet.  We've already checked it out and think it's pretty great. Check out our little Q+A session we had with her on what inspires her (not to mention some great easy tips, too).

Q: We love your new book The Gorgeously Green Diet! Tell us, what was the inspiration behind your second book?

I am passionate about food and cooking. As an environmentalist, I became aware of how heavy an eco-impact our eating habits can have on the planet and how by making a few very small changes, we can make a big difference. It also fascinated me how everything is connected – if I eat in a way that’s gentler on the planet, it’s also going to be better for my health, my pocket book and for maintaining my ideal weight.

Q: In the book, you talk a lot about “taking the pledge.” What’s the simplest way someone can take the pledge to help save the planet?

In the book there is a simple 6-step pledge. I found the top six ways in which we can truly make a huge difference and so by signing the pledge and committing to practice these six steps for 30 days, you get to know that you have reduced your eco-impact – as well as your waistline!

Q: It seems there are always new health concerns being highlighted in the media. When you have a new green question or concern, where’s the one place you can always rely on to get the straight truth?

I don’t think there is one place that you can depend on for the truth. I think it’s important to find an expert who resonates with you and stick with them. Being Green is about taking the middle path and gently, quietly finding the truth. Ultimately its up to you and your gut instinct, which will almost always be right.

Q: There’s a myth that going green is expensive. Help us out a bit and give us your favorite green tip that’s easy on the wallet.

Buying eco-friendly products can be more expensive, but if you’re savvy you can make it work. My top summer tip is line-drying clothes and washing them in cold water with an eco-friendly detergent.
 
Q: Thanks for taking the time with us, Sophie. Before we let you go, we have one more question. If someone wants to detox their home, where’s the first place they should start?

Start with cleaning supplies. It’s such an easy change that you can do it today.

To learn more about Sophie and her book, check out her website at GorgeouslyGreen.com.