For those celebrating weddings, baby showers or other big occasions, traditional gifts aren’t the only option; alternative gift registries are popping up everywhere. Check out registries that emphasize homemade or non-material gifts over traditional store-bought items, www.alternativegiftregistry.org. Another cool possibility is a registry that enables donations to causes chosen by the person who sets up…
By guest columnist John Brautigam Will the 21st Century be the era of the Green Economy? Maine’s experience reveals a promising start in that direction. Maine is a state with a strong heritage of conservation and respect for the environment, making the Green Economy a natural fit. But in this economic climate, many are asking…
When was the last time you went to the library? If you are like many of us, it’s been awhile. Why not make it an adventure and schedule a day trip to your local library to see what you might find? What awaits you is hours and hours of free entertainment and enrichment. Libraries offer…
Repairing your favorite pair of shoes or a well-worn article of clothing is a wonderful way to hang on to the items you really love. It’s also greener than buying new, and often quite inexpensive. For example, it may cost just $5 each to repair a torn strap on a leather purse or clean and…
A healthy child makes for a happy family, so be sure the toys in your home are made from safe, environmentally friendly materials. Find out where and how they were made. Look at the labels and ask questions. Toys made from recycling materials, organic cotton and sustainable wood (FSC certified) are good bets. Look for…
When you donate to Goodwill Industries of Northern New England, you help the planet and our local communities in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. Your donation of gently used household items extends the life of useful goods by keeping them out of the landfill. In addition, the sale of your donations in our retail stores…
We all have a favorite sweater that went through the wash and is now short-sleeved and midriff-bearing. However much you love that sweater, don’t try to start a new fashion trend! The felted wool of your shrunken sweater is the perfect material for a sturdy, warm, unique pair of mittens. All you need is a…
By guest columnist Suzanne Parrott “The practice of taking something that is disposable and transforming it into something of greater use and value.” —W. McDonough & M. Braungart, Cradle to Cradle We’re all familiar with the word recycle. Recycling is a growing part of our everyday lives. It is becoming a necessary practice in order…
The average person uses nine different skin care products every day. Whether those are full of all-natural ingredients or questionable chemicals, our skin absorbs them. Most chemicals used in personal care products have not been adequately tested for safety. Stay informed about what’s in your products and keep your body healthy. What can you do?…