Quick Bag-Saving Tip

Keep a reusable bag or two stashed in your car. That way, you won't be forced to take home unwanted bags next time your sweetie calls and tells you to swing by the Piggly Wiggly on your way home from work.

(Thanks to my mom-in-law Sue for this idea!)

Tell the World What You Really Want for Christmas

Does the thought of presents piled under the Christmas tree make you cringe?

It doesn't have to mean you're the Scrooge of the 21st Century. Maybe you're just more concerned with the Earth's well-being than with adding more stuff to your stash.

But it can be hard to communicate such feelings to others without making them feel that you don't appreciate their gifts.

If you're nodding your head in agreement, you need to know about the Center for a New American Dream's Alternative Gift Registry. It's a free service for people like you who would like to move towards a more Earth-friendly giving scene.

• For you, the Alternative Gift Registry validates your wish for non-material, second-hand, homemade, and environmentally friendly gifts.
  
• For your loved ones, it takes the guesswork out of choosing a gift for someone who doesn't fit the traditional mold.
  
• And for everyone, it continues the proud tradition of gift-giving while helping celebrants focus on what matters most: a joyous celebration with loved ones to honor the important moments in our lives.

So go ahead and ask for what you really want, whether it's recycled socks, a donation to Save the Whales or an afternoon out with your favorite people. The Alternative Gift Registry will lend an air of authority to your crazy wish list. And it's a good bet you'll get at least some of what you want - and less of what you don't.

Sign up for free at www.alternativegiftregistry.org

Thoughts on Travel

There's nothing green about jet travel. On a flight from New York to Denver, for example, a commercial jet generates 850 to over 1,600 pounds of carbon dioxide per passenger. (You could drive your SUV around for a month for that.)

So you might want to think twice before hopping that plane unless you really have to.

But for those times when jet travel is unavoidable, here are some suggestions that may take a tiny bit of the sting out of it:

• Check with your airline to see if they have programs in place to help address the issue. For example, Northwest has partnered with The Nature Conservancy to create a Carbon Offset Program. Northwest's Carbon Emissions Calculator will estimate the amount of CO₂ emissions generated by your flight and provide a suggested voluntary carbon offset contribution to The Nature Conservancy® to remove or sequester CO₂ from the atmosphere. (Find out more at http://www.nwa.com/corpinfo/aircares/earthcares.html).
• Pack light. A heavy load burns more fuel.
• Bring your own water bottle. You won't be allowed to bring liquids through security, but once through you can fill your empty bottle at the drinking fountain. That way you can keep hydrated, but say "no" to disposable cups, cans and bottles.
• Patronize local businesses at your destination. Seek out local restaurants and specialty shops, especially those that offer locally grown and crafted items. Not only will you be supporting a more sustainable sector of the area's economy, but you'll come away with a much richer travel experience.
• Seek out greener lodging options. When choosing a hotel, ask what they do to protect the earth. (A good place to start your search is the "Green" Hotels Association's website: www.greenhotels.com.)
  

Bon voyage!

Vote for Hope

There are two ways to approach the world: with fear or with hope.

For the past eight years, we have allowed ourselves to be ruled by fear.

Fear that our enemies will get us.
Fear of losing our freedom.
Fear of change we can't control.

When we react with fear, we lose sight of our goals.

We build barricades to keep out the enemy - and wall ourselves in.
We hoard our wealth - and keep it from doing its job.
We hold onto a lifestyle that's driving us into the ground.

Fear leads to secrecy and lies and justification of evil deeds.

When we act with hope, we acknowledge our fear - but are able to take meaningful steps to meet it head on.

In the words of Franklin D. Roosevelt: "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself - nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance."

Today is Election Day. Listen carefully to our potential leaders. Are they offering a message of empowerment and hope - or are they doing their best to strike fear into the hearts of the people?

I'm going to the polls now to vote for hope - and hope for change.