Laura
GKT Blog

Shop Local and Save!

08/15/2009 19:42
laura
Do you ever pass those cute local stores and tell yourself “Oh, I should go in there some time…”? Well why not go in there all the time? Lots of times we shop in the big department stores because they’re cheaper and they “save time”. Think about it, though – the products available in the big stores are often cheaper because they are tacky, short-lasting, or worse-quality versions of whatever it is you’re looking for; or they come in smaller quantities than what you can find in a local store. For example, when we went shopping for supplies for the club, I was looking for wire to make jewelry with. I wanted something that wouldn’t tarnish and would still work well. We looked in Michaels, and we even tried Walmart. All we found were these wires that didn’t even say what they were made of on the packaging, and certainly didn’t say whether they would tarnish.  Then we went to Earth Treasures and talked to the lady there. She was very helpful, telling us about the sterling silver wire (which is good quality, but does tarnish) and the copper wire (stil l silver colored) that was tarnish free. We also mentioned that we hadn’t found any good wire anywhere else, and she was telling us how much better it is to find things locally – the quantity is larger, and the quality better. We bought the copper wire, and it’s been working great! Another example that comes to mind is blueberries – you can buy them in the grocery store in a teensy package, or at the farmer’s market in a larger container for probably around the same price! Clothes? Household items? If they’re cheaper, but shorter lasting, you’ll just have to go out and spend more time and money on new ones.What if you’re looking for a present for someone? You could spend hours at the department store, unsatisfied with the generic options, or you could visit a few local shops and boom! A perfect, unique gift! So you save time, often you save money, and you just could be saving that local store from being put out of business by a big corporation!

Check out some of these local stores and restaurants if you live in or near Keene, NH:
24 Carrots
Earth Treasures
Timoleons
Fritz Belgian Fries
Turn It Up
Cool Jewels
Life Is Sweet

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Harrisville Old Home Days

07/12/2009 20:39
laura
Yesterday we had a booth at
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Harrisville Old Home Days. Located in the small town of Harrisville, this craft fair-like gathering is an annual celebration of the historic community. There we sold our homemade eco-friendly laundry soap, homemade bread, greenciles, shrinky-dink earrings(recycled plastic shrunk down in the oven - Mina wrote a blog about the process), wire and crystal pendants, cards made from homemade paper, and envelopes made of magazine pages. It was a great experience - everyone was so friendly and interested, the weather was amazing (sunny but not too hot) and we sold a lot of items. The rural setting - many trees and a picturesque stream (or river) - enhanced the overall atmosphere.
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Booths sold everything from jelly and lotion to jewelry and scarfs. There were lovely paintings - both on canvas and on glass, and the local library put on a used book sale. Other activities the town ran included a cake walk, local musicians, and crafts for the children. It seemed well-organized with the whole town pitching in. I hope it continues to be a tradition and look forward to participating next year! And GKT made over $150 altogether - some from selling, and some from the awesome people who donated to our club! Thanks!!

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Green doesn't always mean go, go, go

04/09/2009 19:06
laura
In the frantic pace of today's society, it is not always easy to slow down and consider the things you can do to be green. Sometimes it's more convenient to just do something the "normal" way - leave the water running when you brush your teeth, toss that plastic bottle in the trash, or mop up a spill with paper towels. But really, how much harder is it to switch off the faucet, get a recycle bin, or grab an old towel? There are so many little things everyone can do to help conserve energy and natural resources. All that's needed is the ability to stop and think long enough to do them. After a while it becomes second nature and is just as simple as being wasteful. So next time you leave the room, switch off the lights, (Mythbusters even proved it saves electricity). Compost everything that can be composted. Shut off computers at night. Turn the water off when you aren't using it (and try not to use it as much, a few germs won't kill you). If you're really motivated, research energy efficient appliances. Most old toilets waste gallons of water per flush. Maybe it's time to flush thoughtlessness and let the fluorescent light bulb go on over your head.

For some great tips on how to save and other green news, check out:

Consumers Power
The Daily Green
Power House
Energy Refuge

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