Give a goat a job.

EarthShare member Beyond Pesticides reports that in a typical year, more than 102 million pounds of toxic pesticides are applied to neighborhood landscapes across the country in pursuit of a perfect lawn and garden. Pesticide use has continued to grow despite evidence of health and environmental consequences. But more and more institutions, like the Maryland Department of Transportation, Google Headquarters and the City of Cheyenne, Wyoming, are skipping expensive lawn treatments in favor of something a little more natural – goats. These hairy multi-taskers eat unwanted plants, add fertilizer and aerate the soil with their hooves. Read more about how goats can replace toxic pesticides and mowing, learn about other lawn care alternatives, and take an in-depth look at goat weed management.

Calling all Honest Tea drinkers: we need your vote!

EarthShare’s socially-responsible neighbor, Honest Tea, is now offering a limited edition, Fair Trade-Certified variety pack of tasty teas at your local Whole Foods market. You already know these teas are a healthy choice because they’re USDA certified organic, low in sugar and high in antioxidants.

And now when you pick up a variety pack, Honest Tea will donate .25 from each sale to an environmental organization – your online vote could make that organization EarthShare!   Please spread help the word and log on to Honest Tea to pick EarthShare as your favorite charity:  just click on our logo and then complete the very short form.  It’s a delicious way to help support a healthy environment. Hurry – these variety packs are limited!

Keep that boat shipshape for healthy waters.

Did you know that non-native species cost the U.S. $127 billion each year? And according to a recent article, invasive species may cost $1.4 trillion in damages a year to the entire world economy. Many aquatic invasive species arrive via international shipping and are then unknowingly spread by boaters and anglers between waterways.

EarthShare member Izaak Walton League of America (IWLA) has been working to protect our waterways for more than 40 years, and they want to help you make your summer boating activities safe for the environment. When you head out on the water this summer make sure your boat is clean – here’s how! Learn more about aquatic invasive species from IWLA and check out some good news about the Great Lakes, where the tide may be turning on alien species that have already cost the Great Lakes’ economy billions of dollars.

Grab your board for International Surfing Day!
Founded five years ago by the Surfrider Foundation and partners, International Surfing Day unites surfers from around the world in celebration of the sport of surfing. On June 20th surfers will do their part to give back to our oceans, waves and beaches through organized events such as clean-ups and restoration projects. Learn more about International Surfing Day, including challenges and prizes, SF participating chapters, and events near you!