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THINK GLOBALLY, SHOP LOCALLY
One of the simplest steps you can take to help protect the planet is to buy products that are produced in your own community.
Consider the benefits:
- Local products reduce the amount of
energy that would otherwise be used to transport
them long distances.
- Foods that are grown nearby often require
fewer pesticides than those that must be prevented
from spoiling during cross-country
commutes.
- Supporting the local economy often makes
it possible for local manufacturers to try new
environmental techniques with lower risk.
How can you buy "local"-
- Buy fruits and vegetables at farmers' markets
and roadside stands, especially during the fall
harvest.
- Encourage the grocery store where you shop
to carry locally grown produce.
- Pick your own fruits and vegetables at open
farms and orchards.
- Frequent crafts fairs, "mom-and-pop" shops,
and local artisans.
| FACTOID: The Agricultural Marketing Service of the USDA has created a website with
listings of farmers markets across the United States. To find a farmers market in your neighborhood, visit http://www.ams.usda.gov/farmersmarkets/map.htm
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ENJOY A LOCALLY GROWN
THANKSGIVING
- Bake a traditional pumpkin pie with pumpkins
grown in a community pumpkin patch.
- Make applesauce out of
apples you pick at a local
orchard.
- Visit farmers' markets
for squash, onions,
potatoes, carrots, and
other vegetables that are
harvested in the fall.
- Check with local poultry producers for
turkeys raised on pastures instead of feedlots.
- Buy freshly baked bread at the local bakery -
or try baking some fresh at home!
Need some ideas for cooking organically
this Thanksgiving holiday?
The Green Chronicle online encourages the preparation and consumption of natural, healthy organic produce, and lists hundreds of recipes on their website at
http://www.greenchronicle.com/organic_recipes.htm.
From Chestnut Soup to Creme Brulee, these recipes are sure to make your holiday dinner a hit!
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HELP THE PLANET - SHARE A CAR
If you don't want to own a car, but still feel
you need one for trips out of town or unwieldy
chores that can't be done by bicycle, bus or on
foot, there's a new twist on car pooling that
might work for you. It's called car sharing,
and in a growing number of cities and towns,
companies are providing car-share programs
for people just like you.
Car sharing is easy, affordable and
good for the environment:
- Car sharing can cut down on the expenses
associated with owning a car, and provide more
flexibility and economy than renting a vehicle.
- Many car sharing companies offer hourly
rates or monthly pre-paid plans with your
membership, plans that can be tailored for
your personal use, much like a cell phone
plan.
- Car sharing reduces vehicle emissions.
http://www.carsharing.net estimates that one
shared car replaces more than six individually
owned cars!
- Car sharing varies by city, so check your
city's transportation department for more information.
To start a program in your city, visit http://www.autoshare.com/beginners/guide.html, for helpful how-to’s.
GIVE A CAR - HELP THE EARTH
Do you have an old vehicle you plan to get rid of? Perhaps you’re considering living “carfree?” Why not consider donating your used car, truck, boat or RV
to charity? Now you can donate your used vehicle to benefit Earth Share through Car Program LLC.
Most vehicles are accepted even if they don't run, although some restrictions may apply on older vehicles. It's easy and convenient, and you'll be eligible for a tax deduction as well!
Why donate my vehicle?
- It's much easier to donate your used vehicle
than it is to sell it yourself.
- The tax savings might even be more than
what you would receive from a trade in.
- Free towing!
How to make a car donation:
Visit Earth Share’s website at www.earthshare.org
and click on the link under our “Tip of the Day.” This will take you to our online form which you can complete and fax back to Earth Share. Feel
free to contact us with any questions.
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