The Times They Are A Changing

April is Keep America Beautiful Month. So many of us are trying to find ways to turn our huge “big foot” sized carbon footprint to ones as small as we can make them. Don’t be embarrassed if you haven’t done much in the way of making your life and surroundings a bit greener, just start now. Here are three easy suggestions to get you started.

* Buy your fruits and vegetables from local growers. Make a stop the next time you pass a farmers market or fruit stand. The produce will be fresher and the amount of energy in the way of fuel is almost completely eliminated.

* Lessen packaging. Although, for safety sake some packaging may be necessary. However, instead of grabbing the tomatoes that are neatly packaged in a little container, purchase the loose tomato. Keep an eye out for products that use less packaging.

* Use reusable bags. At least ask for paper bags and refuse to shop at a retailer who does not provide them. There is a particular large discount store that sometimes have superstores with grocery departments that never, never seem to have the paper bags on hand. Don’t tell the clerk, but speak or send a note (email) to the manager telling him you will not be shopping there without paper bags. Better yet, bring your own reusable bags. Just get in the habit of putting them back in your car after unloading your groceries.

If you work just a little at it, you will begin to do your part to keep America beautiful.