Gotta tip you want to share with Sarah and the Go Green Ride at Five? Email her: sarah@921wvtk.com!
Here Sarah's groovy green tips for Friday, May 28th:
• Off to buy new clothes in the near future, perhaps a graduation dress or suit for a family wedding coming up? These days the money spent on dry cleaning is better put somewhere else! Think wash and wear: it’s just a better green choice!
• Get out of the catalog trap! A total waste of resource in this era of online shopping. Just contact the company and ask them to remove you from their list, in most cases you can even do that via the computer. It is that easy!
On the road for the holiday weekend? The money spent on gas can really put a dent in the vacation budget. Here’s a few ways you can improve your car’s fuel efficiency by as much as twenty percent. This from The Consumer Federation of America:
• Nearly one in four cars needs an air filter replacement. A clean air filter can improve your gas mileage up to 10 percent.
• Get your tires aligned! Poor alignment not only wears out your tires, it forces your engine to work harder and the adds up to more fuel!
• Check your tires, under inflation causes a loss in fuel efficiency.
• Slow down lead foot! Speeding puts you and those all around in danger. And for every 5 mph you reduce highway speed, you can reduce fuel consumption by 7%. So it takes you a little longer to get to Aunt Myrtles. Better to get there late, than not at all.
• Don’t let the car idle. Besides its negative impact on the environment, it’s a huge gas waster.
As for my family this weekend, we’re staying put. There’s so much going on in Addison County: parades, yard and garage sales, flea markets, farmers markets, shows…there’s really no reason for us to go anywhere else. And if you are keeping close as well, and you’re looking for something to do, check out the area calendar at 921wvtk.com for tons of ideas for those seeking Memorial Day fun.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Go Green tips for May 27th
Gotta tip you want to share with Sarah and the Go Green Ride at Five? Email her: sarah@921wvtk.com!
Here Sarah's groovy green tips for Thursday, May 27th:
• We always turn off the lights when we leave the room at home, why don’t we follow suit at work? What are we using a different type of energy there? Beside, the money your boss saves on energy today, could end up in your paycheck tomorrow!
• Get out of the catalog trap! A total waste of resource in this era of online shopping. Just contact the company and ask they to stop sending them, in most cases you can even do that via the computer. It is that easy!
Here we go, a day in the life: it’s after work, kids are settled, you sit down to watch your favorite show, “The Antique’s Roadshow” , that’s not your favorite? Too bad, my show. Anyway, you’ve got your ice cold drink, a snack…a chocolate snack (again, my show, be quiet) you pick up the remote and…nothing happens. The remote doesn’t work. Why? Because your teenager, babysitters and husband watch way too TV and overworked the poor thing, okay you might have helped, too. Sigh. Time to change the batteries. What to do with old ones? It all depends. If it’s a common household alkaline battery or carbon-zinc battery, you can throw those out. Don’t throw out old rechargeable batteries, they’re most likely reactive and toxic and must be disposed of safely. If you’re like me at one time, and just had a drawer full of old, dead batteries, then gather them all together and take them to the District Transfer Station at Addison County Solid Waste Management District. They’ll sort them for you. Want more info? Go to addisoncountyrecycles.org.
Here Sarah's groovy green tips for Thursday, May 27th:
• We always turn off the lights when we leave the room at home, why don’t we follow suit at work? What are we using a different type of energy there? Beside, the money your boss saves on energy today, could end up in your paycheck tomorrow!
• Get out of the catalog trap! A total waste of resource in this era of online shopping. Just contact the company and ask they to stop sending them, in most cases you can even do that via the computer. It is that easy!
Here we go, a day in the life: it’s after work, kids are settled, you sit down to watch your favorite show, “The Antique’s Roadshow” , that’s not your favorite? Too bad, my show. Anyway, you’ve got your ice cold drink, a snack…a chocolate snack (again, my show, be quiet) you pick up the remote and…nothing happens. The remote doesn’t work. Why? Because your teenager, babysitters and husband watch way too TV and overworked the poor thing, okay you might have helped, too. Sigh. Time to change the batteries. What to do with old ones? It all depends. If it’s a common household alkaline battery or carbon-zinc battery, you can throw those out. Don’t throw out old rechargeable batteries, they’re most likely reactive and toxic and must be disposed of safely. If you’re like me at one time, and just had a drawer full of old, dead batteries, then gather them all together and take them to the District Transfer Station at Addison County Solid Waste Management District. They’ll sort them for you. Want more info? Go to addisoncountyrecycles.org.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Go Green tips for May 26th
Gotta tip you want to share with Sarah and the Go Green Ride at Five? Email her: sarah@921wvtk.com!
Here Sarah's groovy green tips for Wednesday, May 26th:
• Reuse alert! Use pages from your old phone book to clean glass and mirrors as opposed to paper towels.
• If you work close to home, or at least within five miles, challenge yourself to find a way to get there that doesn’t involve driving alone. Is there someone at work who’d like to share the ride with you? Even better, the only fuel needed for your bicycle is maybe a good breakfast!
We’re talking about my favorite kitchen appliance today, the refrigerator! It’s probably the most power-hungry appliance in your home, if you’ve been thinking of an upgrade, you'll definitely save money and energy by replacing any model made before 2001. Food for thought, though, no pun intended, even post 2001 models use more energy than the newest versions. Think Energy Star and here’s some other important facts to consider before getting out the American Express: Of the differing types of models, those with the top-freezer are the most energy-efficient and low-maintenance, followed by bottom-freezer models. Side-by-side models are often more convenient, that’s true, but they're more likely to need repair and can use 7 to 13 percent more energy than top-freezer models. Add an automatic icemaker, and you increase energy use by 14 to 20 percent. Talking capacity, buy a large enough refrigerator to accommodate everything. Please don’t be my sister with two refrigerators, plus an additional freezer in your house. It's much more economical and eco-conscious to store all your food in a single refrigerator. Some of newest models hold quite a bit! Smart and green, the Go Green Ride at Five on 92.1 WVTK!
Here Sarah's groovy green tips for Wednesday, May 26th:
• Reuse alert! Use pages from your old phone book to clean glass and mirrors as opposed to paper towels.
• If you work close to home, or at least within five miles, challenge yourself to find a way to get there that doesn’t involve driving alone. Is there someone at work who’d like to share the ride with you? Even better, the only fuel needed for your bicycle is maybe a good breakfast!
We’re talking about my favorite kitchen appliance today, the refrigerator! It’s probably the most power-hungry appliance in your home, if you’ve been thinking of an upgrade, you'll definitely save money and energy by replacing any model made before 2001. Food for thought, though, no pun intended, even post 2001 models use more energy than the newest versions. Think Energy Star and here’s some other important facts to consider before getting out the American Express: Of the differing types of models, those with the top-freezer are the most energy-efficient and low-maintenance, followed by bottom-freezer models. Side-by-side models are often more convenient, that’s true, but they're more likely to need repair and can use 7 to 13 percent more energy than top-freezer models. Add an automatic icemaker, and you increase energy use by 14 to 20 percent. Talking capacity, buy a large enough refrigerator to accommodate everything. Please don’t be my sister with two refrigerators, plus an additional freezer in your house. It's much more economical and eco-conscious to store all your food in a single refrigerator. Some of newest models hold quite a bit! Smart and green, the Go Green Ride at Five on 92.1 WVTK!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Go Green tips for May 25th
Gotta tip you want to share with Sarah and the Go Green Ride at Five? Email her: sarah@921wvtk.com!
Here Sarah's groovy green tips for Tuesday, May 25th:
• Want to go green but don’t know how to start? I’ve been there and a great way to start the process is simply: lightbulbs. It’s a simple fix, switch out for CFL’s! I promise a tremendous sensation of success afterward!
• Warm temperatures means picnic weather, you’ll be tempted to bring along the paper plates, don’t give in, don’t feed the process. Instead, bring reuseable plates and utensils, just…think about washing them…later!
• My bike is out of commission, but it will be fixed again, soon. This is the time, if you work close to home, or at least within five miles, to find a way to get there that doesn’t involve driving or I should say, driving alone. Is there someone at work who’d like to share the ride with you?
The other day, I was a bit distracted (okay, that’s a usual frame of mind) but as I was moving around my kitchen, I happened to look down into the trash and noticed a peanut butter plastic jar in the garbage. This is a bone of contention in our house. And if you have a teenager, you’ll know what I mean. I know what a pain it is to clean it out, yes, you’ll have to stick your hand down in it (particularly unpleasant if you’re under the age of eighteen), but how in good conscience they can throw it in and walk away, I’ll never know. On the other hand, this is the child who can move through that same kitchen and not notice, not only the sink of dirty dishes but the puddle the dog left just moments before, so…there you go. Green whether she likes it or not, it’s the Go Green Ride at Five on 92.1 WVTK
Here Sarah's groovy green tips for Tuesday, May 25th:
• Want to go green but don’t know how to start? I’ve been there and a great way to start the process is simply: lightbulbs. It’s a simple fix, switch out for CFL’s! I promise a tremendous sensation of success afterward!
• Warm temperatures means picnic weather, you’ll be tempted to bring along the paper plates, don’t give in, don’t feed the process. Instead, bring reuseable plates and utensils, just…think about washing them…later!
• My bike is out of commission, but it will be fixed again, soon. This is the time, if you work close to home, or at least within five miles, to find a way to get there that doesn’t involve driving or I should say, driving alone. Is there someone at work who’d like to share the ride with you?
The other day, I was a bit distracted (okay, that’s a usual frame of mind) but as I was moving around my kitchen, I happened to look down into the trash and noticed a peanut butter plastic jar in the garbage. This is a bone of contention in our house. And if you have a teenager, you’ll know what I mean. I know what a pain it is to clean it out, yes, you’ll have to stick your hand down in it (particularly unpleasant if you’re under the age of eighteen), but how in good conscience they can throw it in and walk away, I’ll never know. On the other hand, this is the child who can move through that same kitchen and not notice, not only the sink of dirty dishes but the puddle the dog left just moments before, so…there you go. Green whether she likes it or not, it’s the Go Green Ride at Five on 92.1 WVTK
Go Green tips for May 24th
Gotta tip you want to share with Sarah and the Go Green Ride at Five? Email her: sarah@921wvtk.com!
Here Sarah's groovy green tips for Monday, May 24th:
• So you use less paper towels, why not institute a formal dining evening once a week. Get out the the table cloth and cloth napkins and encourage everyone to sit down together for the meal. In this day and age, a family meal is hard to come by. Be proactive and make one happen!
• The farmers markets are back and in business. Middlebury’s is 9 am to 1:30 pm every Saturday morning and I went to Rutland’s farmers market in the downtown plaza, over the weekend and spent way too much money! I’m sure they wouldn’t have it any other way!
• Addison county recycles dot org is a great place to get recycling information. Do you know for sure you’re recycling all you can? Addison county recycles dot org can help!
Ah, the fun of laundry day. Everyday in my house is laundry day, but if I have to be technical, Sunday is the day the machines see the most action. And now that we’ve got some warm weather, the clothes lines should be seeing a lot more action. I have great intentions, I do hang things up through out the house, I call it dry cleaner chic. But have yet to gt the clothes line installed outside. Do I get points for asking the hubby to do it? Talking efficiency: didja know that use up to half as much water and energy than other, older models, so if you're in the market for a new machine, snag one of those. But don't run out to buy a new washer if your old one still works. Instead, wait until you have a full load and wash your clothes in cold water (yes, Mom, it gets them just as clean) on the shortest available cycle. Washing clean and washing green on The Go Green Ride at Five on 92.1 WVTK!
Here Sarah's groovy green tips for Monday, May 24th:
• So you use less paper towels, why not institute a formal dining evening once a week. Get out the the table cloth and cloth napkins and encourage everyone to sit down together for the meal. In this day and age, a family meal is hard to come by. Be proactive and make one happen!
• The farmers markets are back and in business. Middlebury’s is 9 am to 1:30 pm every Saturday morning and I went to Rutland’s farmers market in the downtown plaza, over the weekend and spent way too much money! I’m sure they wouldn’t have it any other way!
• Addison county recycles dot org is a great place to get recycling information. Do you know for sure you’re recycling all you can? Addison county recycles dot org can help!
Ah, the fun of laundry day. Everyday in my house is laundry day, but if I have to be technical, Sunday is the day the machines see the most action. And now that we’ve got some warm weather, the clothes lines should be seeing a lot more action. I have great intentions, I do hang things up through out the house, I call it dry cleaner chic. But have yet to gt the clothes line installed outside. Do I get points for asking the hubby to do it? Talking efficiency: didja know that use up to half as much water and energy than other, older models, so if you're in the market for a new machine, snag one of those. But don't run out to buy a new washer if your old one still works. Instead, wait until you have a full load and wash your clothes in cold water (yes, Mom, it gets them just as clean) on the shortest available cycle. Washing clean and washing green on The Go Green Ride at Five on 92.1 WVTK!
Go Green tips for May 21st
Gotta tip you want to share with Sarah and the Go Green Ride at Five? Email her: sarah@921wvtk.com!
Here Sarah's groovy green tips for Friday, May 21st:
• Install an aerator on your kitchen tap to reduce water use.
• Invest in rechargeable batteries. They might be just a little more expensive, but the rechargeable last so much longer and the trade off makes it worth it!
• Today is beautiful and a wonderful opportunity to turn off the computer or TV, head outside, and do something that requires only your own energy!
Today was bike to work day! However, if you didn’t know about it, that’s okay, you can bike to work on Monday to make it up! Hee!
In this day of email, twitter, facebook and texting, there’s so many of us who are still in the paper habit, just because of the generation we all grew up in and what we watched our mothers do. I email and facebook my sisters and brother, my Mom, my friends, my husband, my daughter and my kids’ teachers. It’s how I keep in touch with my entire world. However, I still send thank you cards…why? Because my mom did. I still send family letters...why? Because my mom did. I still send out huge stack of Christmas and birthday cards…why? Well you get the idea. There just is no reason in an age when we need to be conservative in our usage of resources, to not use our computers to deliver these well-meant messages. I know, Mom told you it was rude and lazy to send someone an ecard instead of mailing the birthday or thank you cards. But these days, as more and more of us are doing it, it’s becoming more and more acceptable. Don’t worry, Mom will give in eventually. My Mother-in-law sends me ecards and pictures all the time via email AND she’s on Facebook…but hasn’t friended me yet. Just thinking green! The Go Green Ride at Five on 92.1 WVTK!
Here Sarah's groovy green tips for Friday, May 21st:
• Install an aerator on your kitchen tap to reduce water use.
• Invest in rechargeable batteries. They might be just a little more expensive, but the rechargeable last so much longer and the trade off makes it worth it!
• Today is beautiful and a wonderful opportunity to turn off the computer or TV, head outside, and do something that requires only your own energy!
Today was bike to work day! However, if you didn’t know about it, that’s okay, you can bike to work on Monday to make it up! Hee!
In this day of email, twitter, facebook and texting, there’s so many of us who are still in the paper habit, just because of the generation we all grew up in and what we watched our mothers do. I email and facebook my sisters and brother, my Mom, my friends, my husband, my daughter and my kids’ teachers. It’s how I keep in touch with my entire world. However, I still send thank you cards…why? Because my mom did. I still send family letters...why? Because my mom did. I still send out huge stack of Christmas and birthday cards…why? Well you get the idea. There just is no reason in an age when we need to be conservative in our usage of resources, to not use our computers to deliver these well-meant messages. I know, Mom told you it was rude and lazy to send someone an ecard instead of mailing the birthday or thank you cards. But these days, as more and more of us are doing it, it’s becoming more and more acceptable. Don’t worry, Mom will give in eventually. My Mother-in-law sends me ecards and pictures all the time via email AND she’s on Facebook…but hasn’t friended me yet. Just thinking green! The Go Green Ride at Five on 92.1 WVTK!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Go Green tips for May 20th
Gotta tip you want to share with Sarah and the Go Green Ride at Five? Email her: sarah@921wvtk.com!
Here Sarah's groovy green tips for Thursday, May 20th:
• Paper production consumes energy and thrown away sheets clog landfills. How much do you use in the process of one day? What steps can you make to use less?
• Wonder what you can recycle and what you can’t? Go to addison county recycles dot org to have all your recycling questions answered!
• Don’t forget tomorrow is Bike to Work day! Go home tonight and pump those tires, shine that helmet and get ready to hit the road tomorrow. I mean that figuratively, by the way!
Let me set this up for you and let’s see how familiar it sounds. There you stand in the check out aisle at Hannaford. In your basket is your unbagged bunch of bananas, your environmentally friendly household cleaner, some paper products made from recycled materials and several not-to-overly-packaged items. Just as you begin to pat yourself on the back—it hits you: your shopping bags, oh no! Still in the closet or garage at home, gathering dust and doing you absolutely no good. How can I describe it so well? Been there, and done just that! So, you sigh, and lug home your loot in bags of paper or plastic and promise yourself you’ll do better next time. Instead of beating yourself up, why not try to work out a system to help you remember your bags? You could post stylish green signs in strategic places, like by your frontdoor, or on your fridge so you can grab the bags and put them by the front door as you’re compiling the grocery list. Have your artistic child design a door knob hanger for you. You know, what made me think of this was something that happened yesterday. I was in line behind a woman who found herself in a similar situation of no bag. She took off her raincoat and wrapped her few groceries in it. Now that’s green dedication! It’s the Go Green Ride at Five on 92.1 WVTK.
Here Sarah's groovy green tips for Thursday, May 20th:
• Paper production consumes energy and thrown away sheets clog landfills. How much do you use in the process of one day? What steps can you make to use less?
• Wonder what you can recycle and what you can’t? Go to addison county recycles dot org to have all your recycling questions answered!
• Don’t forget tomorrow is Bike to Work day! Go home tonight and pump those tires, shine that helmet and get ready to hit the road tomorrow. I mean that figuratively, by the way!
Let me set this up for you and let’s see how familiar it sounds. There you stand in the check out aisle at Hannaford. In your basket is your unbagged bunch of bananas, your environmentally friendly household cleaner, some paper products made from recycled materials and several not-to-overly-packaged items. Just as you begin to pat yourself on the back—it hits you: your shopping bags, oh no! Still in the closet or garage at home, gathering dust and doing you absolutely no good. How can I describe it so well? Been there, and done just that! So, you sigh, and lug home your loot in bags of paper or plastic and promise yourself you’ll do better next time. Instead of beating yourself up, why not try to work out a system to help you remember your bags? You could post stylish green signs in strategic places, like by your frontdoor, or on your fridge so you can grab the bags and put them by the front door as you’re compiling the grocery list. Have your artistic child design a door knob hanger for you. You know, what made me think of this was something that happened yesterday. I was in line behind a woman who found herself in a similar situation of no bag. She took off her raincoat and wrapped her few groceries in it. Now that’s green dedication! It’s the Go Green Ride at Five on 92.1 WVTK.
Go Green tips for May 19th
Gotta tip you want to share with Sarah and the Go Green Ride at Five? Email her: sarah@921wvtk.com!
Here Sarah's groovy green tips for Wednesday, May 19th:
• The energy saved by recycling 1 plastic bottle will power a computer for 25 minutes.
• Unplug! Each year in the U.S., electronic devices that are turned off but not unplugged use electricity worth three billion dollars.
• It's the Go Green Ride at five, have you hugged a tree today?
This week I've been walking to work everyday for the Way to Go Commuter Challenge. You can still join me in this endeavor, if you'd like to take part. Click on waytogovt.org and register, it's that easy and those who register are instantly entered to win a number of prizes. Go to waytogovt.org for more information. Here's an energy didja know: Didja know that next to the refridgerator, the clothes dryer is the most energy-guzzling appliance in your home? Electricity used by dryers not only create greenhouse gas emissions, but also raise your energy bill significantly by hundreds of dollars per year. This is the time of year, Vermonters, when we string out our line and hang our wet togs out to dry. And if you act soon, you can take advantage of the aroma of freshly spread manure! Eu de poo, is it's bottled name, I believe. I'm kidding, for the most part, but I have to admit, my jeans have been hanging in-doors recently, otherwise, area dogs and flies won't leave me alone! Hey, there's a limit to how green I'm willing to smell! 92.1 WVTK and the Go Green Ride at Five!
Here Sarah's groovy green tips for Wednesday, May 19th:
• The energy saved by recycling 1 plastic bottle will power a computer for 25 minutes.
• Unplug! Each year in the U.S., electronic devices that are turned off but not unplugged use electricity worth three billion dollars.
• It's the Go Green Ride at five, have you hugged a tree today?
This week I've been walking to work everyday for the Way to Go Commuter Challenge. You can still join me in this endeavor, if you'd like to take part. Click on waytogovt.org and register, it's that easy and those who register are instantly entered to win a number of prizes. Go to waytogovt.org for more information. Here's an energy didja know: Didja know that next to the refridgerator, the clothes dryer is the most energy-guzzling appliance in your home? Electricity used by dryers not only create greenhouse gas emissions, but also raise your energy bill significantly by hundreds of dollars per year. This is the time of year, Vermonters, when we string out our line and hang our wet togs out to dry. And if you act soon, you can take advantage of the aroma of freshly spread manure! Eu de poo, is it's bottled name, I believe. I'm kidding, for the most part, but I have to admit, my jeans have been hanging in-doors recently, otherwise, area dogs and flies won't leave me alone! Hey, there's a limit to how green I'm willing to smell! 92.1 WVTK and the Go Green Ride at Five!
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Go Green tips for April 18th
Gotta tip you want to share with Sarah and the Go Green Ride at Five? Email her: sarah@921wvtk.com!
Here Sarah's groovy green tips for Tuesday, May 18th:
• Every shopping bag you invest in has the potential to eliminate an average of 1,000 plastic bags in it’s lifetime.
• Wonder what you can recycle and what you can’t? Go to addison county recycles dot org to have all your recycling questions answered!
• This Friday is Bike to Work day which, coincidentally, falls on the same week as the Way To Go Commuter Challenge. So, you could commit to riding your bike on Friday and register at waytogovt.org and then be eligible to win lots of great prizes.
Did you know it’s Hemp History Week? It’s true that hemp has a controversial history in the U.S., but buying paper made of hemp instead of trees isn’t illegal. And it’s certainly a lot more environmental, considering that as a crop, hemp needs no pesticides, grows back quickly, and preserves the soil it’s in better than most commercially grown plants do. Plus, no trees need to be killed for a hemp-paper product. Is there a catch, well, my inner pessimist asks, “isn’t there usually?”. Paper products made from hemp are not cheap. Consider that one ream costs about $21, as opposed to a ream of multi-purpose copy paper from Staples which would run just under five bucks, they come in a case of ten, so I’m estimating. So, would you feel great about the choice, absolutely, but make sure you can afford such high ideals! Sensibly green—always, on the Go Green Ride at Five.
Here Sarah's groovy green tips for Tuesday, May 18th:
• Every shopping bag you invest in has the potential to eliminate an average of 1,000 plastic bags in it’s lifetime.
• Wonder what you can recycle and what you can’t? Go to addison county recycles dot org to have all your recycling questions answered!
• This Friday is Bike to Work day which, coincidentally, falls on the same week as the Way To Go Commuter Challenge. So, you could commit to riding your bike on Friday and register at waytogovt.org and then be eligible to win lots of great prizes.
Did you know it’s Hemp History Week? It’s true that hemp has a controversial history in the U.S., but buying paper made of hemp instead of trees isn’t illegal. And it’s certainly a lot more environmental, considering that as a crop, hemp needs no pesticides, grows back quickly, and preserves the soil it’s in better than most commercially grown plants do. Plus, no trees need to be killed for a hemp-paper product. Is there a catch, well, my inner pessimist asks, “isn’t there usually?”. Paper products made from hemp are not cheap. Consider that one ream costs about $21, as opposed to a ream of multi-purpose copy paper from Staples which would run just under five bucks, they come in a case of ten, so I’m estimating. So, would you feel great about the choice, absolutely, but make sure you can afford such high ideals! Sensibly green—always, on the Go Green Ride at Five.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Go Green tips for May 17th
Gotta tip you want to share with Sarah and the Go Green Ride at Five? Email her: sarah@921wvtk.com!
Here Sarah's groovy green tips for Monday, May 17th:
• A bath is a wonderful thing, but uses way more water than a shower. So maybe treat yourself once in a long while, but overall, take showers. You will in average save about half the amount of water that you would if you were taking a bath. Treat yourself to a good loofah treatment instead!
• Opt out of paper bank statements - Why waste paper getting your bank statement mailed to you when you can just check it out online. Super easy to set it up, call your bank to see if the option is open to you!
• Not to push a cliché, but ‘tis the season to plant a tree. It’s nice and warm, the ground is soft and one more tree in the world is never a bad thing! Plant a seedling today and plant some roots. I know, another cliché!
Today is the first day of The Way to go! Commuter Challenge going on all this week, it lasts right up through the 21st. And it’s not too late for you to take the plunge, as well. Come on, it’s one week out of your life to make an impact—even if it’s a small one! All you have to do is commit to finding an alternative way to get to work this week, as opposed to driving solo. So that’s carpooling, biking, skateboarding, roller blading or like me, walking. Although, I have to admit, I might try the roller blading one, just to say I did. Don’t worry, I’ll be well padded in my daughter’s hot pink knee pads and matching helmet! To register, go to waytogovt.org. By the way, registering automatically qualifies you to win some cool stuff, like ipods, spa trips, weekend getaways, skiing and lots more. Go to waytogovt.org for more information! Striding in style on the Go Green Ride at Five on 92.1 WVTK!
Here Sarah's groovy green tips for Monday, May 17th:
• A bath is a wonderful thing, but uses way more water than a shower. So maybe treat yourself once in a long while, but overall, take showers. You will in average save about half the amount of water that you would if you were taking a bath. Treat yourself to a good loofah treatment instead!
• Opt out of paper bank statements - Why waste paper getting your bank statement mailed to you when you can just check it out online. Super easy to set it up, call your bank to see if the option is open to you!
• Not to push a cliché, but ‘tis the season to plant a tree. It’s nice and warm, the ground is soft and one more tree in the world is never a bad thing! Plant a seedling today and plant some roots. I know, another cliché!
Today is the first day of The Way to go! Commuter Challenge going on all this week, it lasts right up through the 21st. And it’s not too late for you to take the plunge, as well. Come on, it’s one week out of your life to make an impact—even if it’s a small one! All you have to do is commit to finding an alternative way to get to work this week, as opposed to driving solo. So that’s carpooling, biking, skateboarding, roller blading or like me, walking. Although, I have to admit, I might try the roller blading one, just to say I did. Don’t worry, I’ll be well padded in my daughter’s hot pink knee pads and matching helmet! To register, go to waytogovt.org. By the way, registering automatically qualifies you to win some cool stuff, like ipods, spa trips, weekend getaways, skiing and lots more. Go to waytogovt.org for more information! Striding in style on the Go Green Ride at Five on 92.1 WVTK!
Friday, May 14, 2010
Go Green tips for May 14th
Gotta tip you want to share with Sarah and the Go Green Ride at Five? Email her: sarah@921wvtk.com!
Here Sarah's groovy green tips for Friday, May 14th:
• Do you have a plan to replace your appliances in the near future, think energy star and consider donating your old appliance to a place like Project HOPE in Middlebury. If it’s under five years old and still in good working condition, you can bet someone in this area has a need!
• Some have made the mistake of believing that Kitty Litter is safe to add to your compost bin…not so much! It contains unsafe chemicals in the litter and pathogens in pet waste, it is definitely not a compost friendly!
The Way to go! Commuter Challenge is all of next week, the seventeenth through the 21st. This is an opportunity to commit, all week, to finding an alterior way to get to work besides driving solo and perhaps, even win some cool stuff. For more information, go to waytogovt.org. I’m registered, it was so easy, took me no more than two minutes to enter my information and I even got some coupons to use. I’m ready to walk to work next week, care to join me? On a different bent: here’s a story about making better green choices, despite the cost.
Central Vermont Public Service is making the switch to green oil for their tree trimmers chain saws. The tree trimmers’ job to clear trees from power line areas and normally, as they do this, oil is inadvertently dripping from the saws to the forest floor. The company's forestry manager decided to make the change to a biodegradable green oil product derived from animal fat because it begins to break down immediately, unlike petroleum oil, which takes years to break down and contaminates the environment. The product does cost about $2 more per gallon, but the company says the investment will make a big difference. The transition is already taking place and will be in full effect by June first. Now, hopefully we won’t see that cost covered via raising our power bills! Flowing green, on 92.1 WVTK!
Here Sarah's groovy green tips for Friday, May 14th:
• Do you have a plan to replace your appliances in the near future, think energy star and consider donating your old appliance to a place like Project HOPE in Middlebury. If it’s under five years old and still in good working condition, you can bet someone in this area has a need!
• Some have made the mistake of believing that Kitty Litter is safe to add to your compost bin…not so much! It contains unsafe chemicals in the litter and pathogens in pet waste, it is definitely not a compost friendly!
The Way to go! Commuter Challenge is all of next week, the seventeenth through the 21st. This is an opportunity to commit, all week, to finding an alterior way to get to work besides driving solo and perhaps, even win some cool stuff. For more information, go to waytogovt.org. I’m registered, it was so easy, took me no more than two minutes to enter my information and I even got some coupons to use. I’m ready to walk to work next week, care to join me? On a different bent: here’s a story about making better green choices, despite the cost.
Central Vermont Public Service is making the switch to green oil for their tree trimmers chain saws. The tree trimmers’ job to clear trees from power line areas and normally, as they do this, oil is inadvertently dripping from the saws to the forest floor. The company's forestry manager decided to make the change to a biodegradable green oil product derived from animal fat because it begins to break down immediately, unlike petroleum oil, which takes years to break down and contaminates the environment. The product does cost about $2 more per gallon, but the company says the investment will make a big difference. The transition is already taking place and will be in full effect by June first. Now, hopefully we won’t see that cost covered via raising our power bills! Flowing green, on 92.1 WVTK!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Go Green tips for May 13th
Gotta tip you want to share with Sarah and the Go Green Ride at Five? Email her: sarah@921wvtk.com!
Here Sarah's groovy green tips for Thursday, May 13th:
• The saying, “One person’s trash is another person’s treasure” still applies! If it’s no longer of use to you, it might be to someone else, so donate your usable cast offs for someone else to treasure!
• Have you ever been to an exchange party? They’re a ton of fun. You invite all your friends, and they bring stuff they no longer want to exchange for someone else’s goodies! You never know what you’ll find, but the search is, indeed, a party and a half!
If you haven’t done so yet, registration is still underway for the Way to go! Commuter Challenge next week. You can commit, All week, to finding an alterior way to get to work besides driving solo and perhaps, even win some cool stuff like iPods, overnight stays, Neuton power equipment, ski passes, spa treatments and so much more! For more information, go to waytogovt.org. I’m sure many will be making use of their bicycles next week to get to work and more than a means of transportation, a bike can also generate electricity. You can get inspiration from a New York vendor who makes smoothies with a bike blender or actor Ed Begley, Jr., who pedals to toast bread. It doesn't stop there: People worldwide are using bikes to wash clothes, pump water, mill grain, and even power computers. Upon some research, I was surprised to hear how easy it is to rig up your own two wheels to boost your power output. Motherearthnews.com had the schematics posted and believe it or not, it involved a bike chassis, a 12 volt battery, a 35 amp auto alternator and a couple other misc. parts. Go to motherearthnews.com to take a look for yourself and before you know it, you could be on your way to making some extra watts by…going nowhere! Another way to go green on the Go Green Ride at Five!
Here Sarah's groovy green tips for Thursday, May 13th:
• The saying, “One person’s trash is another person’s treasure” still applies! If it’s no longer of use to you, it might be to someone else, so donate your usable cast offs for someone else to treasure!
• Have you ever been to an exchange party? They’re a ton of fun. You invite all your friends, and they bring stuff they no longer want to exchange for someone else’s goodies! You never know what you’ll find, but the search is, indeed, a party and a half!
If you haven’t done so yet, registration is still underway for the Way to go! Commuter Challenge next week. You can commit, All week, to finding an alterior way to get to work besides driving solo and perhaps, even win some cool stuff like iPods, overnight stays, Neuton power equipment, ski passes, spa treatments and so much more! For more information, go to waytogovt.org. I’m sure many will be making use of their bicycles next week to get to work and more than a means of transportation, a bike can also generate electricity. You can get inspiration from a New York vendor who makes smoothies with a bike blender or actor Ed Begley, Jr., who pedals to toast bread. It doesn't stop there: People worldwide are using bikes to wash clothes, pump water, mill grain, and even power computers. Upon some research, I was surprised to hear how easy it is to rig up your own two wheels to boost your power output. Motherearthnews.com had the schematics posted and believe it or not, it involved a bike chassis, a 12 volt battery, a 35 amp auto alternator and a couple other misc. parts. Go to motherearthnews.com to take a look for yourself and before you know it, you could be on your way to making some extra watts by…going nowhere! Another way to go green on the Go Green Ride at Five!
Go Green tips for May 12th
Gotta tip you want to share with Sarah and the Go Green Ride at Five? Email her: sarah@921wvtk.com!
Here Sarah's groovy green tips for Wednesday, May 12th:
• Save some paper and try printing on both sides of your page. If it’s materials that just stay within your office, what does it matter?
• Download the new Ecofont – a new typeface that incorporates tiny, inkless circles that minimize ink usage by up to 20 percent. Best of all: it’s free. Again, it’s called Ecofont, google it and check it out!
Don’t forget to register and take part in Way to go! Commuter Challenge next week. To register go to www.waytogovt.org and then commit to spend next week either walking, biking or sharing the ride to work! There’s rewards to be had in this, you’ll be entered in drawing for ipods, Burton Snowboards, overnight stays, Neuton power equipment, ski passes, spa treatments and so much more! For more information, go to waytogovt.org.
Hooked on bottled water? I have a few friends who are never seen without their bottle of Poland Spring or Dasani. When I ask, I’m informed that they have to stay hydrated. I agree, we all have to stay hydrated, but it can easily be achieved with a reusable aluminum bottle of tap water. There’s a myriad of water filters available to make your water the same quality as your favorite bought bottled water and just think about the money saved in time. Where can you find those reusable bottles? Open your eyes, they’re in grocery stores, drug stores, I even saw them in TJMaxx! They’re everywhere and you’re out of excuses! Make the switch today, and stop the plastic habit! Green ain’t easy, but it’s right. It’s the Go Green Ride at Five on 92.1 WVTK!
Here Sarah's groovy green tips for Wednesday, May 12th:
• Save some paper and try printing on both sides of your page. If it’s materials that just stay within your office, what does it matter?
• Download the new Ecofont – a new typeface that incorporates tiny, inkless circles that minimize ink usage by up to 20 percent. Best of all: it’s free. Again, it’s called Ecofont, google it and check it out!
Don’t forget to register and take part in Way to go! Commuter Challenge next week. To register go to www.waytogovt.org and then commit to spend next week either walking, biking or sharing the ride to work! There’s rewards to be had in this, you’ll be entered in drawing for ipods, Burton Snowboards, overnight stays, Neuton power equipment, ski passes, spa treatments and so much more! For more information, go to waytogovt.org.
Hooked on bottled water? I have a few friends who are never seen without their bottle of Poland Spring or Dasani. When I ask, I’m informed that they have to stay hydrated. I agree, we all have to stay hydrated, but it can easily be achieved with a reusable aluminum bottle of tap water. There’s a myriad of water filters available to make your water the same quality as your favorite bought bottled water and just think about the money saved in time. Where can you find those reusable bottles? Open your eyes, they’re in grocery stores, drug stores, I even saw them in TJMaxx! They’re everywhere and you’re out of excuses! Make the switch today, and stop the plastic habit! Green ain’t easy, but it’s right. It’s the Go Green Ride at Five on 92.1 WVTK!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Go Green tips for May 11th
Gotta tip you want to share with Sarah and the Go Green Ride at Five? Email her: sarah@921wvtk.com!
Here Sarah's groovy green tips for Tuesday, May 11th:
• Don’t forget that shopping bag the next time you make that drug store or quick stop! Keep them in your car for just such an occasion!
• When was the last time you had your tires aligned? Poor alignment not only causes tires to wear out more quickly, but also forces your engine to work harder. You could save up to 10% in fuel costs.
Registration is still going on for the Way To Go Commuter Challenge, which starts next Monday, May 17th and runs all week until the 21st. Everyone who commits to walk, bike, telecommute, carpool, take the bus or use any alternative to driving solo will receive free giveaways and be entered in a drawing to win great prizes like ipods, a Neuton battery-powered mower, Burton snowboards, overnight stays, restaurant gift certificates, yoga passes, spa treatments, bike tune-ups, golf and ski passes and much more. To register, go online to www.waytogovt.org. You can register as a single or do so with some co-workers in your workplace. As a matter of fact, many local businesses and schools are participating this year, putting Addison County in the running for some great prizes locally and statewide. An added incentive: ACTR will reduce fares to 10 cents each way on the Tri-Town Vergennes and Tri-Town Bristol routes as well as the Snow Bowl and the Rutland Connector routes for Way to Go! Week. All fares collected on ACTR buses during that week will be donated to the United Way of Addison County. And of course, the Middlebury Shuttle Bus loops continue to be fare free. So, even if you just carpool for the week, it’s an opportunity reduce your footprint and if you’re like me and work closeby, I hope to see you on my way to work…on foot! Go to waytogovt.org for more information. Moving green on the Go Green Ride at Five on 92.1 WVTK!
Here Sarah's groovy green tips for Tuesday, May 11th:
• Don’t forget that shopping bag the next time you make that drug store or quick stop! Keep them in your car for just such an occasion!
• When was the last time you had your tires aligned? Poor alignment not only causes tires to wear out more quickly, but also forces your engine to work harder. You could save up to 10% in fuel costs.
Registration is still going on for the Way To Go Commuter Challenge, which starts next Monday, May 17th and runs all week until the 21st. Everyone who commits to walk, bike, telecommute, carpool, take the bus or use any alternative to driving solo will receive free giveaways and be entered in a drawing to win great prizes like ipods, a Neuton battery-powered mower, Burton snowboards, overnight stays, restaurant gift certificates, yoga passes, spa treatments, bike tune-ups, golf and ski passes and much more. To register, go online to www.waytogovt.org. You can register as a single or do so with some co-workers in your workplace. As a matter of fact, many local businesses and schools are participating this year, putting Addison County in the running for some great prizes locally and statewide. An added incentive: ACTR will reduce fares to 10 cents each way on the Tri-Town Vergennes and Tri-Town Bristol routes as well as the Snow Bowl and the Rutland Connector routes for Way to Go! Week. All fares collected on ACTR buses during that week will be donated to the United Way of Addison County. And of course, the Middlebury Shuttle Bus loops continue to be fare free. So, even if you just carpool for the week, it’s an opportunity reduce your footprint and if you’re like me and work closeby, I hope to see you on my way to work…on foot! Go to waytogovt.org for more information. Moving green on the Go Green Ride at Five on 92.1 WVTK!
Monday, May 10, 2010
Go Green tips for May 10th
Gotta tip you want to share with Sarah and the Go Green Ride at Five? Email her: sarah@921wvtk.com!
Here Sarah's groovy green tips for Monday, May 10th:
• Treat yourself to an attractive travel coffee mug and use it when you make your coffee stop on the way to work!
• With gardening season here, save the money you’d spend on those little plastic pots for your starter plants and use old milk or juice cartons, instead! They’re perfect for the job!
• When was the last time you had your tires aligned? Poor alignment not only causes tires to wear out more quickly, but also forces your engine to work harder. You could save up to 10% in fuel costs.
I was asked the other day about alternatives to pesticides in our gardens. That’s a good question. Upon some research, heres some ideas: Gardeners strive to keep out pests, but loss of habitat means that many animals and insects end up relying on gardens for food and shelter. It may sound crazy but there’s a way to have the best of both worlds. You’ve heard the saying, “If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em!”, well, you can help the pests and maintain your garden. Include a few spots of weeds and wildflowers nearby. They nurture a host of critters, so leave a few patches in your yard. Logs and hedges provide cover, as well, not to mention the fact that they looks so attractive. Companion plants are also a great addition to the garden, like nasturtiums which lure caterpillars away from salad greens. Birds help control pests, as well; nest boxes, food, and water will make them want to set up housekeeping. Good soil, crop rotation, and careful watering all lead to healthy, pest-resistant plants. Naturally green on the Go Green Ride at Five on 92.1 WVTK!
Here Sarah's groovy green tips for Monday, May 10th:
• Treat yourself to an attractive travel coffee mug and use it when you make your coffee stop on the way to work!
• With gardening season here, save the money you’d spend on those little plastic pots for your starter plants and use old milk or juice cartons, instead! They’re perfect for the job!
• When was the last time you had your tires aligned? Poor alignment not only causes tires to wear out more quickly, but also forces your engine to work harder. You could save up to 10% in fuel costs.
I was asked the other day about alternatives to pesticides in our gardens. That’s a good question. Upon some research, heres some ideas: Gardeners strive to keep out pests, but loss of habitat means that many animals and insects end up relying on gardens for food and shelter. It may sound crazy but there’s a way to have the best of both worlds. You’ve heard the saying, “If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em!”, well, you can help the pests and maintain your garden. Include a few spots of weeds and wildflowers nearby. They nurture a host of critters, so leave a few patches in your yard. Logs and hedges provide cover, as well, not to mention the fact that they looks so attractive. Companion plants are also a great addition to the garden, like nasturtiums which lure caterpillars away from salad greens. Birds help control pests, as well; nest boxes, food, and water will make them want to set up housekeeping. Good soil, crop rotation, and careful watering all lead to healthy, pest-resistant plants. Naturally green on the Go Green Ride at Five on 92.1 WVTK!
Friday, May 7, 2010
Go Green tips for May 7th
Gotta tip you want to share with Sarah and the Go Green Ride at Five? Email her: sarah@921wvtk.com!
Here Sarah's groovy green tips for Friday, May 7th:
• Warm weather and bridge construction are bringing the bicyclists out in droves! Bikers, remember sidewalks downtown are for pedestrians on foot, and unless you are walking your bike, you need to keep to the road!
• Didja know that if you take your bananas apart when get home from the store, they won’t ripen as fast! I like mine greenish and tangy!
• Are squirrels raiding the yard and garden? To keep the cute nuisance from eating your plants, sprinkle your plants with cayenne pepper. The pepper doesn't hurt the plant and the squirrels won't come near it.
This week, we’re talking gardening. Whether you’re an avid gardener and been digging for years, or just getting started with newly dirty hands, the rewards of a home garden outweigh the work! We touched on the importance of clearing out the weeds before planting, but that doesn’t ensure they won’t come back. I’ve heard many techniques in keeping your weeds at bay. But I loved this one, because it’s all about reuse! Newspaper your weeds away ! Start putting in your plants, work the nutrients in your soil. Then…wet newspapers, put layers around the plants overlapping as you go, cover with mulch and forget about weeds. Weeds will get through some gardening plastic, but, I’m told, they will not get through wet newspapers. Now that’s useful news on 92.1 WVTK’s Go Green Ride at Five!
Here Sarah's groovy green tips for Friday, May 7th:
• Warm weather and bridge construction are bringing the bicyclists out in droves! Bikers, remember sidewalks downtown are for pedestrians on foot, and unless you are walking your bike, you need to keep to the road!
• Didja know that if you take your bananas apart when get home from the store, they won’t ripen as fast! I like mine greenish and tangy!
• Are squirrels raiding the yard and garden? To keep the cute nuisance from eating your plants, sprinkle your plants with cayenne pepper. The pepper doesn't hurt the plant and the squirrels won't come near it.
This week, we’re talking gardening. Whether you’re an avid gardener and been digging for years, or just getting started with newly dirty hands, the rewards of a home garden outweigh the work! We touched on the importance of clearing out the weeds before planting, but that doesn’t ensure they won’t come back. I’ve heard many techniques in keeping your weeds at bay. But I loved this one, because it’s all about reuse! Newspaper your weeds away ! Start putting in your plants, work the nutrients in your soil. Then…wet newspapers, put layers around the plants overlapping as you go, cover with mulch and forget about weeds. Weeds will get through some gardening plastic, but, I’m told, they will not get through wet newspapers. Now that’s useful news on 92.1 WVTK’s Go Green Ride at Five!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Go Green tips for May 6th
Gotta tip you want to share with Sarah and the Go Green Ride at Five? Email her: sarah@921wvtk.com!
Here Sarah's groovy green tips for Thursday, May 6th:
• Try this website: Addison county recycles dot org whenever you have a question about what is supposed to go into the recycle bin.
• I am neither a vegan or vegetarian, but I am a fan of every once in a while, going meat free. Try it for a week or even just a meal. Instead of that meatloaf, why not try some black beans and rice? Or, a baked potato covered in a yummy veggie gravy can just hit the spot!
• On bike this summer? Remember, cyclists, the rules of the road apply to you, as well. Things like yielding for pedestrians and stopping at red lights also mean those on two wheels with pedals! Being safe means you and others around you on the road arrive in one piece!
Yesterday, we talked beginning your garden when you’re a beginner gardener. Say that five times fast! For many, because lack time to invest, starting a big garden isn’t a reality. However, planting one variety is a lower maintenance endeavor that, of which, you can still reap many a reward. Most opt for that one special plant to be tomato. It’s a crowd pleaser and nothing says summer like sun-kissed tomatoes right off the vine. They’re also a good beginner crop, especially if you start with seedlings. So here's some simple instructions provided by the Sierra Club online: In your warmest, sunniest spot, dig a hole the size of a basketball. Then add some compost and eggshells (for calcium). Depth is necessary for root development so plant your seedling up to the fourth branch from the top. Give it lots of water at first, to ease the shock of transplant. After that, one to three inches of water per week should suffice. Eventually, you'll need to install support for your growing vines. Sowing the seeds of green, we’re 92.1 WVTK and this is the Go Green Ride at Five!
Here Sarah's groovy green tips for Thursday, May 6th:
• Try this website: Addison county recycles dot org whenever you have a question about what is supposed to go into the recycle bin.
• I am neither a vegan or vegetarian, but I am a fan of every once in a while, going meat free. Try it for a week or even just a meal. Instead of that meatloaf, why not try some black beans and rice? Or, a baked potato covered in a yummy veggie gravy can just hit the spot!
• On bike this summer? Remember, cyclists, the rules of the road apply to you, as well. Things like yielding for pedestrians and stopping at red lights also mean those on two wheels with pedals! Being safe means you and others around you on the road arrive in one piece!
Yesterday, we talked beginning your garden when you’re a beginner gardener. Say that five times fast! For many, because lack time to invest, starting a big garden isn’t a reality. However, planting one variety is a lower maintenance endeavor that, of which, you can still reap many a reward. Most opt for that one special plant to be tomato. It’s a crowd pleaser and nothing says summer like sun-kissed tomatoes right off the vine. They’re also a good beginner crop, especially if you start with seedlings. So here's some simple instructions provided by the Sierra Club online: In your warmest, sunniest spot, dig a hole the size of a basketball. Then add some compost and eggshells (for calcium). Depth is necessary for root development so plant your seedling up to the fourth branch from the top. Give it lots of water at first, to ease the shock of transplant. After that, one to three inches of water per week should suffice. Eventually, you'll need to install support for your growing vines. Sowing the seeds of green, we’re 92.1 WVTK and this is the Go Green Ride at Five!
Go Green tips for May 5th
Gotta tip you want to share with Sarah and the Go Green Ride at Five? Email her: sarah@921wvtk.com!
Here Sarah's groovy green tips for Wednesday, May 5th:
• Wanna reheat leftover pizza? The oven take a lot of energy, so instead, put it a skillet on top the stove on med-low heat until warm. Crust gets crispy again, the cheese melts nicely and it’s not all chewy like it would be if you nuked it.
• A reuse for drier sheets: put one in your pocket when you head outside this summer and it repels mosquitoes!
It seems this year, more so than I’ve seen in the past, many of my friends and even family are taking a vested interest in gardening. And why not? There are so many benefits to home-grown produce. Have you been considering starting your own home plot, but not sure how green your thumb really is? Well, as I am not yet a gardener, I asked around and did some research on how, inch by inch, row by row, we can get our gardens to grow. First: location, location, location. Choose a spot that gets at least six to eight hours of sun, is protected from wind, and is away from trees—that’s important, you don’t want your seedlings to compete with them for water. Vegetables need loamy, well-drained soil; Seth at Horsford’s Nursery in Charlotte recommends you just submit a sample of your soil for testing through the UVM Extension Service. It only costs fourteen bucks, ten more to test for metals and they can tell you what minerals you have in excess and deficit. Then visit your local nursery, great advice is to be had there and no question is considered inane. Once your loose, rich in nutrient soil is in place, prepare the ground by clearing it of weeds and debris and turning it to a depth of about 12 inches. And size does matter, a 10-by-16-foot plot can feed a family of four for a summer. Helping go and grow green, we’re 92.1 WVTK!
Here Sarah's groovy green tips for Wednesday, May 5th:
• Wanna reheat leftover pizza? The oven take a lot of energy, so instead, put it a skillet on top the stove on med-low heat until warm. Crust gets crispy again, the cheese melts nicely and it’s not all chewy like it would be if you nuked it.
• A reuse for drier sheets: put one in your pocket when you head outside this summer and it repels mosquitoes!
It seems this year, more so than I’ve seen in the past, many of my friends and even family are taking a vested interest in gardening. And why not? There are so many benefits to home-grown produce. Have you been considering starting your own home plot, but not sure how green your thumb really is? Well, as I am not yet a gardener, I asked around and did some research on how, inch by inch, row by row, we can get our gardens to grow. First: location, location, location. Choose a spot that gets at least six to eight hours of sun, is protected from wind, and is away from trees—that’s important, you don’t want your seedlings to compete with them for water. Vegetables need loamy, well-drained soil; Seth at Horsford’s Nursery in Charlotte recommends you just submit a sample of your soil for testing through the UVM Extension Service. It only costs fourteen bucks, ten more to test for metals and they can tell you what minerals you have in excess and deficit. Then visit your local nursery, great advice is to be had there and no question is considered inane. Once your loose, rich in nutrient soil is in place, prepare the ground by clearing it of weeds and debris and turning it to a depth of about 12 inches. And size does matter, a 10-by-16-foot plot can feed a family of four for a summer. Helping go and grow green, we’re 92.1 WVTK!
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