Ever wondered how much “nature” your lifestyle requires? You’re about to find out by taking the Ecological Footprint Quiz.

The Ecological Footprint Quiz estimates how much productive land and water you need to support what you use and what you discard. There are a total of 15 simple questions and at the end of it, you’ll be able to compare your Ecological Footprint to what other people use and to what is available on this planet. However, to complete the test, you will need to know the population size of the area you’re residing in, the size of your house and the amount of petrol your car or motorbike consumes per 100 km.

However, the quiz does not allow you to uncheck any radio buttons, so my final ecological footprint cannot be taken as it is since I do not travel by motorbike, and I (obviously) have no idea how much petrol my (imaginary) motorbike consumes per 100 km!

But if you do travel by car and motorbike, you may want to take the quiz and see if everyone lived like you, how many planets we would need :)

Brandi, or more affectionally known as Enthral on the blogosphere, creates unique accessories and jewelry from vintage, reclaimed, re-purposed and recycled elements. Eventhough she’s currently based in Nova Scotia, Canada, she will ship her items world-wide.

Enthral has a collection of very pretty accessories and each of them is handcrafted herself. She currently has over 70 items in her online store including bracelets, earrings, necklaces, pendants, key chains and hair accessories. Some of my favourites accessories are as follow:

The item on the right is called the Copper Love Choker (left) which features a hand-shaped 18-gauge copper wire and a glass vintage button. The choker measures 16 inches when closed and the pendant hangs 1.25 inches from the choker and measures 1.5 inches wide. The choker costs $30 and there’s only ONE in stock.

My second favourite item is the Art Deco Pendant (right) which features a vintage glass button wrapped in sterling silver wire. The button measures just over an inch in diameter and approximately 1.5 inches from top to bottom. It is suitable for a chain or other stringing material. The black silk cord shown in the photo is not included, but if you would like one, there are a few different options available in Enthral’s online store. The pendant costs $24 and there’s only ONE in stock.

And my third favourite item is none other that this Turtle Back Ring (left) which features a green, glass vintage button as the focal point. It sits upon coils of sterling silver wire. The ring is open at the back and is adjustable. It fits up to size 6 and is adjusted be gently squeezing the ends of the ring together or by spreading the ends apart. The turtle back ring costs $16 and there’s only ONE in stock.

Enthral readily ships her items to the US and Canada but if you live elsewhere, you are advised to arrange the shipping of the items (may incur more charges, naturally) with her. The good news is, she accepts PayPal and credit cards alike! :) However, please read the promotions, shipping procedures and store policies carefully before you make your purchases.

Did you know that on April 22, 1970, 20 million people across America celebrated the first Earth Day? The U.S Environment Protection Agency (US EPA) has some articles, reports and documents on the history of Earth Day, which dates back as far back as 1971.

Apart from historical documents, the US Environment Protection Agency’s Earth Day Web site offers many tips and fun ways to protect the environment and our health every day:

(and you don’t have to be staying in the US to do this) *winks*

1. Learn about simple things you can do around your home to reduce the environmental impacts of your everyday activities. Includes information on how to recycle, conserve resources, avoid toxins, and practice environmentally responsible landscaping.
2. Learn how to protect your neighborhood’s natural resources. You can also access information on air and water quality in your community.
3. Whether you are a student looking for a school project, an environmental studies teacher or someone just interested in learning more about the environment, EPA has lots of educational resources to offer you. You may want to take this fun Earth Day quiz to see how much you know about Earth Day.
4. Learn how you and your employer can protect the environment, save money and create a healthy workplace.
5. Buying a new car or home appliance? While shopping, you can access helpful information on how to choose models that will reduce pollution, save energy and money.

And while you’re at it, why not include your kids as well? The Earth Day take home kit provides a lot of information and tips that you and your family can use to protect the environment and your health, while celebrating Earth Day :)