Cool People Care

It's important to teach our children about saving money. In my house, we have a piggy bank for this purpose, which holds loose change and money received as gifts. How can we use a similar idea to teach children about giving? Get a new bank to go next to the savings bank. For every quarter your kids put into their savings bank, encourage them to put one into the other bank for a cause of their choice. When the bank is full, take your child to donate the money and they will see the value of saving - and giving.

All around the world, a terrible epidemic is happening: pants and jackets are trapped in closets, deprived of the meaning and impact that only comes from being worn. You can make a difference for scarves and vests everywhere by auditing your closet this weekend. If you haven't worn it in over a year, give it away. If it doesn't (and won't) fit, offer it up to someone headed to school soon. And, if you have more coats than fingers, let one go (a jacket, not a finger). Team up with organizations like One Warm Coat to multiply your impact.

It seems like I keep hearing the term 'BPA'. After some basic research, I've learned that this synthetic hormone is used to make hard polycarbonate plastic (#7) and that over time, its properties can pass into the contents of the container. Many consumer products that touch our children are made with BPA. There's much to be said, so make sure to learn the facts and take a stand for the plastics we use everyday. Buy products that support your values and let your elected reps know how you feel. Today, use the voice you have to take a stand.

The next time you need a piece of Scotch or masking tape to proudly display your camp crafts (who doesn't love macaroni glued to a paper plate?) or work reminders, opt for a magnet instead. Here at CPC World Headquarters (really, an upstairs, 400-square-foot efficiency), we proudly display backorders on the side of our fridge. As a result, we've saved a few cents and a few rolls of tape. Small steps like these allow you to create less waste on a daily basis. Get magnetic the next time you need to put something up at eye (or nose) level.

The ides of August are over a week away, but now's the time for action. Renamed in 8 B.C.E. for the first emperor of the Roman Empire, August is one of the hottest months of the year. But here are some ways you can stay cool and celebrate in a caring way:

• It's Cataract Awareness Month. Get your eyes checked.
  
• It's National Immunization Awareness Month. Make sure you're up to date.
  
• It's Children's Eye Health and Safety Month. Get some sunglasses for your niece.
  
• It's Psoriasis Awareness Month. Learn how you can be an advocate.

CONTEST: Tell us in the comments how you're caring this month and you'll be entered to win a New Day Poster to motivate you all year long!