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THE RANCHO VERDE GREEN FEED
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| Topo Ranch believes that greener pastures lead to a brighter future. That's why you'll start seeing more and more environmentally responsible products from The Ranch. We don't claim to be experts in going Green, but we do know that little things can add up and make a difference. |
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We also found out that we are already doing a few things right. We buy organic and free range when we can and we always shop farmers markets rather than grocery stores. If you haven't found your local farmer's market it's worth scouting out. We've found the produce much fresher and more interesting. And believe it or not, supporting your local farmers actually reduces carbon emissions. We've started this web page to keep you informed as we go on this journey ourselves. We'll post tips from time to time and let you know how we're doing. Below you'll find some ideas that have worked for us as we've started making The Ranch environmentally-friendly.
Greener pastures WILL lead to a brighter future for all of us! |
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ORGANIC YUMMINESS
My wife Marta and I spent a blissful hour shopping at our local Farmer’s Market last Sunday. We bought ripe peaches, locally farmed honey, fire-roasted green chili, and lettuce (all organic).
I like the idea of supporting small local farmers, community coming together, families pushing strollers, people arriving on bikes, all of them smiling while doing their weekly shopping. Seems like everyone is moving a little slower, taking time to sit on the grass and sample their newly acquired yummines. No rushing from aisle to aisle.
We don’t shop exclusively at the farmers market, nor do we go every weekend. But when we do go, we thoroughly enjoy it. It feels good to know that the fresh, delicious food in my belly is local and organic.
We enjoy participating in building community. All the while supporting the local farmer, who has chosen to grow organic and promote the health of his workers, our families, and the Earth. Buy organic and local…and have fun!
Here are some websites of Farmer’s Markets throughout the US:
Green Feed Entry Posted October 7, 2008
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TREAT YOURSELF. RIDE THE BUS.
I have started a new career at Topo Ranch in Boulder, CO; however, I live in Denver which is 30 miles south of Boulder. Two options: drive, or ride the bus. I have chosen option B and I am thoroughly enjoying it. After a 3 mile bike ride to the bus station, I put my bike on the rack on the front of the bus and join the queue with my fellow commuters. This is when the hard part of riding the bus starts…. do I read my book (After the Ecstasy, the Laundry: How the Heart Grows Wise on the Spiritual Path)? Or, one of the three magazines I have in my bag (Wend, Velo News, NY Times Sunday Mag)? Or, listen to the new Lettuce CD I bought. Pretty great dilemma. No worrying about traffic jams, other folks' road rage, or the $4.00 per gallon pump prices.
Give it a try. Leave your car at home once a week and ride the bus or light rail. Use the non-drive time to enjoy a book, some music or the scenery you don't get to see when you're occupied with the cars around you. Good for the planet, good for your soul.
Oh yeah, I'm Greg, Boulder store manager.
Green Feed Entry Posted September 9, 2008
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BRAD FINDS A GOOD LOOKING CFL
One of the harder things about going green is looking good while you do it. Big ups to Brad (Venice Store Manager) for finding these great looking CFL's. Drop him a line if you want to know where to find them - brad@toporanch.com.
Green Feed Entry Posted August 29, 2008
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The Rancho Verde List to Better Living |
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1. |
When possible walk, ride or skate. More exercise less carbon emissions. |
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| 2. |
Shop locally. Support your farmer's markets. |
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Buy organic when possible. |
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Change your light bulbs to CFL light bulbs. |
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Reuse your shopping bags, even when buying clothes. |
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Turn your lights off when you're not in the room. |
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Sign up and participate in Earth Hour. |
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Unplug your mobile phone charger when not in use. |
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Turn off your computers when you go to bed at night. |
| 10. |
Contact your electric company and switch to green power. |
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More to come... |
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