Sarasota Green Marketplace
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
TreeHugger.com's 66 Ways to Save Money on Gasoline
While the rising cost of oil has the price of gasoline skyrocketing faster than global warming is melting glaciers, people everywhere are preparing for cross-country road trips to Grand Canyon National Park and summer camps in Maine. We can't really argue with that innate desire to get closer to nature and out on the open road, and whether you're a die-hard cyclist or a still driving an SUV, chances are you plan to get in a car to go somewhere this summer. So whether you're packing up the Prius for some close-to-home camping, towing the boat to far-away shores, or merely fighting the cross-town traffic, these money- and gas-saving tips are designed to help you squeeze every last bit of power out of that precious petrol--and cause fewer CO2 emissions, too. It's a comprehensive list--several tasks should be done before even starting your car; others require minor adjustments to your driving style. All of them aim to help you drive a little greener.
Gas-Saving Tips: Questions to Ask Before You Turn on the Engine
1. Is your engine tuned up? Fixing a car that is out of tune (or has failed an emissions test) will boost gas mileage, so be sure to give your car regular tune-ups. You'll also want to watch out for worn spark plugs. A misfiring spark plug can dramatically reduce a car's fuel efficiency.
2. Is your body in good shape? Inspect suspension and chassis parts for occasional misalignment. Bent wheels, axles, bad shocks, broken springs, et cetera create engine drag and are unsafe at high traveling speeds.
3. Is your air filter clean? When the engine air filter clogs with dirt, dust and bugs, it causes your engine to work harder and your car becomes less fuel-efficient. Replacing a clogged air filter could improve your gas mileage by as much as 10 percent. It's a good idea to have your engine air filter checked at each oil change.
4. What grade is your oil? You can improve your car's gas mileage by using the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil. Opt for motor oil with the words "energy conserving" on the API performance label; this oil contains friction-reducing additives.
5. Got shade? Buy a good windshield shade. A windshield shade blocks sunlight and helps to keep heat out of the inside of your car. This will help reduce air conditioning use in the summer.
Ways to Save Money on Gas at the Pump
6. Don't overfill 'er up. Avoid filling your gas tank to the top. Overfilling results in sloshing over and out of tank. Never fill gas tank past the first "click" of fuel nozzle if the nozzle is automatic.
7. Use the lowest octane you can. Buy the lowest grade or octane of gasoline that is appropriate for your car; pricey premium fuel won't boost your car's fuel economy.
8. Tighten that cap. Gas will evaporate from your car's gas tank if it has an escape. Loose, missing, or damaged gas caps cause millions of gallons of gas to evaporate each year.
9. Wait until you're near empty. Don’t fill up until your tank is near empty; this will extend your gas because you are hauling a lighter load as the tank nears empty.
10. Find credit card discounts. Some credit cards offer gas savings when you use the card for purchases. This works in much the same way that some credit card companies give you frequent-flier miles when you use their card for purchases.
11. Membership has its privileges. Some gas stations offer membership benefits. There are also department and grocery stores that give discounts at the fuel pump when you use their store membership cards.
12. Screw the brand names. Brand means nothing in the gas world; they are all using the same refineries, trucks, and pipelines to transport the fuel. Go for cost savings when it comes to the price of gas.
13. Keep your eyes on the prize. Scope out gas prices while you're driving (but keep your eyes on the road, Smokey.) Some gas stations offer free coffee with fill up as well. And if it's not shade-grown and organic? Meh...live a little.
14. Don't get desperate. The first gas station you encounter after a long thirsty stretch will never be the cheapest - drive a little further to find a cheaper station.
15. In the city, don't shop around. Don’t price shop for gas locally by driving around, the miles you drive will almost certainly eliminate the savings, and stop-and-go city traffic does a number on your average efficiency, not to mention your greenhouse gas emissions.
16. Exit, stage left. On the highway, that is. On the highway, take an exit at a moderately sized city and head for the city center. There will likely be several stations near the ramp with cheaper gas.
More Ways to Save Gas: Things to Check Before You Get on the Road
17. Are they open? Is the place you are going to open for business? Shops often have irregular hours, especially at nights and on the weekends. Always, always, always call or go online first!
18. Do you know where you are going? Have you confirmed that the address you are given actually exists and is accurate? IF not, you could be wasting fuel and time on miles being lost.
19. Did you do your due diligence? Use the Interwebz, newspapers, or phone book to comparison shop before you drive around to several stores.
20. Do they have what you want? Restaurants often have long waits; products can be out of stock, and so on. Confirm that the place you're headed can deliver the goods before you get there.
21. Can it be delivered? Find companies willing to delivery what you need to your home. Amazon, dry cleaning delivery services, food, and anything else that will bring what you need without burning up your gas may save some loot and the planet some warming.
22. Do you have to go right now? Traveling in off-peak times will reduce your time spent in traffic, waiting for lights, etc.
23. Can you combine trips? Combine errands into one trip and plan your stops for the most efficient route. You'll save yourself time and money.
Ways to Save Gas and Money: Are You Using Your Vehicle Wisely?
24. Could you walk or bike? Just burn calories, man. Pay attention to why, where, and when you drive.
25. Is there a public transportation option available? Look into public transportation; after you figure in driving around for parking and such, it may actually be faster.
26. Should you get a rental car? A small car almost always has a better fuel economy due to its smaller mass; in certain situations you may want to rent a smaller vehicle for the trip instead of using your own. (Conversely, you can also choose to buy a smaller car from the get-go, and rent a larger one only when necessary.)
27. Did you maximize the square footage of your vehicle? For human cargo, carpools reduce travel monotony and gas expense--all riders chip in to help you buy. Carpooling also reduces traffic congestion, gives the driver easier maneuverability and greater "steady speed" economy. If you're hauling materials such as wood, fill the whole vehicle on each trip.
How to Save Gas by Planning Your Route
28. No rough stuff. Riding on dirt or gravel will rob you of up to 30% of your gas mileage.
29. Use alternate roads when safer, shorter, and straighter. Compare traveling distance differences--remember that corners, curves and lane jumping requires extra gas. The shortest distance between two points is always straight as the crow flies.
30. Avoid heavy traffic and lots of traffic lights. The shortest route is not always the most fuel efficient if you have to stop a lot.
Getting Ready for Takeoff
31. Are your tires fat or flat? Proper tire pressure will give you better gas mileage. Inflate all tires to maximum limit; each tire should also be periodically spun, balanced and checked for out-of-roundness.
32. Lose the top. Remove vinyl tops, they cause air drag.
33. Lose the racks. Remove ski, bicycle, or luggage racks from your roof if you don't need it. They also cause air drag.
34. Drop the rest of the dead weight. Get rid of all extra tires, back seats, unnecessary heavy parts. Extra weight reduces mileage, especially when driving up inclines.
35. Trucks, drop the tailgate. You will get more mileage if you put down the tailgate due to less wind resistance.
36. Use your GPS.A GPS unit will pay for itself in wasted time and gas very quickly.
How To Save Gas During Engine Startup
37. Turn off electronics. Starting your car with electronic devices, like the radio, air conditioning, and 12-volt refrigerator turned off will put less strain on your engine which translates to better gas mileages.
38. Close the sun or moon roof. Having these open will increase drag.
39. Turn the key and get moving. Modern vehicles do not need to be warmed up, even on cold mornings - 30 seconds is plenty of time.
40. Turn off the choke. If the car is revving, check that the automatic choke is disengaged after engine warm up.
41. Check for leaks. Before you take your car out, check the driveway for gas tank leaks. Even little ones can waste plenty of fuel over time.
Ways to Save Gas While On The Road
42. Drive steadily. Slowing down or speeding up wastes fuel. Maintain a steady pace--the ideal trip is one where you never stop except for signs and lights.
43. Don't exceed the legal speed limit. However tough it may be to comprehend, the primarily goal of a speed limit for your traveling safety. However, it is also a good estimate of the most efficient speed for the road as well.
44. Careful with those brakes. A car consumes the most gas as it accelerates, while a moving car doesn't require much gasoline to keep moving. Ideally, the brake should be used sparingly--expert hypermilers roll to a dead stop at every red light and stop sign.
45. Shift up early and down late. If you have a manual transmission and want to save some gas, here's a hot tip: You need to shift up as soon as you can and shift down as the last possible moment.
46. Avoid hard stops. Panic or hard stops will also cost you; anticipate stop signs, pedestrian walkways, and traffic lights.
47. Get on the good foot: Use your right one only. To avoid riding the brake and wasting gas, use your right foot to control both pedals.
48. Don't weave. The more you weave the more gas you burn. Keep your wheel still and steady as she goes.
49. Don't accelerate up hill. Don’t accelerate up a hill. When approaching it, build up speed before the incline, maintain on the way up, then coast down.
50. Follow traffic reports. The radio is the road's information superhighway, and traffic reports are there for a reason. Use them to avoid jams and other delays, which can help keep your momentum steady.
How To Save Gas During City Driving
51. Eliminate jack-rabbit starts. Always accelerate slowly when starting from a dead stop. A good rule of thumb is to not push the pedal down more than 1/4 of the total foot travel.
52. Beat the Wind. Exceeding 40 mph forces your auto to overcome tremendous wind resistance, which will dramatically decrease your mileage. Try and keep it under 40, even if the speed limit is faster.
53. Time the lights. Stoplights are sometimes timed for your motoring advantage; moving steadily at the speed limit will boost your chances of having the "green light" all the way.
54. Open up windows .In stop-and-go traffic, shutting off the air conditioning and opening the windows can lighten your fuel use. Air conditioning can lower your fuel economy by 10 percent to 20 percent.
55. Turn it off. You can save gas if you turn off you car while waiting at long traffic light sequences, railroad crossings or while your better half pulls money from the ATM. If you are not moving for more then 30 seconds, you should turn off the engine. For every hour you're sitting at idle, you're probably burning a gallon of gasoline.
Tips to Save Gas During Highway Driving
56. Keep windows closed. Keep windows closed when traveling at highway speeds. Open
windows cause air drag, reducing your mileage by 10%.
57. Cruise along. If you have a cruise control and there isn't a whole lot of traffic, you probably should use it (it will keep the speed constant and hence doesn't need to accelerate).
58. Overdrive. Use the overdrive gears, as this will generally keep your RPM down and your wallet happy(er).
59. Kill the AC. Using the air conditioning drinks gas - consider turning it off 5 minutes before you reach your destination. You will still stay cool for the duration of your trip, but will save gas from not having it blasting until the last second.
Ways to Save Gas During Shutdown
60. No revs. Avoid "revving" the engine as you switch the engine off.
61. Forward only. Park your car so that you can later begin to travel in forward gear; avoiding reverse gear maneuvers will save gas.
62. Go for the shade. The hot summer sun makes the inside of your car feel like a sauna; when you get moving you will want to cool it down, either through rolling down the windows or using the AC. Parking your vehicle in the shade will help keep it cool when you start up again.
63. Use the garage. Clear it out and make room for your car. Parking in your garage will help your car stay warm in winter and cool in summer, and you won't have to depend as much on your gas-guzzling air-conditioning or defroster when you drive.
64. Window prep. In the summer, roll down the windows just a tiny bit so the air can circulate through your car while you are parked. This will help keep it cool when you start up again.
65. Park and walk. If you wander all over the parking lot looking for that really close parking space, you'll use more gas. Don't be afraid to walk a ways--it might do you good. With gas prices on the rise, make the system work for you.
Save More Gas After the Trip Has Ended
66. Make a Log. After your trip, make a journal entry on the 'mileage victories' and 'mileage failures' of your trip. Examples of these might be: "Drove into the North End of Boston at 4PM. Ended up caught in gridlock, and couldn't find parking for 45 minutes. Stupid, stupid, stupid - never again!" "Drove 12 miles to the hardware store only to find that they were out of lawn chairs. Should have called first." "Left 10 minutes early to do the daycare pickup - Wow! No traffic on the major artery, and caught every green light. Will try this every day."
Gas-Saving Tips: Questions to Ask Before You Turn on the Engine
1. Is your engine tuned up? Fixing a car that is out of tune (or has failed an emissions test) will boost gas mileage, so be sure to give your car regular tune-ups. You'll also want to watch out for worn spark plugs. A misfiring spark plug can dramatically reduce a car's fuel efficiency.
2. Is your body in good shape? Inspect suspension and chassis parts for occasional misalignment. Bent wheels, axles, bad shocks, broken springs, et cetera create engine drag and are unsafe at high traveling speeds.
3. Is your air filter clean? When the engine air filter clogs with dirt, dust and bugs, it causes your engine to work harder and your car becomes less fuel-efficient. Replacing a clogged air filter could improve your gas mileage by as much as 10 percent. It's a good idea to have your engine air filter checked at each oil change.
4. What grade is your oil? You can improve your car's gas mileage by using the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil. Opt for motor oil with the words "energy conserving" on the API performance label; this oil contains friction-reducing additives.
5. Got shade? Buy a good windshield shade. A windshield shade blocks sunlight and helps to keep heat out of the inside of your car. This will help reduce air conditioning use in the summer.
Ways to Save Money on Gas at the Pump
6. Don't overfill 'er up. Avoid filling your gas tank to the top. Overfilling results in sloshing over and out of tank. Never fill gas tank past the first "click" of fuel nozzle if the nozzle is automatic.
7. Use the lowest octane you can. Buy the lowest grade or octane of gasoline that is appropriate for your car; pricey premium fuel won't boost your car's fuel economy.
8. Tighten that cap. Gas will evaporate from your car's gas tank if it has an escape. Loose, missing, or damaged gas caps cause millions of gallons of gas to evaporate each year.
9. Wait until you're near empty. Don’t fill up until your tank is near empty; this will extend your gas because you are hauling a lighter load as the tank nears empty.
10. Find credit card discounts. Some credit cards offer gas savings when you use the card for purchases. This works in much the same way that some credit card companies give you frequent-flier miles when you use their card for purchases.
11. Membership has its privileges. Some gas stations offer membership benefits. There are also department and grocery stores that give discounts at the fuel pump when you use their store membership cards.
12. Screw the brand names. Brand means nothing in the gas world; they are all using the same refineries, trucks, and pipelines to transport the fuel. Go for cost savings when it comes to the price of gas.
13. Keep your eyes on the prize. Scope out gas prices while you're driving (but keep your eyes on the road, Smokey.) Some gas stations offer free coffee with fill up as well. And if it's not shade-grown and organic? Meh...live a little.
14. Don't get desperate. The first gas station you encounter after a long thirsty stretch will never be the cheapest - drive a little further to find a cheaper station.
15. In the city, don't shop around. Don’t price shop for gas locally by driving around, the miles you drive will almost certainly eliminate the savings, and stop-and-go city traffic does a number on your average efficiency, not to mention your greenhouse gas emissions.
16. Exit, stage left. On the highway, that is. On the highway, take an exit at a moderately sized city and head for the city center. There will likely be several stations near the ramp with cheaper gas.
More Ways to Save Gas: Things to Check Before You Get on the Road
17. Are they open? Is the place you are going to open for business? Shops often have irregular hours, especially at nights and on the weekends. Always, always, always call or go online first!
18. Do you know where you are going? Have you confirmed that the address you are given actually exists and is accurate? IF not, you could be wasting fuel and time on miles being lost.
19. Did you do your due diligence? Use the Interwebz, newspapers, or phone book to comparison shop before you drive around to several stores.
20. Do they have what you want? Restaurants often have long waits; products can be out of stock, and so on. Confirm that the place you're headed can deliver the goods before you get there.
21. Can it be delivered? Find companies willing to delivery what you need to your home. Amazon, dry cleaning delivery services, food, and anything else that will bring what you need without burning up your gas may save some loot and the planet some warming.
22. Do you have to go right now? Traveling in off-peak times will reduce your time spent in traffic, waiting for lights, etc.
23. Can you combine trips? Combine errands into one trip and plan your stops for the most efficient route. You'll save yourself time and money.
Ways to Save Gas and Money: Are You Using Your Vehicle Wisely?
24. Could you walk or bike? Just burn calories, man. Pay attention to why, where, and when you drive.
25. Is there a public transportation option available? Look into public transportation; after you figure in driving around for parking and such, it may actually be faster.
26. Should you get a rental car? A small car almost always has a better fuel economy due to its smaller mass; in certain situations you may want to rent a smaller vehicle for the trip instead of using your own. (Conversely, you can also choose to buy a smaller car from the get-go, and rent a larger one only when necessary.)
27. Did you maximize the square footage of your vehicle? For human cargo, carpools reduce travel monotony and gas expense--all riders chip in to help you buy. Carpooling also reduces traffic congestion, gives the driver easier maneuverability and greater "steady speed" economy. If you're hauling materials such as wood, fill the whole vehicle on each trip.
How to Save Gas by Planning Your Route
28. No rough stuff. Riding on dirt or gravel will rob you of up to 30% of your gas mileage.
29. Use alternate roads when safer, shorter, and straighter. Compare traveling distance differences--remember that corners, curves and lane jumping requires extra gas. The shortest distance between two points is always straight as the crow flies.
30. Avoid heavy traffic and lots of traffic lights. The shortest route is not always the most fuel efficient if you have to stop a lot.
Getting Ready for Takeoff
31. Are your tires fat or flat? Proper tire pressure will give you better gas mileage. Inflate all tires to maximum limit; each tire should also be periodically spun, balanced and checked for out-of-roundness.
32. Lose the top. Remove vinyl tops, they cause air drag.
33. Lose the racks. Remove ski, bicycle, or luggage racks from your roof if you don't need it. They also cause air drag.
34. Drop the rest of the dead weight. Get rid of all extra tires, back seats, unnecessary heavy parts. Extra weight reduces mileage, especially when driving up inclines.
35. Trucks, drop the tailgate. You will get more mileage if you put down the tailgate due to less wind resistance.
36. Use your GPS.A GPS unit will pay for itself in wasted time and gas very quickly.
How To Save Gas During Engine Startup
37. Turn off electronics. Starting your car with electronic devices, like the radio, air conditioning, and 12-volt refrigerator turned off will put less strain on your engine which translates to better gas mileages.
38. Close the sun or moon roof. Having these open will increase drag.
39. Turn the key and get moving. Modern vehicles do not need to be warmed up, even on cold mornings - 30 seconds is plenty of time.
40. Turn off the choke. If the car is revving, check that the automatic choke is disengaged after engine warm up.
41. Check for leaks. Before you take your car out, check the driveway for gas tank leaks. Even little ones can waste plenty of fuel over time.
Ways to Save Gas While On The Road
42. Drive steadily. Slowing down or speeding up wastes fuel. Maintain a steady pace--the ideal trip is one where you never stop except for signs and lights.
43. Don't exceed the legal speed limit. However tough it may be to comprehend, the primarily goal of a speed limit for your traveling safety. However, it is also a good estimate of the most efficient speed for the road as well.
44. Careful with those brakes. A car consumes the most gas as it accelerates, while a moving car doesn't require much gasoline to keep moving. Ideally, the brake should be used sparingly--expert hypermilers roll to a dead stop at every red light and stop sign.
45. Shift up early and down late. If you have a manual transmission and want to save some gas, here's a hot tip: You need to shift up as soon as you can and shift down as the last possible moment.
46. Avoid hard stops. Panic or hard stops will also cost you; anticipate stop signs, pedestrian walkways, and traffic lights.
47. Get on the good foot: Use your right one only. To avoid riding the brake and wasting gas, use your right foot to control both pedals.
48. Don't weave. The more you weave the more gas you burn. Keep your wheel still and steady as she goes.
49. Don't accelerate up hill. Don’t accelerate up a hill. When approaching it, build up speed before the incline, maintain on the way up, then coast down.
50. Follow traffic reports. The radio is the road's information superhighway, and traffic reports are there for a reason. Use them to avoid jams and other delays, which can help keep your momentum steady.
How To Save Gas During City Driving
51. Eliminate jack-rabbit starts. Always accelerate slowly when starting from a dead stop. A good rule of thumb is to not push the pedal down more than 1/4 of the total foot travel.
52. Beat the Wind. Exceeding 40 mph forces your auto to overcome tremendous wind resistance, which will dramatically decrease your mileage. Try and keep it under 40, even if the speed limit is faster.
53. Time the lights. Stoplights are sometimes timed for your motoring advantage; moving steadily at the speed limit will boost your chances of having the "green light" all the way.
54. Open up windows .In stop-and-go traffic, shutting off the air conditioning and opening the windows can lighten your fuel use. Air conditioning can lower your fuel economy by 10 percent to 20 percent.
55. Turn it off. You can save gas if you turn off you car while waiting at long traffic light sequences, railroad crossings or while your better half pulls money from the ATM. If you are not moving for more then 30 seconds, you should turn off the engine. For every hour you're sitting at idle, you're probably burning a gallon of gasoline.
Tips to Save Gas During Highway Driving
56. Keep windows closed. Keep windows closed when traveling at highway speeds. Open
windows cause air drag, reducing your mileage by 10%.
57. Cruise along. If you have a cruise control and there isn't a whole lot of traffic, you probably should use it (it will keep the speed constant and hence doesn't need to accelerate).
58. Overdrive. Use the overdrive gears, as this will generally keep your RPM down and your wallet happy(er).
59. Kill the AC. Using the air conditioning drinks gas - consider turning it off 5 minutes before you reach your destination. You will still stay cool for the duration of your trip, but will save gas from not having it blasting until the last second.
Ways to Save Gas During Shutdown
60. No revs. Avoid "revving" the engine as you switch the engine off.
61. Forward only. Park your car so that you can later begin to travel in forward gear; avoiding reverse gear maneuvers will save gas.
62. Go for the shade. The hot summer sun makes the inside of your car feel like a sauna; when you get moving you will want to cool it down, either through rolling down the windows or using the AC. Parking your vehicle in the shade will help keep it cool when you start up again.
63. Use the garage. Clear it out and make room for your car. Parking in your garage will help your car stay warm in winter and cool in summer, and you won't have to depend as much on your gas-guzzling air-conditioning or defroster when you drive.
64. Window prep. In the summer, roll down the windows just a tiny bit so the air can circulate through your car while you are parked. This will help keep it cool when you start up again.
65. Park and walk. If you wander all over the parking lot looking for that really close parking space, you'll use more gas. Don't be afraid to walk a ways--it might do you good. With gas prices on the rise, make the system work for you.
Save More Gas After the Trip Has Ended
66. Make a Log. After your trip, make a journal entry on the 'mileage victories' and 'mileage failures' of your trip. Examples of these might be: "Drove into the North End of Boston at 4PM. Ended up caught in gridlock, and couldn't find parking for 45 minutes. Stupid, stupid, stupid - never again!" "Drove 12 miles to the hardware store only to find that they were out of lawn chairs. Should have called first." "Left 10 minutes early to do the daycare pickup - Wow! No traffic on the major artery, and caught every green light. Will try this every day."
Happy Driving from TreeHugger.com and Sarasota Green Marketplace!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
June Green Drinks
If you missed last month's Green Drinks, make sure you don't miss the next one! On Thursday, June 19th, 5pm - 7pm in the bar at Esca, join other green-minded people in discussing the future of green in business and elsewhere.
For anyone who may not know, Green Drinks is an informal networking event where environmentally minded people meet over drinks. Started in London in 1989 it has spread to all over the United Kingdom, the U.S., Canada, Germany, Poland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Chile and Puerto Rico. As of March 2008, there are 375 Green Drink Chapters worldwide, make that 376 since the Sarasota Chapter was formed in May!
What: Green Drinks Sarasota
Where: Esca, upstairs in the bar 1888 Main Street Sarasota, FL Phone 941-365-3722
When: Thursday, June 19, 2008, 5-7 PM
Who: anyone who cares about people and the planet
Parking: free parking in parking garage directly east of Esca. Access from Links Ave. Contact: Michael Carlson at michael@carlsonstudio.org
We apologize for the tardiness of this invitation. Next month we will be more prompt in our Green Drinks announcement. Hope to see everyone tomorrow night!
~SGC
For anyone who may not know, Green Drinks is an informal networking event where environmentally minded people meet over drinks. Started in London in 1989 it has spread to all over the United Kingdom, the U.S., Canada, Germany, Poland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Chile and Puerto Rico. As of March 2008, there are 375 Green Drink Chapters worldwide, make that 376 since the Sarasota Chapter was formed in May!
What: Green Drinks Sarasota
Where: Esca, upstairs in the bar 1888 Main Street Sarasota, FL Phone 941-365-3722
When: Thursday, June 19, 2008, 5-7 PM
Who: anyone who cares about people and the planet
Parking: free parking in parking garage directly east of Esca. Access from Links Ave. Contact: Michael Carlson at michael@carlsonstudio.org
We apologize for the tardiness of this invitation. Next month we will be more prompt in our Green Drinks announcement. Hope to see everyone tomorrow night!
~SGC
Thursday, June 12, 2008
July Green World Cafe "Creating A Safe Lawn For Your Family”
July 3th, 2008
7:00 – 9:00 P.M.
"Creating A Safe Lawn For Your Family”
Imagine rolling in a circle of deep lush green fragrant grass. Imagine not worrying about residual chemicals or invasive odors in your own yard – a place that should be your own private escape from the toils of your daily grind. Imagine your children and pets frolicking in a chemical-free paradise.
At the July 3rd Green World Café, Safescapes will offer advice on how to create your own “safe” haven, or let us do it for you. Heath Jorgenson, landscape design and consultant of Tranquillescapes, and Paige Taggart Long of Safescapes, have joined forces to create a dynamic duo that is out to revolutionize the way we care for our lawns. From the products other landscape professionals apply to the gas guzzling equipment that they use, Safescapes can offer alternatives that will give you peace of mind.
Heath Jorgenson was born and raised green, the old fashioned way. His parents are true environmentalists who introduced Heath to plants at the tender age of five. Heath learned everything he could about plants. Fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides were not part of the equation. It has always been an invigorating challenge to find ways to grow the most beautiful plants in the most aesthetically pleasing setting, without disrupting the natural ecosystem. After 13 years in Florida, Heath’s passion has morphed into finding environmentally safe ways to grow tropical plants in our SW Florida climate.
Paige Taggart Long is the proprietor of Safescapes Land Care, a Sarasota Green Connection approved business, member of FNGLA (Florida Nursery, Growers, & Landscape Association), certified at Best Management Practices, a member of Safe Lawns, and the official lawn care company for The Sierra Club. As a mother, Paige grew more interested in learning more about what was in her son’s environment. She researched everything from genetically modified foods, personal care products, household products, to pest control, and lawn care. Paige always had natural lawns (no chemicals applied), and while living in CA for four years, had a large organic vegetable and herb garden. Upon returning to FL, she recognized a need for safer lawn care alternatives in her native home. This idea gave birth to Safescapes Land Care, LLC.
Sarasota Green Connection, a division of Sarasota Green Marketplace, Inc., identifies and promotes local businesses that provide environmentally preferable products and services. The Green World Cafe celebrates SGC Approved Businesses and the Earth Charter. It is held the first Thursday of every month and is FREE and open to the public. For more info, call (941) 953-3588. Learn more at www.sarasotagreenconnection.com and www.earthcharter.org.
7:00 – 9:00 P.M.
"Creating A Safe Lawn For Your Family”
Imagine rolling in a circle of deep lush green fragrant grass. Imagine not worrying about residual chemicals or invasive odors in your own yard – a place that should be your own private escape from the toils of your daily grind. Imagine your children and pets frolicking in a chemical-free paradise.
At the July 3rd Green World Café, Safescapes will offer advice on how to create your own “safe” haven, or let us do it for you. Heath Jorgenson, landscape design and consultant of Tranquillescapes, and Paige Taggart Long of Safescapes, have joined forces to create a dynamic duo that is out to revolutionize the way we care for our lawns. From the products other landscape professionals apply to the gas guzzling equipment that they use, Safescapes can offer alternatives that will give you peace of mind.
Heath Jorgenson was born and raised green, the old fashioned way. His parents are true environmentalists who introduced Heath to plants at the tender age of five. Heath learned everything he could about plants. Fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides were not part of the equation. It has always been an invigorating challenge to find ways to grow the most beautiful plants in the most aesthetically pleasing setting, without disrupting the natural ecosystem. After 13 years in Florida, Heath’s passion has morphed into finding environmentally safe ways to grow tropical plants in our SW Florida climate.
Paige Taggart Long is the proprietor of Safescapes Land Care, a Sarasota Green Connection approved business, member of FNGLA (Florida Nursery, Growers, & Landscape Association), certified at Best Management Practices, a member of Safe Lawns, and the official lawn care company for The Sierra Club. As a mother, Paige grew more interested in learning more about what was in her son’s environment. She researched everything from genetically modified foods, personal care products, household products, to pest control, and lawn care. Paige always had natural lawns (no chemicals applied), and while living in CA for four years, had a large organic vegetable and herb garden. Upon returning to FL, she recognized a need for safer lawn care alternatives in her native home. This idea gave birth to Safescapes Land Care, LLC.
Sarasota Green Connection, a division of Sarasota Green Marketplace, Inc., identifies and promotes local businesses that provide environmentally preferable products and services. The Green World Cafe celebrates SGC Approved Businesses and the Earth Charter. It is held the first Thursday of every month and is FREE and open to the public. For more info, call (941) 953-3588. Learn more at www.sarasotagreenconnection.com and www.earthcharter.org.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Two Major Upcoming Events
There are two major events happening in the upcoming months that everyone needs to know about. First, on June 14th, from 9am - 1pm at our very own Gold Tree Plaza is the Healthy Living Expo! This event is sponsored by Richard's Whole Foods, Natural Awakenings Magazine, La Abejita Latin Market, Cross Chiropractic, Liggitt's Drugs, Soccerline, Tai Chi Society and, of course, Sarasota Green Marketplace! We are so excited for the Healthy Living Expo, which will include Informative Lecuteres, Health Screenings, Fitness Workshop Demos, Free Chair Massages, Prize raffles, Food Demos, Special Discounts and Much Much More! For more information, please call 706-1220 or SGM at 953-3588.
Our second big event this year will be the Natural Awakenings "Sarasota Naturally", Sarasota's Largest Eco-Friendly Event on November 1st, 2008. Sarasota Naturally will be held in the downtown area. Please see www.sarasotagreenmarketplace.com and www.sarasotagreenconnection.com for more information. We will be continually updating our blogs in regards to this event, so keep checking in.
Our second big event this year will be the Natural Awakenings "Sarasota Naturally", Sarasota's Largest Eco-Friendly Event on November 1st, 2008. Sarasota Naturally will be held in the downtown area. Please see www.sarasotagreenmarketplace.com and www.sarasotagreenconnection.com for more information. We will be continually updating our blogs in regards to this event, so keep checking in.
Friday, May 23, 2008
An Introduction to Sarasota Green Connection Approved Businesses
Sarasota Green Connection (SGC) grows the local green economy by identifying and promoting SGC Approved Businesses online, through media partnerships and at monthly Green World Cafés.
The SGC Approved Business process is a self-certifying peer-review approval process. SGC Approved Businesses provide people-friendly and planet-friendly products and services. The criteria for approval are inspired by Co-op America's guidelines for the Co-op America Green Business Network. Certification from others is encouraged, including; Co-op America, Green Seal, Florida Green Building Coalition, Sarasota Green Business Partnership, US Green Building Council. There may be other certifications available within your industry.
More than 200 SGC Approved Businesses can be found online at www.sarasotagreenconnection.com and were first identified in the 2005 Sarasota Green Pages™. Selected SCG Approved Businesses speak at the monthly Green World Café (now in its 6th year), participate in vendor events, and are recognized by the community for their commitment to a future that works for all.
We Invite You to Join Our Effort in Growing the Green Economy!
For information about becoming an SGC Approved Business, call Lorena B. Harris at 941.954.2708, or on her cell at 941.961.0514.
Qualifying as a "Sarasota Green Connection Approved Business" connects your business with many avenues to grow and be an important part of growing the green economy.
What are the benefits to becoming an SGC Approved Business?
- On-line directory accessed by thousands of visitors monthly.
- Media partnerships with Natural Awakenings and Creative Loafing as well as contributions to prominent publications such as Mommy Magazine and Scene Magazine give SGC Approved Businesses wider recognition. Also in the works is our newest partnership with Comcast TV Channel 21 which will run the new "Green Connection.US" television program.
- Featured advertisements are available in the twice-monthly email newsletter sent to over 2,000 people.
- Business to Business networking.
Sarasota Green Connection is a division of Sarasota Green Marketplace, Inc. Sarasota Green Marketplace is Sarasota's Only All Green Home and Building Store, providing only eco-friendly products and services and promoting SGC Approved Businesses. Please visit us at 2864 Ringling Blvd. in the Gold Tree Plaza at the corner of Ringling Blvd. and Tuttle Ave. Feel free to call us at 941.953.3588. We are open Tuesday – Thursday from 10am to 6 pm and Friday – Saturday from 8 am until noon.
www.sarasotagreenmarketplace.com
When You are Ready to GO GREEN,
We're Ready to help you, Right Now!
News from Sustainable Ecosystems Inc.
May 15, 2008 - a large Floating Island arrived in pieces at Sarasota Bay Club. Trucked from Floating Island International, Shepherd, Montana ~ the island will be assembled on Friday May 30th at the site.
The big launch day is Saturday May 31st - Sustainable Ecosystems will be planting and launching a 22 foot diameter island into the boat basin/retention pond behind the south tower at Sarasota Bay Club. Salt water from Sarasota Bay does flow into this basin, so it is a brackish environment. This is the first brackish installation by SE. This ornamental island will be planted with salt-water tolerant plants, mostly natives. The island will be the largest ever installed in Florida.
Contact: Julia or Peter Seyffert 941.351.2591 Especially if you want to volunteer to help with this project. Sat May 31, 11 am to 4 pm.
The big launch day is Saturday May 31st - Sustainable Ecosystems will be planting and launching a 22 foot diameter island into the boat basin/retention pond behind the south tower at Sarasota Bay Club. Salt water from Sarasota Bay does flow into this basin, so it is a brackish environment. This is the first brackish installation by SE. This ornamental island will be planted with salt-water tolerant plants, mostly natives. The island will be the largest ever installed in Florida.
Contact: Julia or Peter Seyffert 941.351.2591 Especially if you want to volunteer to help with this project. Sat May 31, 11 am to 4 pm.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
SGM/SGC get "shout out" from EcoSector.com!!!
Thank you so much to Mark Winstein for mentioning us in his blog at EcoSector!
"EcoSector is a portal where users can link with others and bridge the boundaries of business, charities, and politics for free.
Anyone can use the EcoSector Portal to view Public Profiles, events,and help-wanted listings.
"EcoSector is a portal where users can link with others and bridge the boundaries of business, charities, and politics for free.
Anyone can use the EcoSector Portal to view Public Profiles, events,and help-wanted listings.
To keep up with Portal news and site features, check out the Eco-Blog. There, you'll also find a bookstore and the "blog book", ABC's for Green Entrepreneurs & Investors.
The EcoSector Portal is designed by and for the people who use it." [from http://ecosector.com/about]
EcoSector Portal turns 30
May 20th, 2008Today, the EcoSector Portal celebrates its 30th Public Profile, Sarasota Green Marketplace, one of the first green home and building retail centers in the country. I was especially fascinated by the sister site, Sarasota Green Connection, a green business and community building site just for Sarasota. In this one spot, over 200 green leaders, companies, and organizations can be found.
Discovering hotbeds of the Eco Sector is always exiting to me. One of my goals in building the EcoSector Portal is to help convey the depth of this shift in the economy to the general public, especially people who are discovering it for the first time. It’s been a great month for the Portal, with one new Profile added every other day, including one each from China and India. The number of green economic leaders collected by SGM’s founder Mary Anne Bowie give a strong indication of just how huge the global Eco Sector is already.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Environmental Holidays
April
April 7 - World Health Day
April 22 - EARTH DAY
April 26 - National Bird Day
May
May 1 - May Day
May 16 - National Bike-to-Work Day
May 22 - International Day for Biological Diversity
June
June 3 - National Trails Day
June 5 - WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY
June 17 - World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought
June 21 - World Whale Day
July
July 11 - World Population Day
September
September 16 - World Ozone Day
September 28 - GREEN CONSUMER DAY
October
October 1 - 7 - World Wildlife Week
October 3 - National Estuaries Day
November
November 15 - America Recycles Day
December
December 10 - Human Rights Day
April
April 7 - World Health Day
April 22 - EARTH DAY
April 26 - National Bird Day
May
May 1 - May Day
May 16 - National Bike-to-Work Day
May 22 - International Day for Biological Diversity
June
June 3 - National Trails Day
June 5 - WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY
June 17 - World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought
June 21 - World Whale Day
July
July 11 - World Population Day
September
September 16 - World Ozone Day
September 28 - GREEN CONSUMER DAY
October
October 1 - 7 - World Wildlife Week
October 3 - National Estuaries Day
November
November 15 - America Recycles Day
December
December 10 - Human Rights Day
Friday, March 28, 2008
Mary Anne Bowie's Interview with Mommy Magazine
Questions for Sarasota Greenmarketplace
Responses were provided by Mary Anne Bowie, FAICP, Urban Planner and Owner of Sarasota Green Marketplace, Sarasota’s all green home and building store, located at Gold Tree Plaza, at the corner of Ringling Blvd. and Tuttle Ave. Their motto is: When You’re ready to GO GREEN, We’re ready to help You, Right Now! www.sarasotagreenmarketplace.com For local businesses that are committed to providing environmentally preferable products and services, visit www.sarasotagreenconnection.com
1) What are the top three things a busy, budget conscious mom could do right now to start saving the environment?
First, all moms need to be conscious that they are part of the environment and that everything they do for their families and themselves they do to the environment. So, saving the environment starts with being conscious of what we are putting into our bodies, onto our skin, into the air we breathe, into the houses we live in and onto the lawns we walk on, for a start.
Second, all moms should schedule nature visits with their children. Without nature, children are less creative and without trips to nature, we become disconnected from the earth and we are less likely to care if it is preserved. Without nature, we are all goners so it is a mom’s responsibility to provide connection for her children with nature through trips to the beach, to the forest and even to the local parks.
Third, all moms should be continuously aware that we have been raised in a chemically agricultural world and that every new baby has 130 toxins in his or her umbilical cord. Everything thing that a mom buys has chemicals in it or doesn’t. Moms should become conscious consumers and spend their dollars in alignment with their values.
2) My family goes through a truly hideous amount of white paper towels every week. I feel terrible about how many we use. We could start using cloth kitchen towels for everything instead, but then I’d have to use the washer and dryer much more, wasting valuable resources like water and electricity. Which choice will actually cause the least amount of damage to the environment?
At Sarasota Green Marketplace we sell a silver ionized cloth that is anti-microbial; the silver actually kills any bacteria that is on it and it can be washed up to 80 times. This cloth can subsitute for paper towels and it is a healthy alternative. The health food stores sell paper towels that have not been bleached with chlorine, so that is what I would have on hand along with old fashioned rags, torn from old towels.
3) I know disposable containers like plastic water bottles and juice boxes are bad, bad, bad. So we now drink from re-usable plastic sippie cups and sports bottles for our on-the-go beverages. However, I’ve heard that when you put plastic in the dishwasher, the heat affects the plastic compounds and causes them to gradually disintegrate. Thus, when I fill a spanking clean, fresh-from-the-dishwasher sippie cup with drinking water, the chemicals from the plastic can actually leach into the water and turn my child into a mutant. True? If so, what’s the alternative? Am I hand-washing cups the rest of my life, even the sippie cup full of milk that was left in the car for three days?
Glass is fine and stainless steel (lead-free) is a great alternative. Both of them can make it through the dishwasher.
4) I’d love to have all my cleaning products be an environmentally sound brand like Seventh Generation. But the prices can be two to three times as high, and I simply can’t afford it. Are there other, less expensive alternatives? I’ve heard about using vinegar and baking soda, but quite frankly, I never know how to mix the two and I’m worried I might inadvertently create an organic chemical cloud and asphyxiate as I clean the tub. Or else my house will smell like an Easter egg factory. Help!
The reason that some of the environmentally sound products like Earth Well Tech, available at our store, are more expensive is that the ingredients, like coconut oil, are much more expensive. However, they aren’t that more; just the price of a cup of Starbucks more. These products are surfactants, not solvents; so the bond between the dirt and the surface is released, not dissolved. So, cleaning is about removing the dirt, not creating a chemical reaction. Also these products are concentrated, so you can use less. And if you want to create your own cleaning solutions, there are many resources available on the Internet or in some of the magazines like Natural Home and Green Guide, now published by National Geographic.
5) Speaking of cleaning compounds, what’s the worst environmental offender in most households? Chlorine-bleach? Oven cleaner? The drain cleaner I pour down my fifty year old sink pipes? If you could urge people to replace just one conventional cleaning product with an environmentally safe one, what would it be?
If it is dangerous, replace it. Stay away from Chlorine – Oxyclean works great.
For ovens: use 2 tablespoons for liquid soap and 2 teaspoons borax and warm water.
I’ve heard that you can mix baking soda and vinegar for your drains, but you can start with boiling water first.
6) Rumor has it that most conventional candles are made of petroleum, and the wicks contain lead. Do you know if that’s true? For those families who have older children and can actually have candles in the house again, should they buy soy candles? Is that a good use of soy? Should they search out pure beeswax candles, assuming no bees were harmed in the making of the candles? For those happy couples who still want to use candles for a special evening, versus the rest of us who now use them for doorstops and paperweights, what kind candles should they select to feel both romantic and environmentally righteous?
With soy, make sure the scents are not harmful chemicals. How can we be sure that the bees are gently treated? Electricity is a wonderful invention that my great grandparents didn’t have. My great grandmother died carrying a candle when her nightgown caught on fire, so I like alternative pretend candles the best.
7) Let’s talk cars. Many people would choose to drive a Hybrid, especially if the price came down. But with kids in the back, is a small Prius really as safe as a hulking, albeit gas-guzzling, mini-van? Also, I’ve read that some of the newer hybrids, like the SUV hybrids or, say, the Camry hybrid, really don’t get great gas mileage, and in fact you’d be doing the environment a better turn by buying a conventional, small Corolla versus a SUV hybrid. Your thoughts?
Help! What can we do? I recommend the strategy of ART, the Alliance for Responsbile Transportation: try to stay away from vehicles if you can. My advice: First, walk whenever possible. Second, ask your politicians for safe, off-road bicycle paths and for mixed use zoning. Third, pray that gas prices continue to go up and force all consumers to demand carbon fiber cars that are solar powered faster from Detroit. The technology exists to transport us safely and cheaply; we just need to want it and demand it. What we desire is what we get. So let’s get busy wanting a future that works for all that will be affordable, healthy and environmentally safe.
Responses were provided by Mary Anne Bowie, FAICP, Urban Planner and Owner of Sarasota Green Marketplace, Sarasota’s all green home and building store, located at Gold Tree Plaza, at the corner of Ringling Blvd. and Tuttle Ave. Their motto is: When You’re ready to GO GREEN, We’re ready to help You, Right Now! www.sarasotagreenmarketplace.com For local businesses that are committed to providing environmentally preferable products and services, visit www.sarasotagreenconnection.com
1) What are the top three things a busy, budget conscious mom could do right now to start saving the environment?
First, all moms need to be conscious that they are part of the environment and that everything they do for their families and themselves they do to the environment. So, saving the environment starts with being conscious of what we are putting into our bodies, onto our skin, into the air we breathe, into the houses we live in and onto the lawns we walk on, for a start.
Second, all moms should schedule nature visits with their children. Without nature, children are less creative and without trips to nature, we become disconnected from the earth and we are less likely to care if it is preserved. Without nature, we are all goners so it is a mom’s responsibility to provide connection for her children with nature through trips to the beach, to the forest and even to the local parks.
Third, all moms should be continuously aware that we have been raised in a chemically agricultural world and that every new baby has 130 toxins in his or her umbilical cord. Everything thing that a mom buys has chemicals in it or doesn’t. Moms should become conscious consumers and spend their dollars in alignment with their values.
2) My family goes through a truly hideous amount of white paper towels every week. I feel terrible about how many we use. We could start using cloth kitchen towels for everything instead, but then I’d have to use the washer and dryer much more, wasting valuable resources like water and electricity. Which choice will actually cause the least amount of damage to the environment?
At Sarasota Green Marketplace we sell a silver ionized cloth that is anti-microbial; the silver actually kills any bacteria that is on it and it can be washed up to 80 times. This cloth can subsitute for paper towels and it is a healthy alternative. The health food stores sell paper towels that have not been bleached with chlorine, so that is what I would have on hand along with old fashioned rags, torn from old towels.
3) I know disposable containers like plastic water bottles and juice boxes are bad, bad, bad. So we now drink from re-usable plastic sippie cups and sports bottles for our on-the-go beverages. However, I’ve heard that when you put plastic in the dishwasher, the heat affects the plastic compounds and causes them to gradually disintegrate. Thus, when I fill a spanking clean, fresh-from-the-dishwasher sippie cup with drinking water, the chemicals from the plastic can actually leach into the water and turn my child into a mutant. True? If so, what’s the alternative? Am I hand-washing cups the rest of my life, even the sippie cup full of milk that was left in the car for three days?
Glass is fine and stainless steel (lead-free) is a great alternative. Both of them can make it through the dishwasher.
4) I’d love to have all my cleaning products be an environmentally sound brand like Seventh Generation. But the prices can be two to three times as high, and I simply can’t afford it. Are there other, less expensive alternatives? I’ve heard about using vinegar and baking soda, but quite frankly, I never know how to mix the two and I’m worried I might inadvertently create an organic chemical cloud and asphyxiate as I clean the tub. Or else my house will smell like an Easter egg factory. Help!
The reason that some of the environmentally sound products like Earth Well Tech, available at our store, are more expensive is that the ingredients, like coconut oil, are much more expensive. However, they aren’t that more; just the price of a cup of Starbucks more. These products are surfactants, not solvents; so the bond between the dirt and the surface is released, not dissolved. So, cleaning is about removing the dirt, not creating a chemical reaction. Also these products are concentrated, so you can use less. And if you want to create your own cleaning solutions, there are many resources available on the Internet or in some of the magazines like Natural Home and Green Guide, now published by National Geographic.
5) Speaking of cleaning compounds, what’s the worst environmental offender in most households? Chlorine-bleach? Oven cleaner? The drain cleaner I pour down my fifty year old sink pipes? If you could urge people to replace just one conventional cleaning product with an environmentally safe one, what would it be?
If it is dangerous, replace it. Stay away from Chlorine – Oxyclean works great.
For ovens: use 2 tablespoons for liquid soap and 2 teaspoons borax and warm water.
I’ve heard that you can mix baking soda and vinegar for your drains, but you can start with boiling water first.
6) Rumor has it that most conventional candles are made of petroleum, and the wicks contain lead. Do you know if that’s true? For those families who have older children and can actually have candles in the house again, should they buy soy candles? Is that a good use of soy? Should they search out pure beeswax candles, assuming no bees were harmed in the making of the candles? For those happy couples who still want to use candles for a special evening, versus the rest of us who now use them for doorstops and paperweights, what kind candles should they select to feel both romantic and environmentally righteous?
With soy, make sure the scents are not harmful chemicals. How can we be sure that the bees are gently treated? Electricity is a wonderful invention that my great grandparents didn’t have. My great grandmother died carrying a candle when her nightgown caught on fire, so I like alternative pretend candles the best.
7) Let’s talk cars. Many people would choose to drive a Hybrid, especially if the price came down. But with kids in the back, is a small Prius really as safe as a hulking, albeit gas-guzzling, mini-van? Also, I’ve read that some of the newer hybrids, like the SUV hybrids or, say, the Camry hybrid, really don’t get great gas mileage, and in fact you’d be doing the environment a better turn by buying a conventional, small Corolla versus a SUV hybrid. Your thoughts?
Help! What can we do? I recommend the strategy of ART, the Alliance for Responsbile Transportation: try to stay away from vehicles if you can. My advice: First, walk whenever possible. Second, ask your politicians for safe, off-road bicycle paths and for mixed use zoning. Third, pray that gas prices continue to go up and force all consumers to demand carbon fiber cars that are solar powered faster from Detroit. The technology exists to transport us safely and cheaply; we just need to want it and demand it. What we desire is what we get. So let’s get busy wanting a future that works for all that will be affordable, healthy and environmentally safe.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
First Anniversary SALE
First Anniversary
*Storewide SALE*
March 1st-31st
Green Links
Sarasota Green Marketplace
Sarasota Green Connection
Check Our Our BRAND NEW MySpace Page!
Join The Green Community
All Offers Expire: 03/31/2008
$25.00 OFF
the purchase of one Floatron solar-powered pool purifier
$0.50 OFF
per square foot for all EcoTimber bamboo and FSC certified wood flooring
Buy One
Get Second for $1 OFF- Earthwell Tech Solutions All Purpose Household Cleaner
20% OFF
Sandhill 100% recycled handcrafted glass tiles
5% OFF All
Recycled Glassware -
Tumblers, Goblets & Vases
15% OFF
All Full Spectrum Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs
Thank you all so much for making our first year a great success. We are looking ahead to the future with some new faces around the store, plenty of new items in stock, and great ideas abounding! So keep checking these emails for more news!
When you're ready to go green,
we are ready to help you...right now!!!
Sincerely,
Mary Anne Bowie
Sarasota Green Marketplace
Email Contact
info@sarasotagreenmarketplace.com
Sarasota Green Marketplace
Store Hours:
Tues - Thurs. 10am - 6pm
Fri. & Sat. 8 am - noon
Closed Sunday & Monday
Phone: 941.953.3588
Fax: 941.953.9553
Sarasota Green Marketplace 2864 Ringling Blvd. GoldTree Plaza Sarasota FL 34237
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
March 2008 Green World Cafe Newsletter
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Join the Green Community
Our world is beginning to show signs of springtime once again, and with the season come many opportunities to join together as one to bring awareness concerning the state of our planet. As Earth Day looms, only a month away, we must prepare. We at Sarasota Green Marketplace are doing our bit in part by hosting the Green World Cafe yet again. In March, we look forward to Dr. Joel Hamaker. In April, we look forward to Karen Leonetti from Earth Angel Preschool. Each time the Green World Cafe meets, those in attendence learn a little more about what we can do to save the world, whether it is our little world of Sarasota, or the world on a much larger scale. Every single person is eqipped with the tools to live better. Many people often groan, "If I knew where to get environmentally safe products, I would go green...but I just don't know where to go!" Well, tell your friends, your coworkers, your neighbors, and the man on the street that HERE is the place to go. Sarasota Green Marketplace is the place! Here is where people find the choices they need to better handle the problems of the world, and change begins with choice. So, start with your basic foundations and work your way up the green ladder. If you need help, we are only a phone call or an email away, and if you're able, come on in and see us!
Remember our 7 rules of choosing green:
Reduce
Reuse
Recycle
Rediscover
Rethink
Re-educate
Re-create
It's so easy choosing green!
Sincerely,
Mary Anne Bowie, FAICP and The Staff at Sarasota Green Marketplace
http://www.sarasotagreenmarketplace.com
info@sarasotagreenmarketplace.com
What is the Green World Cafe?The Green World Cafe, a monthly Sarasota Green Connection
(www.sarasotagreenconnection.com) event, is brought to you by Sarasota Green Marketplace and is co-sponsored by Natural Awakenings Sarasota (www.nasrq.com) in Celebration of the Earth Charter (www.earthcharter.org). It is held the first Thursday of every month and is FREE and open to the public. Each event features an SGC Approved Business Owner or SGC Friend. After the featured speaker, an interactive conversation takes place that focuses on one of the Earth Charter principles.
Our Green World Cafe for March 2008
The Green Bandwagon
Why aren't more people already on the "green bandwagon"? It seems so obvious and natural to us. What are some ideas and approaches we can use to gently, yet effectively get more people around us to adopt a greener lifestyle - for their own benefit as well as the planet's benefit?
Dr. Joel Hamaker will discuss three major categories of the environmental mindset. Then he will lead an open discussion of ways that you can encourage our less-than-green acquaintances, in ways that they will be receptive to adopting an encironmentally friendly way of living. In addition to Dr. Hamaker's insights, your specific ideas and experiences on this matter of persuasion will be invited.
Dr. Hamaker is a psychologist, speaker, long time environmentalist, and author of 101 Great Ways to Relax and Relieve Stress . He helps people enhance their personal growth, inner being, and consciousness.Dr. Hamaker has worked with the US Department of Justice, Georgetown University, Montgomery and Fairfax Co. Government, Mental Health Association, National Society for Performance Instruction, American Red Cross, Adult learning centers, Center for Complimentary Medicine, American Society for Training and Development, Self Empowerment Education Center, service organizations and others.
Sarasota Green Marketplace
Sarasota Green Marketplace 2864 Ringling Blvd. GoldTree Plaza Sarasota FL 34237
941.953.3588 fax: 941.953.9553
Store Hours: Tues-Thurs: 10 am - 6 pm, Fri-Sat: 8 am - noon, Sun-Mon: Closed
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