Monday, March 30, 2009

Going Green ... Saving Green ... and Getting High

It's hard to think about saving the environment these days when everyone's focused on a different kind of green ... the money saved in their wallet. It seems like in this economy, fashionably speaking, frugal is the new black.

But there are inexpensive things you can do and still "go green" that save you green moolah as well as the environment.

I write for a local magazine called Pulse where I discuss the local "Green Scene." In the next issue I highlight five different categories where you can conserve money and the environment.

The 5 categories include:

Cleaning Green

Saving Water

Saving Power

Shopping Local

Enjoying the Environment

I've covered green cleaning tips in this blog before, including using simple household items such as vinegar and baking soda. (Links posted below)



But my favorite tip in this article is the very last one, getting out and enjoying the environment. Not only is it a good reminder of why we should conserve energy, water, etc. It's a great reason to get outdoors in this great springtime weather and relax.

I've recently taken up running to train for a half marathon and I love it. I know what you're thinking ... "Rachelle, how is THAT relaxing???" Really though, it's given me an excuse to get out of the house and enjoy all of our trails, meandering neighborhood sidewalks and gorgeous lake front. I can't tell you how many times this month I've had the opportunity to watch the sunrise or sunset on Lake Dora, taken in a deep breath of blooming honeysuckles or jasmine, or been inspired by a bunch of children running and playing in the yard watching them be one hundred percent in the joy of the moment. One couple of cute entrepreneurs even had an old fashioned lemonade stand. If only I had my camera on me while jogging I would have blogged about that lemonade all on it's own! What a refreshing stop, in more ways than one.

The point is, a runners high comes from much more than the exercise ... it's also what you see on the journey. If running's not your thing, get out and go for a walk, take a nap under a tree, go to a park ... just get outside.

Here are a couple of recommendations for what to do in and around Mount Dora ...

Eustis
Trout Lake Nature Center: A 230 acre natural wildlife preserve, nature trail, boardwalk and museum. www.troutlakenature.org

Mount Dora
Lake County Waterways: Go on a sunset cruise or explore the Dora Canal. www.lakecountywaterways.com

Tavares
Lakeside Kayaks at Tavares Station: Beginner and intermediate paddlers welcome to explore the Dora Canal by kayak. www.lakecountyfl.gov

For my complete list of tips in each of the 5 categories listed above, pick up your copy of Pulse Magazine locally in Mount Dora, Tavares or Eustis. Or, send a subscription request to:

PULSE
1111 N Grandview Street
Mount Dora, FL 32757

--Rachelle

1 comment:

  1. Had to add the comment that the "getting high" reference was to a runner's high ... fresh air ... adrenaline ... the natural kind of high. :o)

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