North Goes Green

Archive for October, 2009

Save money and help the environment at the same time. Purchase items that are made locally. Go to your local small stores and see what local artists have created. Often less expensive than conventional products and each item is unique. Items that are made locally do not require shipping and are usually made on a small scale so emissions are kept to a minimum. Use recycled paper (children’s artwork, newspapers and more!) to wrap your gifts. Use raffia as ribbon as it can be easily recycled in your paper recycling bin. Bake goods for gifts- easy and yummy too! Make a gift of found goods. Make a picture frame from branches fallen from a backyard tree or make a sculpture from found items. Reconsider your priorities for gifts and see what you can make or reuse. Enjoy time with your family during this season of giving and remember that we have to give back to the earth as well!

Ever considered carpooling to the grocery store with a friend? Every other Thursday a friend and I drive to Trader Joes in Warwick to shop. We each take turns driving the 35 minute drive. We end up only each having to drive our car once per month saving gas and wear and tear on our cars. It is fun as we can visit on the drive to and from and we accomplish a necessary task.  It’s an easy eco-friendly way to conserve energy and save gasoline consumption and emissions from your vehicle. Carpool somewhere with a friend today!