Do you want more local food at convenient locations??

Take this survey...

A friend of mine is considering opening a locally-owned, full-service grocery store in Charlottesville, with a commitment to sustainability and local food, and a focus on finding food justice solutions in our community. She asked Betty to get the word out to BWB peeps about aLOCAL FOOD SURVEY because she wants wants to serve the our local needs. In her words, "Your honest feedback would help us to determine the viability of her vision. Please only respond if you regularly shop for food in the Charlottesville area. Thank you!"

It’s here:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PRQNBT8

Thanks Rachael and friends!
BWB

Betty sheds some light on the subject...

Enjoy this month's Abode column here or in the newsstands or online:

Show me the light
Lighting accounts for 20 percent of the average monthly electric bill, so this month’s column promises to turn you on with cost savings!
By now you’ve heard of CFL bulbs, but LEDs are getting a lot of ink, too. Which is greener? Here’s Betty’s comparison:

Compact fluorescent lighting (CFL)
It’s true that if every American changed just one incandescent bulb to a CFL bulb, that would be the equivalent of taking 800,000 cars off the road. At $4 each, they offer three to four times the energy savings of an incandescent. They are readily available nowadays, and aesthetically are able to mimic the lighting effects of the old ones. The cons: They contain trace amounts of mercury (which collectively adds up), and some complain that their warm-up period to reach full brightness is too long (instant gratification, anyone?).

Light emitting diodes (LED)
These bulbs are pricier at $30-40 each, but imagine never having to change a light bulb again. They offer 10 times the energy savings and create less heat (they’re even cool to the touch), which results in lower home cooling costs. There is no mercury in the manufacturing or the bulb itself. The cons are the upfront cost and the fact that they’re not as readily available; both should continue to improve.

Don’t forget motion sensors as a smart alternative to leaving lights on for long periods of time, and solar lighting if you enjoy outdoor lighting accents.
Energy efficiency is the key, so just remember to “turn on the darkness” when you leave the room.

Best,
BWB

BRAG Campaign kicks off with a splash (of coffee in a reusable mug, of course!)

Friday morning the BRAG team was out and about catching acts of greenness throughout Charlottesville. We had a blast!

*We started off in from of the Darden School of Business at their bike rack (we counted 8 bikes) but we must of missed the bike owners, unfortunately (I was there at 7:55am!) But we'll be back and at other local bike racks this month.

*We caught Charlotte getting off the UVA bus transport - way to use PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION!

*We caught Gary in his slick suit and tie and REUSABLE MUG ready for big important meetings. We tried to talk him into changing into the high fashion Betty T, but he passed.

*We caught Marianne with her REUSABLE MUG at local java spot, Greenberries.

*We caught a sweet older gentleman, Sam, who thought we were UVA students with his REUSABLE MUG. His buddy ratted him out, saying that was "the only thing Sam does do for the Earth!" That's O.K. We trust in the Betty-Earth karma he helped generate!

*We caught a Western Albemarle High School student heading into school with her ZERO-WASTE LUNCH BOX - (stainless steel snappy containers)!

*And Betty Lou (aka my mom) got caught with this email announcing we are going forward with a 100-mile Thanksgiving Meal with her purchase of a local turkey! From North Carolina:

Went in to a new store today called “The Meat House” which has been open for a little over a year. Almost everything fresh in the store is grown locally.



A friend suggested ordering the turkey from them which I’ve done. The turkey is from North Carolina and dressing which is made locally as well. I think we can pull off this 100 mile Thanksgiving. Can’t believe I haven’t been to this store before.



You’ve got to see this store. I will be a regular customer, for sure. Mom