Make a Difference • Tell the World • Earn Toad Bucks

Nine is a great number. It's the last of the single digits, it can be turned up-side-down to make a six, and the Beatles used it in "Revolution 9." Well, we're having a little revolution 9 of our own - 9 in '09!

• Every participant gets a $9 Toad Buck to spend at a participating dealer, find one in your area by using the dealer locator to the right. If you don't find a dealer near you, then you can shop online and get 9% off your purchase.
• Every month on the 9th and the 19th, we will be drawing names of participants to win a $99 gift certificate that can be spent at hornytoad.com.
• At the end of this love affair with making a difference, we will draw one more name to win a grand prize shopping spree of $999 to be spent at hornytoad.com.

Pick an action - or two or three - below and make a change for the better in 2009. Tell us what you did and at the same time get entered to win all the great prizes listed above – we promise on the Toad bible not to sell or give your information away, but we do need your e-mail and name to get in touch with you if you win.

9 ways to make a difference in 2009

	Eliminate one car ride a week - walk, rideshare or ride your bike. Or just stay home. League of American Bicyclists
	Volunteer with a local charity or community organization. If you're not sure what to do or where to go, here's a good place to start. Volunteer Match
	Introduce someone to the great outdoors - a park, a trail, any wild place. Exposing people to the outdoors is a critical first step in developing conservation supporters. The Outdoor Foundation
	Plant a tree or donate a tree. Trees are the lungs of Earth and help combat the global warming effects of carbon dioxide. Arbor Day Foundation
	Buy locally produced foods. It supports local farmers, the food is fresher, and it doesn't have to travel 1,500 miles to you - now that's some tired produce. Local Harvest
	BYOB, bring your own bag when you go shopping. Find out why the only really good choice between paper or plastic is neither. Treehugger
	Repurpose. Reduce waste and get creative. Make trash into treasure, it just takes a little bit of a different perspective. Ready Made
	Support your local independent retailers. Just say no to big-box stores and yes to mom and pop. It's an easy way to support your community. Horny Toad Dealers
	Convince 9 friends to make a difference this year. Tell a friend about 9 in '09 Tell a Friend Your Name Your Email Address: Friend's Name: Friend's Email Address: Your Message: Hide

Give Props to 8

I shop local. If I visit Sheridan or McMinnville, walk around my city of Salem or stop into Portland, you can always find a bargain.

Justin Castillo

9 in 09!

Eliminate one car ride a week - walk, rideshare or ride your bike. Or just stay home. League of American Bicyclists
Volunteer with a local charity or community organization. If you're not sure what to do or where to go, here's a good place to start. Volunteer Match
Introduce someone to the great outdoors - a park, a trail, any wild place. Exposing people to the outdoors is a critical first step in developing conservation supporters. The Outdoor Foundation
Plant a tree or donate a tree. Trees are the lungs of Earth and help combat the global warming effects of carbon dioxide. Arbor Day Foundation
Buy locally produced foods. It supports local farmers, the food is fresher, and it doesn't have to travel 1,500 miles to you - now that's some tired produce. Local Harvest
BYOB, bring your own bag when you go shopping. Find out why the only really good choice between paper or plastic is neither. Treehugger
Repurpose. Reduce waste and get creative. Make trash into treasure, it just takes a little bit of a different perspective. Ready Made
Support your local independent retailers. Just say no to big-box stores and yes to mom and pop. It's an easy way to support your community. Horny Toad Dealers
Convince 9 friends to make a difference this year. Tell a friend about 9 in '09

-Mike Sileck

9 in 09'

By locally...try to eat clean-whole foods; BYOB always; recycle, recycle, recycle; no plastic H20 bottles; support local establishments; push for equality for ALL people!

jen rapanos

I walk to lunch

When we go out for lunch, we pick places close by so we do not have to drive and this helps us get our 10000 steps in a day

Steve D

Helping another to learn English just for fun

I meet once a week with a woman from Chile to teach her English.
While she is slowly learning English....guess what I am improving my Spanish.
It is win win situation
LOVE IT!

Patrice Botto

Finding Ways to Give

Besides cutting back--driving less, using my own grocery bags, and switching the energy-efficient light bulbs--I'm finding ways to give as well. I'm part of a Giving Circle; last year we supported health service programs for the homeless and this year we are supporting after school programs for teens at risk. Thirty women pool our financial contribution and volunteer with our friends and family to help the organization we select annually. It's a fantastic way to get involved in your local community and make a difference in the lives of people around you.

Patty

making a small difference

I usually use my own bags for groceries and participate in CSA for organic, locally grown produce. When I don't have my bags, I use the store bags for garbage rather than buying more plastic. I pack lunch in reusable containers rather than plastic bags. I compost organic waste.

Joann

Yer mom

I'm planting a tree, hitting the farmers market, buying locally, re-using found wood for furniture and as painting canvases.

jones

Horny

Hey Horny Girl...

Check out Horny Toad! :o)

Whoop!

Plant a Tree -- Eat Local -- Not Necessarily the Tree, Though

I planted a tree in memory of my mother who died last year. It's thriving. A great place to remember her and over the years the tree will bring shade and of course use C02. I also try to eat mostly veges in my diet and make sure most of those come from local farms. I also work for the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation which is working hard to change the Cold War thinking we inherited about nuclear weapons. They are a huge environmental threat on top of everything. And we can really make progress for nuclear disarmament if we get behind Obama's new policy of a "world without nuclear weapons."
Check out this video by a Santa Barbara High School Senior. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/steven-crandell/start-a-revolution-with-a_b_247941.html
Life naturally is a circle. The goal is to keep the circle going with grace and beauty so that the new people on the planet can enjoy themselves.

PS. Great web site, Toads.

Steven Crandell

9 in -9

I am very concerned about the environment and making sure it is nice when my children have children. Ways I do this - Tell them when they are at the beach to pick up any garbage they see. Tell my swimmers on my swim team to not bring water bottles from the store instead metal bottles that they can refill. Bring my own bags into the grocery store. Donate Egg cartons and paper bags to local farms. Only eat meat from our local farm. Buy vegtables from the local farms. Don't use our dish washer unless we have company. The list goes on - If we will all do our part it will definitely help our children enjoy the things alot of people take for granted.

Donna.

dpeterson@worldinnovators.com

Teach Awareness

I will help my students become more aware of their role in keeping our earth clean and healthy and help them find creative ways to share their ideas with others. Teaching children to care and become active members of their communities will help ensure a better future!

Nora

no more water bottles

I will not be purchasing anymore bottled water, just installed a tap filter !

Mimi

Neighborhood Mobilized w/ Produce Packaging Reuse

Loving this first year as a CSA member and becoming part of the CSA community! I can feel the warmth and excitement every time I take a bite and visualize the farm community. And this farm reuses egg cartons and produce containers (over and over and over). So a large box on my porch has become the collection point for neighbors, family, and friends to deposit egg cartons, paper and plastic bags, plastic produce “clamshell" containers, etc. that I then take to the farmer for reuse. The unanticipated side effect is that neighbors who had not even heard of a CSA have gotten really into bringing their reusables and are not talking about joining the CSA next year. In addition, we have all become very aware of how many times they purchase lettuce, berries, cherry tomatoes, etc. in plastic containers (even at the natural and health stores) and have made efforts to reduce those purchases and buy from other sources that don’t pack in plastic. Reusing is turning out to be a lot of fun!

-KBC

walking it

My feet are happy walking but the car is feeling neglected! I've eliminated 80% of my driving and enjoying the sights and sounds of Portland more than ever!

Susan and her happy feet!

Earth Lovin' Teacher

I live in Eugene, Oregon and it is not difficult to make a difference here. I ride my bike daily to work. Because I'm a 4th grade teacher and have environmental passions, I share this with my students. I am part of a Farm to School Grant and our school garden project. My students are learning where their food comes from, growing their own food, composting and using that in our school garden. We have outdoor school each year and 120 students who have never camped before get that opportunity. We planted 3 trees for Arbor Day on our school campus. Bringing my own bags to the store...I have been doing that since the late 80's and as far as shopping locally, again this is Eugene, Oregon! :) We are fortunate to have a plethora of local food producers and other local shopping opportunities. We grow some of our own food at home, too. I am an artist and crafter, as well, and reusing and refashioning are a great joy to me. Collage is my specialty. As far as convincing my friends...most of them believe the way I do. I have taken this a step farther and am working on greening my workplace. We are officially an Oregon Green School and we are working our way up from this initial level to the merit level and then to the premier level by 2010. For the first time, this fall we will have an official staff "Green Team" that can work collaboratively on the project. This has been after 5 years of doing this virtually on my own in our building. It has been quite a year...and there are months to go to keep up this important work!

Tana Shepard

working on the nine

Lets see....ride my bike to work almost every day, this summer we are growing most of our veggies and herbs in our garden and buying other foods as locally as possible, bring my own bags to the store, RECYCLE!, changed out all my light bulbs and drying clothes on the rack, turn out lights and unplug appliances when not using them.

carrotts

Fresh Produce

1. Began taking the bus an average of 3 times a week. It adds an hour to my day, but that really is not the point.
2. Joined a CSA this year and just got my first midwestern fresh produce. Had fresh specked eggs for breakfast this morning!
3. Introduced 3 women at work to the world of running in races for charity, and they are hooked!
4. Volunteer with the National Parks maintaining trails.
5. Once I put this down, I realize how much I have changed. I am tired of typing this but the Horny Toad list makes me realize how much I have done.

Desert Soul

Nine in '09

1. We both work from home -- no time in the car to get to work!
2. We always bring our Envirosax when we go shopping
3. We consistently take more stuff to recycling each week than put out for garbage
4. We support the grass eradication program -- and instead have created a sustainable garden with lots of edibles
5. We have two compost tumblers -- while one is cooking, we use the black gold out of the other
6. We shred paper and use it as mulch in the garden
7. We buy local
8. We always wash in cold water and hang the laundry out to dry (weather permitting)
9. We make a living selling art made from recycled and repurposed stuff (www.artheadstudio.com)
...and we pledge to keep trying to do even more

BabyBuns & ArtHead

Some done, some work in progress

1. Tore out my front lawn and planted a veggie garden there instead.
2. Carpool almost daily.
3. Bike or bus to and from work when the carpool falls through.
4. Bring reuseable bags to the grocery store. Always.
5. Never use disposable paper cups for coffee. Ever.
6. Starting an Environmental Sciecne class at the high school where I teach.
7. Put a green cone in my backyard for composting food scraps.
8. Changed all lightbulbs in my house to CFLs.
9. Try not to buy food or items with excessive packaging.

Jenny

Oh what? Oh Nine!

1) My friend and I started carpooling to school every morning. It saved time, gas and was more fun riding together than alone
2) I started my own compost bin for my family which gave us great soil and lowered our food wastes.
3) I carry my own cargo bag with me everytime I go to the store.
4) Starting to buy organic cotton clothing instead of regular cotton.

Tyler Monteith

less is more

less car more bike. less packaging more fresh food. come to minneapolis and enjoy our new seward coop and the bike greenway. we will share with you

barabra & michael

9 in 09

1. I am a special education teacher, I teach my economically disadvantaged students about recycling, caring for our lovely planet and all the bit and bobs I'm actually supposed to teach them.

2. BYOB always

3. I plant veggies in my front garden

4. My children bike to school, 4 miles a day, most days, torrential rain they nab a ride, but only from a list of folks who are already driving past our house.

5. I am going paper free billing.

6. We 'unplug' our electronics.

7. When we use our a/c I set it at about 78, our bodies have acclimated to being comfortable at a higher temperature; it does help that we lived in a country with no a/c for a decade.

8. I recycle books, posting a book I've read and enjoyed to friends of friends for them to enjoy and share as well.

9. I am saving my pennies this year to send my son on a NOLS course, so he can teach his children a long time from now, how to explore and love our beautiful planet.

jenny

doing the best we can...

We walk to school every morning. And collect for various charities through the school year. I take my son camping every summer and we've started to add hiking to our repertoire. The community we live in planted literally thousands of new trees in the past year. We shop at our local green market every week and we use our tote bags when ever possible. We recycle everything we can and we even have a composting regimen. And we ALMOST never eat at chain restaurants.

Mark NYC

Reduce your carbon footprint!

I just sold my car!! A little over a year ago,I changed jobs from high tech to energy efficiency and now work 13 miles closer to home & bike almost every day (bus it when I don't). I am going to try to take it to the next level by figuring out how to bike to a hike in the Gorge from PDX instead of driving once this summer. We are growing 4 new types of veggies in our garden this year (new to us) to reduce our carbon footprint.

bmh

Bike commuting

I bike 12 miles a day (unless rain) to my job and leave the car at home! I feel good doing it, get exercise, save gas and the earth!

Ellen:)

Give Your Time in '09 for the Best Reward!

1. I work from home, how is that for saving fuel!
2. I have worked pro-bono as graphic designer for my local animal shelter as well as doing volunteer work for them. Anything for the animals. My best friend, a blue brindle pitbull, came from the very same shelter too!
3. I live out in rural, open country, the nearest traffic light is 30 miles away and in either direction, the only one in those towns. All we have are open spaces, some owned by Audubon.
4. Am just transplanting 2 lilac tress from the Arbor Day Foundation this weekend. Join the foundation and you get free trees!
5. I am a member of Sisterhill Farm, a local CSA organic produce farm. Yummy veggies all summer - fall. Nothing better in the world then Farmer Dave's produce.
6. Always carry my roll-up Animal Planet bags in my purse for my groceries. (They have a big face of a dog on them! By buying the bags, animal groups benefit from a portion of the proceeds too)
7. I will put on thinking cap. Does buying second hand count?
8. Since I live in the middle of nowhere, all we have are local retailers... no chains! Check out the 3/50 Project @ http://www.the350project.net/home.html and sign up today!
9. I'm making a list of nine friends right now!

For me the most rewarding is #2. Everyone and anyone who volunteers Makes A Big Difference. It doesn't take any money, just your time, your mind and your heart. Give to your favorite cause by becoming a volunteer. You will be better for it.

Kathleen

Planting away

We built our own raised veggie bed this year. We also dug down into our compost pile and managed to fill our 4x8 bed with 100% black gold compost. Woohoo!!
We then went and bought seedlings from our local farmers to support our town's economy. Now, we're just waiting to see what Mother Nature pushes up through the ground for us ....like Christmas in the summer!
I must admit, we were a bit over zealous with the broccoli, so if you're ever in Bowdoinham Maine and need some stop on by...think we'll have plenty to spare.

Happy Gardening! Kristen Poeraatmadja

The Hospice World

I am and have been an active volunteer at Mid Coast Hospice Volunteers in Brunswick Maine. It's my hope and goal to not let anyone die alone and scared. Even though I work full time in corporate land, my real ife is spent with either my family or with Hospice.
Some call me the "grim reaper" but I think I'm more of a friendly faery that appears at the end of one adventure and helps you on your fly on your way to your next one.

http://www.hospicevolunteers.org/hospice-volunteers-gab-fest-brunswick.aspx

and this little feary just happens to pedal around as well:

http://www.hospicevolunteers.org/hospice-volunteers-cycling-event.aspx

Cheers! Kristen Poeraatmadja

filling in the blanks

Remember that everything you leave behind may be washed into a stream. Don't litter. I try to pick it all up, but I'm not a magician. Find a CSA, and sign up for shares for an entire year. This food stores for over a week, and can be shared with neighbors, or donated to Meals on Wheels. Use bags: found, homemade, purchased: instead of saran wrap for storage. Rewash ziplock bags. They last a long time. Walk when you can. Go to your county/city/municipal planning meetings. Voice your opinion. Local developers have too much access to planning decisions. Buy from local shops, used clothing stores, and architectural salvage companies.
Donate your stuff. It is someone's treasure, especially clothing.

JCE

9 Ways to make a difference

1. I always bring my own bags to stores.
2. We plant a tree for special occasion - birth of a child, etc.
3. I have introduced the love of outdoors to my children
4. I buy organic at stores and then visit the local farmers market to support local growers!
5. I prefer dealing with mom and pop shops versus the great retailers.

M

Nine That Are Mine

1) I'd rather walk than drive.
2) I also have a bus pass- a gift from my girlfriend!
3) I volunteer for and donate to KEXP- Seattle, a public radio station that plays the best music on the planet!!! Say no to big commercial radio. Listen on-line.
4) I buy local/organic at our great city markets.
5) BYOBag, of course.
6) Recycle and reuse.
7) I walked and donated to NAMI, an organization dedicated to curing and eliminating the stigma of mental illness.
8) I volunteered and helped eliminate English Ivy that was choking indigenous vegetation at a local city park.
9) I haven't eaten at a major fast food chain since December 2004.

JED

Thumbs Down to Big Box Stores

I buy local produce and also avoid the giant chains whenever possible in this rural community.

Wendi

9 ways to make a difference......

1. I always recycle!
2. I volunteer for medical missions in Guatemala, annually
3. I carpool.
4. I teach my son to recycle!
5. I take my son camping- so that he will learn to appreciate the great outdoors, and hopefully become a passionate protector of our planet.
6. I LOVE supporting the small local shops- especially the ones that sell Horny Toad- Everyday Outfitters in Eagle, CO, Title Nine, Cherry Creak, Ptarmigan Sports, Edwards! Just a few of my favs!
7. I buy my produce from the farmers market on weekends- it's the best!

a

my nine in nine

1. walk and walk some more
2. volunteer at ojai raptor center, edc, isi
3. take international students on hikes
4. planted an apricot tree
5. buy veggies from farmer's market and taste test everything offered there
6. always byob
7. turn trash into finger board art
8. shop at turk's
9. tell friends

marian

grow your own

we have a large vegetable garden in the backyard that we eat from all summer. what we can't grow ourselves, we purchase from a food co-op that supports local farmers. we compost all of our yard waste and kitchen scraps and use it to fertilize our garden instead of chemicals.

Jen

Our own bags AND the farmer's market

We are bringing our own grocery bags to the store--and we're also making a trip to the farmer's market instead to buy our produce.

Karen

let me count the ways.....

1. i have spent the last 4 years working as an environmental educator and teaching children to enjoy and explore the world around them. i help them learn that it is fun to "unplug" and go play outside, even in imperfect weather.
2. I currently work for a locally owned specialty outdoor retailer (and enthusiastic toad dealer!) where i help people find what they need to have the ultimate outdoor adventure. i feel that it is just another outlet of education- if people have the right gear they will have a more positive experince which will encourage them to get outside more often and take a vested interest in the local wilderness in their area.
3. i walk to my local famrmer's market every tuesday. i think that in a time when people are considering what is in their food, like going organic, that theythink about where it comes from. you need to weigh the difference between local and pretty much organic vs. organic that has had to be transported. if it's organic but it comes from the other side of the country is it really the choice that you want to make?
4. i support local businesses
5. i take gently used clothing to st.vincent de paul because they give vouchers to the local women's shelter so that they can shop for free.
6. i'm trying to go to totally paper-free billing
7. i am an artist and like to find creative ways to give old things new life in a beautiful and creative way.
8. i support my local used bookstore& trade books with friends- if there is a book that i want to read i try to find it somehwere out there that it has already been purchased rather than going to a big box bookstore and buying one new and encouraging the use of more paper.
9. i encourage people to unplug their cellphone chargers when not in use.... it's amazing how many people keep the cord plugged in when they are done charging!
*recycling, re-usable bags and re-usable water bottles are things that have been part of my life for many years now- i consider it leading by example.

*jenny

going green

Our family already recycles everything we possibly can and we just recently started using our own bags at the grocery store. I have little ones and have been trying to teach them that we have to conserve our resources as well as protect our environment. By teaching my children to be environmentally conscious now, hopefully they will carry this on through adulthood.

Samantha Dudley

Cut back on individual water bottles

In 2009, I vow to utilize reusuable water bottles instead of single use bottles daily.

mom in indiana

Plastic Bags Suck

I am vowing to recycle EVERY plastic bag that enters our house

Donna in DC

Relay for Life Volunteer

I am a 2 1/2 year cancer survivor and this year I am volunteering to help with the survivor tent at the first Relay for Life to be held in Atascadero, CA--although it is the 25th anniversary of this event! I am also co-captain of a team.

Susan

BYOB

Bringing my own bags shopping from now on.

Houston

9 in '09

I volunteered to post "No Dumping" signs on storm drains in my neighborhood.

H.S.

Sweet

New Garden, New Compost, Hooray 9!

Jerry

9 in '09

1. Use a bike as my main mode of transportation this summer
2. Start a vegetable garden
3. Bring reusable bags to the store
4. Shop at the local farmers market
5. Take my own coffee cup to the local coffee joint
6. Spend only one hour watching tv a day and the rest outside
7. Take my dog on at least one walk to the park a day

jesse

Eliminate my car

To make a difference in '09, I'm going to get rid of my car. Instead, I'll rely on the bus, city carshare and the kindness of others!

Amy Weinstein

spread the word

I'm going to encourage friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors to re-use, re-duce, and re-cycle just a little bit more this year.

tina.

Re-use, re-use, re-use

I'm going to reuse my coffee mug everyday I get coffee @ the coffee shop. Even if it means washing my mug in the men's restroom!

JD Tanner

My 9

I'm going to take bags to the store to re-use, stop buying water in bottles (use a brita filter instead) and buy local produce as much as possible.

Andy

My 9!

1. take public transportation to work every day
2. recycle
3. shop at farmer's markets
4. use my own bags
5. buy refind materials for house projects
6. drink local coffee
7. use stainless water bottles
8. shop local as much as possible
9. will start a compost asap!

Dana

My 9!

1. I use reusable bags at the grocery store!
3. I shop at the farmers market!
4. I just replaced my HVAC unit with an Energy Saving unit
5. I recycle!
6. I love my local stores and restaurants!
7.I volunteer for TNT
8. I would rather ride my bike than drive
9. I don't buy bottle water...use reusable bottle!

Marne

exercise + fun + savings = biking

Love to ride to work in the rain (I have to love rain in my state of Oregon)!

R.W.

give back.

I ride my bike everywhere. Not only is it environmentally friendly, it keeps me in shape! It takes a little longer to get places but is so worth it.

Elise Gutwin

We live simply.

I eliminate 2-3 car rides a week (out of 4 days) by taking public transportation or riding my bike, depending on the day.

I volunteer with the U.S. Green Building Council and donate my time to environmental causes regularly.

My best friend and I will hike our first 14-er by the end of this summer! Always exploring the beautiful places the great state of CO has to offer.

I love locally produced food! Even better, we have our own organic vegetable garden, compost year round and will have backyard chickens as of July. I also eat an ovo-vegan diet - no meat, no dairy.

LOVE local business! We walk to our indepdent neighborhood stores and bring our bags with us.

We make all our own cleaning products - amazing what baking soda, distilled white vinegar and a little elbow grease can do!

amy

What's old is new again

Out of work, over 50 --- bad news? No way. I'm using my hiatus to make a difference, supporting my local women's shelter, walking to the library (saving trees AND getting exercise), and reconnecting with old friends and new. Wearing my new horneytoad tank as I walk at my local trail (four mile creek), I am optimistic about 2009.

Kristen

Found Art for AIGA Heart Art Auction and Project Angel Heart

Created works of art using found objects and fabric scraps from old clothing. Donated items to the AIGA Colorado Heart Art Auction. Proceeds of sales went to the AIGA and Project Angel Heart.

Theresa Brown

Make a Difference(s)

We ride share 1 day a week.
We take our own shopping bags.
We volunteer with the SB Downtown Org.

Respectfully, Marygrace Monteleone & Family

Walk and pedal more, drive less

Every trip to a nearby shopping center will be made on foot or bicycle. It just isn't necessary to drive a heavy car a short distance.

we

No more plastic bags!

I bring bags to the store 80% of the time, but this year I am going to eliminate the extra 20%! If I forget to bring a bag with me I will suffer the consequences and hand carry everything home.

Barb

Some ways we make a difference

We eat 99% vegan (and 1% vegetarian.)

I eliminate 1-2 car rides a week by staying home (working less and simplying more), clumping my errands together, and carpooling with a friend to school.

I wash all our clothes in cold water using the wonderball (detergent free washing) and line dry 95% of our clothes (I use dryer balls for quicker dryer drying) all year round.

My partner and I save water by capturing the water b4 the shower gets hot (to water plants or refill our humidifier for lower heater bills). And we shower TOGETHER :)

In 2009, we will move much closer to work to decrease commuting by Prius.

Lesli, Mill Valley, CA

Volunteer!

I will volunteer for a community program or event at least once a month.

Shasta

Biking to swim practice

I have been riding my bike to 6:00 AM swim practice instead of driving my car - I get a lot of strange looks but mostly it is because it was freezing cold outside in the winter and I was riding my bike in the snow. The weather in New England is a little better now but most mornings are still chilly ! I wish more people would ride instead of drive.

Nan

a delicious way to share a difference

I am planting 35 tomato plants and planning/hoping to share the sweet smell and tastes with my neighbors in our neighborhood food exchange. yum! and they are local!

So many easy ways to make a difference... this is a great idea!

vbc

9 in 09

I will volunteer for the Columbia second chance shelter for animals!

Ashley

trees

my dive group will be planting several trees at a church in recognition of a friend who recently passed away after a valiant battle with cancer.

15 neighbors in my community spent Sunday afternoon picking up trash along a mile of road near our homes.

Other neighbors are working together on a community garden, pitching in time, plants, materials, we love this.

Giving reusable bags for shopping makes everyone happy, puts a smile on their face AND is an inexpensive way to lead by example.

Cheryl

TAKE A WALK

My walking buddy and I do a three mile loop nearly everyday! We enjoy each others company, unwind from the stresses of our work day, and get a little workout in all in about 45 minutes time.

JF

For the Greater Good

I have made the pledge leave the car at home and to walk to work at least 3 days a week. By doing this I have discovered a great farmer's market within walking distance and a grocery store that offers discounts to individuals who bring in their own shopping bags. The physical and psychological benefits of taking this one small step have been wonderful thus far and I continue to look forward to my daily walking adventures as I now see things that I had never paid attention to before as I whizzed by in my car.

Janette

Keep it local.

To cut energy usage, I wash all our clothes in cold water and dry everything on the clothes line (summer and winter)!

This summer we will start composting our natural waste to reduce land-fill usage and create great fertilizer for our garden.

Also this summer, I'm going to raise honey bees to help pollinate the garden and provide a good local sweetener for the kitchen.

Abby Masterman

Big isn't better

I live in a small college town with a shrinking downtown. I ride my bike to Main Street and try to do most of my shopping at the small independent stores (like Sport Tech - a Horny Toad dealer) and the summer Farmer's Market. Unlike the big box stores, the owners and growers know me. I trust their knowledge of their products and appreciate the relationships I have developed over the years.

Me

sharing rides and riding bikes

I ride to work with a co worker at least once a week and ride my bike home 1x or more times a week to save gas. I know alot of people who do this and it must help.
I have also purchased a reusable bag to use for my once in a while shopping at the local fresh veggie market or at the grocery store for small stops.. every little bit helps.

Tamara Lewis

Every little bit helps...

After spending 7 years in Switzerland, I learned a thing or 10 about being green! I always bring bags with me when I go grocery shopping or to drop off recycling - we recycle everything we can. I miss those big farmers' markets in Europe, but I'm on a quest to find a good one in my new hometown in MA. I love exploring new trails, and taking my bike whenever I can. Hopefully, someday, the US will be just as green as Europe!

mb

Hoping for a bright future!

We live in a community where 40% of all waste is recycled. We have great recycling programs for paper, glass, plastics and even a composting program. We love our community and we do our best to support local farmer's and businesses. We use cloth bags for shopping, frequent the local farms during the u-pick seasons and choose local and organic foods when we can. We are hoping that our efforts will help keep the future bright for our children. It's great to see so many people involved in making a difference. Thanks Horny Toad for being such a cool company!

KM

7

1. I ride my bike everywhere.
3. I love showing new friends my favorite spots for hiking, mountain biking and trail running.
5. Farmer's market!
6. Always.
7. Recycling! Compost! Chicken food! Good will!
8. What's a place if it's not unique?
9. Spread the word!

Andrew Yandell

Recycled Clothing!

For my senior thesis project in the Parsons Fashion Program, I opted to use fabric and yarn scraps from past projects to complete my own. I wanted to do something sustainable, but organic and re-processed fabrics only solve a portion of the issue. So in addition to that, I gathered pieces of fabric and yarn that would have otherwise been thrown out to create patchwork garments that became my collection.

Vivian Pointer

nine is fine

A group of co-workers and myself have started a ride to work group. We ride from Bend OR to Redmond about 17 miles. Its a great way to get in shape and it has a high shame factor if you don't show. It also keeps a few more cars off the road!

Ralph Sweeney

Recycling x 2

We like to think we recycle twice. Before we put our cardboard boxes into the recycle bin, we give them to our kids to make them into what ever creative toy they can think of. We have built a cardboard soapbox-derby-style car, many homes for their beloved animals, a pirate's treasure chest, and an ocean diorama to name a few...what will be next? The best part is the kids are always thinking before they throw anything away, and are throwing out less.

3 R's mom

Tomato plants

Just finished planting 5 tomato plants and the herbs that go with them. Now if the northwest planting season will just do its best! Do a lot of these suggestions - recycle, bags, etc. And make lots of crazy toys out of pllastic bottles.

LN

Making a Difference Every Day

I and my family pledge to continue to ride our bikes & walk instead of using our car, volunteer at our local Meals on Wheels & other charities, buy local food (which taste so much better & the local farmers are very friendly), take our own reuseable bags to the market & shopping, support our local retailers, & learn more about repurposing & making do with what we have. Thanks for a great site that continues to bring to our attention the need to reuse, recycle, & make do with what we have.

Betty Dae Figueroa (& Rogelio & Alejandra)

Big smile for special needs individuals

Thank you for your implication with special need individuals via PAC, you made my day, my self mother of Jasmine, a 12 years old special need child with multihandicaps with a big smile. It is refreshing to see a company like yours getting involve in helping others to put a smile on everyones face. So, thank you life is beautiful..

Lyne

every action counts

Great idea. I expose my students to the wonders of nature, I try to purchase local food and products all the time - we have wonderful farmer's markets, canvas bags are in my trunk and office, I recycle at about 10:1, and love it when I find any item that has been created from recycled materials. We only have one planet after all.

Ally, Beau, and Cleo's mom

Making a difference

I have been riding my bike to the store, using the local farm stand more and trying to cut down on the amount of plastic use.

bs

Giving Back

This year I am helping my students realize they can give back and make a difference. We had a penny drive to lay a memorial for all veterans from our local commnity at a veterans memorial. We also support our local retailer, our local school, and help provide nutritious food for children at our school. Through what we do - we are making a difference every day.

Amy Davies

Experience our World

This year I am getting more people to hike with me. Whenever I slow down, see and experience the beauty of this world, it forces me to respect and love this world we live in. Hopefully, they will feel the same.

Ches

Our home garden

Plant a garden with my children and teach them the importance of growing our own food. And... start composting, something we've been meaning to do for years!

Melissa in Ventura

my part

I walk whenever I can, I spend as much time in the outdoors with my kids as I can, and I tell retailers to keep their bags

Doug

Keeping my home town alive.

I shop within five miles of my home as often as I can. If the shops in my town don't make it, then when I need something I will have to drive to another town to shop. doing this will cost me to drive.I say stay in your home town ,you will spend less time away from home and save gas.

Linda G.T.

Making a difference!

Make a difference by doing more outdoors, like planting, hiking, instead of watching tv and using power. Cut the cost and save money at the same time.

Sharon Fendley

localvores

If every family in the U.S. ate one locally grown meal per week, we could save 2.2 billion gallons of oil per week (from Kingsolver's book Animal, Vegetable, Miracle). I do it as many meals as I can, and will keep on eating locally.

E.B.

Doing More

I shop local retailers (they have the best goods) to support our local economy and I buy locally grown produce. In 09, we are BYOB when we shop -- no more plastic shopping bags!

Heidi

localapalooza

I will do most of my shopping at the local farmer's markets, mom and pop stores, and rock out the independent coffee shops!

brydon

Take the train

I will continue to make the effort, even when less convenient or more expensive (sorry, but it often still is) for getting to work and traveling in Europe. We will continue with our amazing weekly boxed produce CSA!

Jess in the UK

no one can do everything but everyone can do something

I plan to ride my bike to work, frequent our awesome Farmer's Market now that it's open, and continue to shop at the local Food Co-Op and bring my own bags.

There are many great places to hike where I live, and I want to start exploring as many of them as possible.

I will continue to recycle and use my "Food Plus" recycler, and encourage others in my community to do the same.

Peace and Grace.....Elizabeth

I eat meat

I love meat and will keep eating it! My husband hunts moose and deer so we basically eat free range, organic meat! :) In the summer we fish for salmon to eat all winter long. I love my incredible state and respect the gifts that Alaska gives us!

Brooke from Alaska

Yummy local produce

My husband and I have planted five trees, plan to buy our vegetables from the local farmers' market this summer and will saving rain water to water our plants and garden.

Virginia and Bart

keeping our trails clean

My family & I will be cleaning up our local trail that winds through our beautiful town on Saturday. We all need to do our part in taking care of such a wonderful resource that we use daily!

Heather

Recycle...Reuse

Use Recycled Bags while shopping at the local farmers market here in Richmond, VA.

Marianne

Local Foods Galore

I joined a CSA, which means I will be getting fresh, organic, local produce all summer long, and supporting a local farm family.

dreaming of sweet corn

No more plastic groceries bags

I'm done with the paper or plastic question. I bring my I own reusable bags to the store.

I do not eat meat and I have been composting, it's really cut down on my garbage.

I'm support my local farmers at the farmers market and try to buy locally.

Joyce Hanson

Farmers market bonus

I'm going to get fresh produce at the local farmer's market this year. As an added bonus, I will eat healthier. I will commit to riding my bike more often, too. Perhaps I will even drop a few pounds?

Healthier LIfestyle

breakfast....the most important meal of the day

As the owner of a boutique bed and breakfast I am committed to providing the freshest breakfast possible for our guests using the herbs and vegetables from our backyard and supporting as many local growers and farmers as possible.

waiting for spring in southern maine

local eats

i promise to use as much locally grown/raised food as possible to cater events - i am a chef :)

heather rr poast

who needs the gym

I promise to bike (while the weather is warm) at least 3-4 times a week to work. I also pledge to buy local whenever possible, and to do a majority of my shopping at the local farmers market! I will also BYOB!

nat and juniper the hound

Love the Land

I promise to continue to value mom and pops and local farms, walk back to the car for my canvas bags and be more creative with my trash!

Mel

Hiking Pack Groceries!

I will bring my hiking pack to the grocery store, where I will fill it with all of my groceries and be able to carry the whole load out thanks to the hip belt!

Eliza Greenman

I me mine

I will ride my bike to work instead of going to spinning class!

I will get myself out of bed to go to the Farmers Market!

I will by local and organic!

Me Isme

Stimulate the local economy

Buying locally has never been more important. Stimulate the local economy--buy from the independent shops whenever you can or we may end up with only the big box stores and no cool shops like Skinny Raven Sports in Anchorage.

Skinny Raven fan in Anchorage

9 in '09

I will keep taking my kids on wild adventures in the great outdoors...hikes, camping and for their first backpacking trip this summer (they are 5 and 6) so they will continue to develop their love of the outdoors and conservation atitude. We will recycle. I will bring my own bag to the market and my own mug to my favorite coffee shop! I WILL convince 9 friends to make a difference! :) thanks!

Julz

Yes We Can!

I will reuse glass bottles (like Kombucha or vinegar) to drink water out of - no plastic!
I will shop at the local farmer's market once a week and friends to get them in on it!
I will bring a nice mug to work and stop using disposable cups.
I will laugh more and spread light heartedness!!!!

Fairfax Girl

9 in 09

Numero 6 - I love to use linen bags that I got in my home town in Germany. Everytime I go shopping I think of Wurzburg.

Numero 7 - Our office recycled cell phones, computers, monitors, keyboards, a ton of e waste.

Numero 3 - I took a friend to the park and local arboretum to look at native plants and animals. She is 18 months old and already knows what sound a Nevada big horn sheep makes.

Thanks Toads - Marnie

Biking

I pledge to bike to school and work whenever weather permits... hell, even when weather doesn't permit!

Todd

I Promise

I pledge to never again walk away from my car and leave my fabric shopping bags in the trunk...and then be too lazy to go back to the car to get them. NO MORE PLASTIC BAGS...I Promise

JMMC

Carry On

I have used cloth bags at the grocery store for years, but will now take them wherever I go! Also, love to support our local downtown businesses... the coffee shop and bakery are my favs! And I'll try to walk more locally... especially with our family pet golden.

pjm-NH

a greener day

Nine is only the beginning! All "9 ways" are already a part of my life, though I am committing to increase the frequency of my commitment. Also, I am continuing to share with friends ways that they can make impacts in their daily lives. Every day we have a new chance to make a difference.

"V" aka: felix

Recycle and reuse more stuff

I have been and will continue to recycle and reuse everything I can and teach my family and friends that this is a cool thing to do!

Pinky Suede

9 in '09 pledge

I will walk to work at least once a week. I will BYOB when I go shopping all the time instead of just some of the time. I will take an active role in my local environmental organization, which works to make my community a better place.

Kim

Worth doing

I will get my compost going again, BYOB, instill a love of and respect for the great outdoors in my children and support local businesses. Keep fostering those dogs waiting to be adopted.

Heather

my pledge

I pledge to eat one meal a week from locally grown farms

chris prato

composting

I will teach 9 people every week how to compost.

Merilee Cross

Plant a forest

I will plant a box of trees every year in my community.

Merilee Cross

The power of sweatlodges

I will introduce 9 people every week to the healing power of sweatlodge ceremonies

Spotted Feather

An Organic Community

I pledge to teach everyone I know in my community of Mount Shasta to Organic Farm

Merilee Cross

Bike to work

I pledge to bike to work more often this year, and work on getting fellow employees to do the same!

Abbie

Must do!

Cloth bags for everything! Even at retail stores

S.

It Pays to make a Difference

I am doing most of the items already and will continue to do so in 09 - Toad Bucks will be great

S R Fisher

Put me down for all!

I pledge to all nine ways to make a difference in 2009.

BS

9 0n '09

I will plant a garden, carry my own bags into the store, support local businesses, take more walks, and repurpose whenever possible.

Jessica

Bike to Work

Plan to eliminate 3 car rides a week by biking to work.

cbike

Plant your own Garden

Buying from the farmers market is nice. But it's even better if you can grow your own. Even on my little city lot I plant veggies and herbs. And see if your community has shared garden space where you can rent a space to plant even more. Nice knowing exactly what went into your dinner!

Heidi

Getting Nice

This summer some friends of mine and I are making an effort to clean up a local stream. It is a relatively simple task and one that I hope all that participate find to be very rewarding. It will greatly benefit the well being of all its inhabitants and significantly improve the scenery. There is much to be done and many opportunities to make a difference. Every little bit helps. The arrival of spring in my region has served as a call to arms and i pledge to do everything within my means to make this world a better place and hope to encourage others to follow suit. As my fellow humanoids and crusaders for the king so eloquently put it, "One for all and all for one."

Don Squirrelione

1,4,5,6,7,8

I'll add one more: adopt a rescue pet. Which we are hoping to do this week. Or catch, spay/neuter, and release a feral cat. Or donate to a no-kill shelter. There are a lot of wonderful animals out there in need of a home.

JS

You All Are Great

And I'll make the commitment to all 9.

I used to think that individuals couldn't make a difference but now, I'm starting to believe I was wrong.

Jenny

Gone Green

Live within two miles of work. Already sold vehicle and walk to/from work everyday. Also utilize own bags/backpack when shopping. Currently deployed to Iraq.

Lance Flake

No more plastic bags -- not as hard as you'd think :-)

We've been collecting inexpensive canvas or woven bags from various stores for a while now (at about $2 bucks per or less), and have sworn off plastic bags 4ever.

I even used one as a talking point when I bumped into reps from a major clothing retailer for kids (it has their competitor's logo on it) to urge them to adopt the same strategy. I'm hoping they will, as all their merchandise is automatically put in a plastic bag once purchased!

N.E. Harkrader

No-Brainer

It is refreshing to see a list of actions that are very achievable and sustainable. Too often one sees action lists that are frustrating to implement since they reach too far. This list presents action items that can be practiced every day without too much effort while producing big results. Thanks for doing this.

michael

Pura Vida

After finishing up undergrad in Oregon, with my beautiful new wife in toe, we headed to Costa Rica to help start up a children's shelter for the sexually abused and abandoned. This was a side of Costa Rica that few have ever seen. The Southern Puntarenas region is a far cry from the popular Northern beaches.

With the local support of our nearby community, as well as a few from the States, we were successful in our efforts. At the end of our 15 months, the shelter was up and running with 9 great kids.

Currently we are back in the States, finishing up our last few years of Medical school.

With a little effort so much can be achieved. That is why this 9 in 09' is appealing. I hope many catch onto this. While back in the States, my wife is a diehard recycler, in addition to cloth grocery bags. I was so surprised to see that listed! Awesome. Anyways back to studying. I'll definitely pass this on.

Graham Foster

Not too hard...

#1-8 are already a normal part of my life. Although I do live in Fairbanks, Alaska so bicycling and Farmer's Market are not a year round thing for me. To actually do something outside my normal lifestyle I will have to do #9. This is a fun and educational promotion. Thanks for getting the word out...

Nicole

Let's get involved!

I love finding new ways to get involved in making any kind of difference, big or small. All of the previous posts are filled with wonderful ideas that I will apply to what we already do at home.

I volunteer with our local Habitat for Humanity as well as the American Cancer Society. This year I hope to volunteer to work on the hiking trails that I make use of yearly.

I always bring my canvas bags shopping with me. Most places offer a discount for using them. When I don't have them and I am just running for a few items I try to carry them or put them in my usually large tote bags or purses. When that isn't possible I always find a use for the bag or simply return them to the store when they have added up.

My six year old loves taking things we might normally throw out or recycle and turning them into something else. Most recently she made styrofoam boats (which of course, float!) - fully decorated!

My favorite tomatoes are always the ones that I pick up from local farmers, or my father on the years he gardens. I like the atmosphere and the produce!

NH_mom

Presticide Free and Fresh

Buy locally produced foods. It supports local farmers, the food is fresher, and it doesn't have to travel 1,500 miles to you - now that's some tired produce. Local Harvest.

Plant my own garden.

Yvonne Chumchal

I can always do more.....

I'm already doing most of the things on this list, as well as some things that aren't on this list, but I think the message here is that we can always do more, and that is my pledge for '09!

AMM

trying to live green overseas

We try to do as many of the things on this list as possible where we're posted, including volunteering (my partner volunteers for an orphanage), always bringing our own bags, spending lots of time outdoors with our kids and friends, growing herbs on our windowsill, and reducing/reusing as much as possible. Buying locally is a challenge so we pledge to visit the market more and avoid imports. I also pledge to walk to work every day. I started a few days ago and it feels great!

Allie

Elementary School Recycling

Almost every thursday morning I volunteer at my sons school with a third grader and we recycle. I started the program last year when I worked as an Ed. Tech full time with a child with behavior issues and have continued it through this year.

The kid I work with is alittle shy and this helps to build his self esteem.

Katie Dunn

convenient farmer's market

i live one driveway down from my farmer's market, so my laziness helps me to buy local veggies! i love it!

suzy f

IMPROVEABILITIES

Use empty milk cartons to plant seeds for gardening.

Share vegetable with neighbors and donate to local shelters.

Donate seeds for exchange through public library.

Save on fertilizer, add used coffee grinds to garden.

Have kids collect rainwater for indoor plants.

Photograph a favorite outdoor location in the same spot once every season throughout the year with kids. This teaches kids first to appreciate the nature around us, then to take ownership and accountability for making sure we take care of it.

Don't throw away old athletic shoes, donate at a local running shoe or athletic store. You'll see a barrel of old shoes. They refurbish and send to places like Africa.

Unplug the toaster and hair dryer after each use. It's easy to get in the habit.

After cleaning your hairbrush, throw the hair from the brush outside for birds to gather and make their nest out of it. Make kids more aware of bird's nests by cutting some colorful yarns into 6-12 inch pieces, put outside and when kids see it in the bird nest, they'll realize how we can impact nature.

Use simple cloth drawstring bags that can be reused for gift giving.

Support sheep farming and shearing. Wear wool. It keeps you warm in winter, cool when it's warm. Wool can be refashioned in many creative ways. Learn to felt or make a blanket from old wool sweaters pieced together.

We volunteer at a local animal shelter.

Donate food and clothing regularly. Donate new items, not just used. Make caring and giving a part of who you are.

Use old vinyl tablecloths to make campfire cushions. Kids will love to sew the lacing.

Add a tune to your favorite poetry and sing it at the campfire. Show children the entertainment in singing together, reading together, and walking and talking together. Kids self worth will be realized, they'll have self confidence and happiness. Get back to nature, back to basics and rebuild with new perspective. Allow kids to be genuinely creative.

Decorate your house with your child's artwork.

Make a pillow from an old scentimental piece of clothing your child grew out of.

Slow down and rebuild.

Anne

My Pledges

#1 I pledge to either bike or ride the bus one time a week
#5 I pledge to buy all my produce locally
#6 I pledge to use my super cool fold up bags everytime i shop!
#7 Creativity is going to be fun and who doesn't love a garage sale, and I will ride my bike to the garage sales!

Breanne

Getting on board

I will definitely be pursuing #9, and will send this to individuals who might be less likely to think of some of the great suggestions on the list. Like many who have responded, most of these are already part of my life, so it seems important to spread the word "outside the choir." I'm on a campaign to see how many take-out coffee cups I can NOT use this year (part of 7). Bringing the water bottle is habit, now it needs to be true for the mug as well.

Katy

a couple ways we make a difference

My husband and I sold one of our two cars, and exist on one car by both working from home. If we need to go to the grocery store, take the kids to school, or just want to get somewhere - we ride bikes everywhere! We volunteer with the Rocky Mtn Great Dane Rescue - it's fun to have the gentle giants around! We love to get groups together to hike, ski, and bike! We have an organic garden in our back yard that provides many great fruits and veggies for our meals. What we don't have planted, we buy from the farmers market that we ride our bikes to with our own bags. AND our city is switching over to their trash to include compost - yeah!

erin hansel

Live Life to Its Fullest

I always try and remember to bring my own bags to the stores.
I love the outdoors, I will try to work outside more and enjoy everything around me, from the Elk and Deer, to the Foxes and Moose, to the beautiful Mountains where I live. We bike, hike, Camp, CrossCountry and water ski to try to help keep our bodies healthy.
Even though my husband has not had any work and I am disabled, I am trying to Enjoy everyday I am Alive, I am realizing that we can live without alot more and appreciate more of what we have taken for granted!!
I do donate clothes and household items to local Womens Resource Center, and I donate items to local Animal Shelter.
I try to clean up trash along roadsides to help improve our environment
We installed a woodstove to help with heating bills.
I have helped to plant trees in memory of deceased classmates!

Barbiedoll

hooray for the CSA!

My partner and I are already members of our local food coop, but this wear we stepped it up and joined a CSA. We are incredibly excited at the prospect of local, high-quality and high-variety produce and eggs, not to mention the opportunity to support farmers who are doing things the right way.

anna

Trying to spread the word.

#6 - I remember my bag about 95% of the time at the grocery store, working on remembering it at other stores as well!
#7 - Instead of throwing perfectly good items away, I try to give it to a friend, donate to charity, or sell it.
#5 - I belong to a CSA and am looking forward to my local organic veggies!!
#2 - I've volunteered a bit with B4BC, and will continue to do so. Not local, but doing good work.

Also trying to get people to recycle/reuse more at work. This is really difficult, they are so used to plastic forks etc. I recently bought utensils to be washed and reused...they are slowly catching on. I've also given reusable bags as gifts.

Diane

byob

We'll try to make a habit of recycling our grocery bags!

michelle

Power of the Outdoors

I will work to introduce others to the power and importance of Wilderness. I will hold more discussions on wilderness ethics and land policy.

CStocking

9 in 09

I do a lot of these but the one I would love to work on is riding my bike more often. We just got a bike trailer so taking the kids along can be easier!

Elise

Keeping it real local

I will build a cold frame for my garden this year so that I can extend my growing season. I will also teach my self to can so that I can preserve my harvest throughout the winter.

Corinne.

BYOB even when I travel out of state

I have to travel for work, typically spending 4 - 5 days out of state. Since I stop in at the nearest health food store while traveling, I always tote along one of my 'shopper' bags from home, so that I'm not adding the landfill in other states. When the bag isn't filled with groceries I use it to tote my lunch to my worksite.

When I vacationed in Aruba last November I brough along a shopper bag to tote beach goodies and snacks to and from my hotel room.

At home I always keep an array of sizes of shopper bags in my vehicle so that I don't have an excuse for going green each time I shop. I even take them into Costco.

BYOB - even when traveling away from home.

One big community

We are all in this together. Often, this is easily forgotten as we get wrapped up in our daily lives, but it takes just one look outside a window to realize that there is more than just "us" going on. This world is the only one we've got (so far) and we should always tread lightly.

Give the earth a chance

It's always better with 2...

I don't want to cheat, and since I already do most of what's on the list, I will invite a friend to join in with me! Specifically, I will entice a friend out to my farm to volunteer and send them home with vegetables or plants so that they might be inspired to start their own garden.

Katherine Creswell

Bike to work

I will bike to work every day I can, along with reducing the amount of landfill waste(reusing cups, bags to the grocery store...)

Joseph C. Knorr

I will work on 1. and 3.

I will use my car less and dust off my hiking boots. I will teach my two and a half year old daughter to enjoy and love nature as much as I do.

mt

Check it, don't wreck it

I'm happy to say that I'm already doing several and will pledge to pick up another.

#5 - just ordered from a local, organic CSA for the season and it feels more like a gift to me!

#6 I always carry an extra bag with me to never use that pesky plastic.

#8 i go local all the time. in fact, i even own a local independent business so this one makes my heart sing.

What I'll do -
I'm gonna do number 1 and number 3. Both sound like a great way to enjoy the sun.

Renee from Massachusetts

green

I am planning to grow a great garden and both give away and can/freeze anything that we can't eat right away so that we are not throwing stuff away.

JI

Making a Difference

I'm going to make it a habit to bring my own bag whenever I go shopping.

Terrie

eliminate car rides and eat local food.

I work at home and sometimes I don't drive anywhere for days. When I do drive, I plan all of my errands in order to keep it short and sweet. I also carefully plan my outdoor adventures so that I don't do any extraneous driving to go enjoy the great outdoors.

I want to be able to buy more local foods and even grow some of my own.

Andria Davis

Get out and get active

I will introduce my children to hiking. We have some really great trails close to where we live. We will be doing our bodies good and at the same time learning more about the great outdoors and even the importance of protecting it.

felling a need to move

Feelin' fine liven' Green in 2009

Hi Horny Toadsters,

I live on a small organic farm in mid-coast Maine. Some of our green commitment includes: growing our own food & sharing with family & friends, letting our hens out free on the range & feeding organic, learning to use a chain saw to cut our wood and keep the forest managed for optimal health (and building sanctuaries for the feathered & furry ones with the wood refuse), growing gorgeous flowers for the pollinators, and giving prayers of thanks for the blessings of stewardship and power of intentionality that are granted to us as human beings! Go Love & Love Green!

Lisa V. Blake, Mama Tierra Farm

making a difference!

i pledge to start bringing my own bag to the grocery store!

cori bennett

always trying to do more

things i do:
*eat locally grown produce in spring/summer/fall
*cook whole foods (no packaging) at home (no travel, takeout containers, wasted food)
* walk & take public transportation to work
* drive only about 1x a week
* repair shoes rather than getting new ones
* donate clothes/household goods that I do not use
* bring my own bags to grocery store, others
* keep my heat low and wear a sweater and wrap in a quilt

Things I will do this year:
* buy fewer consumer goods (try to buy only needs vs. wants)
* figure out how to garden (at least a bit) on my small city deck
* volunteer for an animal shelter

Tracy

BYOB

I can't believe how many bags i used to use every week. now i just have a steady supply in my car and 2 on my bike. I always bring my own bag.

Meredith

Bike to Work

I'm going to ride my bike to work a couple times a week. And bring my own bags when shopping. And try harder to support my local retailers.

Veronica Skudlarczyk

Making a Difference

I am going to make a difference by making a bigger effort to bring my own bag when shopping, and supporting local independent retailers

Jen

Local Support

I pledge to make an even greater effort to support my local independent reatailers and to buy locally produced food.

HH

a couple little things

I will remember my reusable shopping totes while shopping, support the local stores and tell 9 friends to join too!

Amy

Making a Difference

My family and friends support local agriculture by purchasing shares in a farming co-op and purchasing locally-raised organic meat. The benefit is for both sides, as we support our local farmers and ranchers, and the food is fresh and delicious.
We have all discussed ways to reduce our consumption. We use aluminum water bottles rather than plastic bottled water, we have planned summer activities here at home rather than traveling, and we utilize the great walking/nature trails that our city provides.

Change for the Better in KS

Make a difference on your bike!

I pledge to commute on my bike to work at least once a week even if its raining and every day if its not. I'll also encourage others that work with me to ride their bikes. Lets all do our part to make roads and communities more bike friendly.

Christy

RECYCLE THAT! GET OUTSIDE!

I pledge to introduce more people to the wonderful worlds of both recycling and bicycling.

Jeremy

Farm Markets are fun social gatherings!

I just LOVE farm markets! It is an ideal way to show support for your community. Always a social event for me. I almost always see someone I have not seen for a while and we are able to visit. Every one is happy and I just plain feel great after I get back home.
Not to mention all the wonderful produce! I tell everyone I know how refreshing just strolling through a farm market can be. Try it , even the smallest markets can be fun.

Laurie in Wisconsin

Explore Maine

I want to use my car less you know become a professional pedestrian. On top of that I plan to get out and explore the great wilderness of Maine - appreciate what is around me. Breath it in!

Amanda

Doing my little part

I pledge to use and use and use those wonderful reusable bags at the store. We have acquired several through various job related activities. I am even working on our daycare to come up with something to send "dirty" clothes in instead of the plastic grocery bags.

Michele in Austin, TX

drying clothes with fresh air

I commit to drying clothes in the beautiful outdoors on the old clothesline in '09 with those handy wooden clothespins. It is a rewarding experience listening to the birds and taking time to be outdoors. If the clothes are put on hangers then put outside they dry as if they have been ironed saving even more energy.

debra s.

Glad to support locally produced foods & local retailers!

I pledge to:
* Support locally produced foods & local retailers. I love to volunteer & will continue throughout 2009. Not sure about planting a tree..but will definitely plant an herb garden :)

Hip in Indiana mom

My favorite number!

My goal for 2009 is to spread the word to make a difference! I consider myself pretty green, but I can't wait to show the ones closest to me how easy it is!
1. My mom and I ride our bikes to work at least one day, if not 5 days a week.
2. I ALWAYS take my own bags to the grocery store!
3. We are planting our own organic garden this year.
4. I recycle EVERYTHING!
5. I never ever shop at Wal-Mart...supporting my community is much more important than cheap prices!
6. I am starting a compost pile!
7. I am a teacher, so I try to instill the importance of taking care of our Earth to all students.
8. For Earth Day, we are planting trees.
9. I am posting this on facebook to spread the word!!

Katie

My Pledge for 09

I pledge for 09 to use all my own bags when shopping and not using bags if I only purchase a few items. That's what our hands are for anyways right?

Also I work with kids in the summer and part of the program integrates a lot of hiking into the program. I hope to teach the kids the fun and enjoyment of being out in the woods and hiking.

Mskier01

We're doing our part!

We compost, have a vegetable garden, use our own bags at the grocery store and have CFL bulbs in all our lights. We down-sized our vehicles and recycle everything we can.

CLD

spring is almost here

Looking forward to our farmer's market to open so I can buy fresh local produce. Yum!

Sunshine

Planting Trees

I just planted two trees. We plant several every spring.

JerseyGirlSpider

Local Local 10% shift. org

Shop local! Take a look at 10% Shift.org.
I have not been in a W______ in 2 years and 6 months now and counting!! One dollar spent locally - generates $3 in the community. One dollar spent in the big box stores generates $0 in same community.

Lisa Leigh

Cloth Napkins

I will stop buying paper napkins and swiitch to cloth napkins that I buy from estate sales.

TMK

2 X BYOB

1. I am bringing my own bags when shopping which is so much nicer than those stupid plastic bags.

2. I am turning my empty wine bottles into yard art to give for gifts and passing on the love.

The small things do count!

Home Grown

Beer and butts be gone. In '09 I've got some good things going on:
When there isn't any rain or snow, walking to work won't be so slow.
Local farms are really great, the more you buy the more they make.
Grocery bags go really far, just don't forget them in the car!
Finding 9 in '09 is not so hard, those above are a simple start.

Melissa Myers

change is contagious

Along with already doing #6 all the time, I was able to include my kindergarten class in on #7!

We have been collecting recycled materials for the past two weeks and yesterday utilized those materials and made recycled instruments! Each student created a one-of-a-kind instrument (remember 5 & 6 yrs. old so also quite creative), and we learned a recycling song and paraded through school showing off our accomplishments.

Working hard to teach the little ones that change is contagious and if they start young they can make a big difference!

Katie Z., Marblehead, MA