April 22 is Earth Day. What will you do on this day to celebrate the diversity of life on our planet? What will you do promote a healthier environment? My mom thinks I should start a compost pile. Our local Home Depot is selling compost bins for $35. This would be a pretty affordable way to make a difference by cutting down on yard and kitchen trash and nourishing the soil in my yard.

Publix GreenWise Market magazine recommends I honor Earth Day by putting together a tropical snack mix with ingredients from around the world. Each yummy item listed below comes from a crop grown in ways that protect the rain forest.

• Dried papaya, diced (Mexico)

• Dried pineapple, diced (Phillipines)

• Dried banana chips (Central and South America)

• Flaked coconut, unsweetened (Philipines)

• Macadamia nuts, chopped (Hawaii)

• Cashews, raw (India)

For more Earth Day inspiration, visit earthday.net.

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My little one and I are still on the road visiting family on the West Coast, an extension of a visit spurred by the holiday during which we give thanks and stuff our faces, not necessarily in that order.

Honestly, I'm sure we haven't burned all of the excess off since we've been here. But aside from the Turkey Bowl, we managed to sneak in a beautiful hike at the Land of the Medicine Buddha in Santa Cruz, California. I'm happy to say it was quite a workout for the body and a peaceful excursion for the mind amid redwoods and Tibetan prayer flags.

So, if your in the North or East, put on your coat; if you're anywhere else, find your way into the forest closest to where you make your home. Get lost for a while. Breathe. Sweat. Your body and mind will thank you.

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Here in Florida, we're dealing with some nasty forest fires that are filling our air with smoke. In fact, I believe the nearest actual fire to me is about 20 miles away, but I literally have ashes falling on my head as I step outside, and the smoke is so thick you can't see more than a couple of blocks away. If you're in a similar situation I have one suggestion for you. Stay inside as much as possible!

My son has asthma, and we are allowing him exposure to the elements as little as possible. If you care for someone with respiratory issues, keep them inside as well. It's startling to walk outside and have to squint to see. I personally don't have any particular health concerns, but as I briefly walked to my car from a friends house I grew an instant headache and sore throat.

Pay attention. No exercising outdoors. Keep your windows rolled up, and if you have asthma or care for someone with it......keep that albuterol handy. Take care.