Many years ago, when I was raising my children, our family hosted an exchange student from Finland, named Marianne.

While camping, I asked the girls to set the picnic table outside.

It was going to be the perfect dinner.

They put out the disposable red and white checked tablecloth, red plastic plates and cups, white napkins and white plastic forks.

It looked beautiful, so I was very pleased when Marianne announced that she needed to take a picture of the table.

"It is a beautiful study in red and white," I thought to myself.

Then Marianne said: "I have to show my family how wasteful Americans are. At the end of this meal, you will throw all of this out."

I was shocked, never having thought of it from this perspective.

And this is what Earth Day is all about - rethinking the things that each of us can do to make our planet better.

Small changes do add up.

Here's a few suggestions:

Recycle. Plastic, aluminum, stainless steel and glass do not have to be separated when you take them to the dump. And there's no fee for recyclables.

Reuse. Drop off used newspapers at the Dawson County Humane Society Shelter at Rock Creek Park and they will be used to line the cages.

Many items, like clothing or furniture can be donated to Goodwill, or the shelter's boutique, and enjoyed by someone else.

Compost your garbage. It's easy to set up a compost heap, and amazing how quickly garbage and leaves turn into rich earth.

Plant things. We have beautiful gardens here at Peach Brandy Cottage, and people are surprised that we have edible plants in with the flowers.

Rosemary, Basil, Mint, Oregano look great as part of the landscaping.

Join us at 11 a.m. April 22 at the Hummingbird and Butterfly Garden at Rock Creek Park to celebrate our wonderful world.

The Dawson County Woman's Club sponsors this event and will provide some yummy snack food and lots of prizes. We'll even use linen tablecloths, and real plates.

See you there.

Caroline Christie

Dawson County