Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Want to steer clear of the madness on Black Friday? Take advantage of opportunities to get great deals in Old Town without the big-box stress. Or, avoid shopping altogether!
I’ve never been much of a Black Friday shopper. I know, the deals can be amazing, but I still can’t bring myself to do it. A decade or so ago, when the economy was stronger and before we had kids, my husband and I would take advantage of the sales to buy things we needed, mostly clothes. But that was at the end of the holiday season … after Christmas, and back when retailers over stocked to such a degree that one didn’t even have to rush to get a good deal. In recent years, retailers have been offering deals and steals so grand that shoppers sometimes come to blows. This year, some outlets are even bringing back lay-away. I haven’t heard that term since childhood! But these enticements only increase my resolve not to participate. I’m just …
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Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Who doesn't love a good deal, especially one that has a positive planetary impact?
With the deluge of group buying discount services, great deals have become much easier to find. The following sites now make it easy for you to get great deals and do good at the same time. Each offers a significant discount on environmentally products and services and/or those with a social edge. Two of them direct proceeds from your purchase to charitable organizations. Of course, shopping local is always encouraged. And since group buying sites aim to work with businesses within local markets, they provide a great opportunity for customers to try new products and services from local vendors. Patch offers a "Deal of the Day" from local businesses encouraging residents to shop local. Visit individual websites and sign up to have the …
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
How long can one go without shopping at a big-box store?
It’s April … the month that is home to Earth Day and many things green. At the start of each year and again in honor of Earth Day, I make a personal commitment and we make household commitments about something we will do differently to have a more positive planetary impact. For the past couple of months, I have been contemplating a commitment that is a huge personal challenge. It is one that I am even hesitant to write about here, in such a public space, because I am not sure if I am quite ready to take the leap. But, since this column is about our family’s quest to have a more positive planetary impact, and since stretching and growing are inherent in a quest, here goes … My commitment: No shopping at big-box stores for the month of April…
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
A few strategies for green gift giving all year long
Over the past couple of weeks, this column has focused on creative ways to green your holiday gift giving. In the third and final segment of this series, we'll cover ways to incorporate green giving throughout the year. Gift giving provides a wonderful opportunity to have a positive planetary impact while embracing the spirit of caring and sharing, and there are so many ways to take advantage of such an opportunity. But, green gift giving isn't always so easy, or clear cut. Here are a few strategies to get you started. 1. Start small Even small tweaks can add up to major changes over time. When our family decided to pitch the wrapping paper, we did it in stages. We used up what we had on hand (though we have one never-ending pack to finish…
Sally Scime
5:07 pm on Monday, April 11, 2011
Carolyn, you're right, there are not a lot of local options for some items. I have a laser printer so only need to buy a new cartridge about once every 2 years. The last time I purchased one, I bought it at Staples, too. Since then, I have heard of a place called Rapid Refill on Duke St that will take your old cartridges and re-fill them for you. I have not tried them out yet. more ›