Save the Snow...What Did You Do This Year?

[Native Vail Gal]

So, did you do anything FABULOUS this season to help to "Save the Snow?" I'm talking about being environmentally conscious to slow the effects of global warming.

Mr. NVG and I did a couple of things:
1) We are PSYCHOTIC recyclers! Everything!
2) We tried to keep a LOT of our wedding "green".
3) We sprinkled wildflower seeds off of many lifts....and I will continue to do so throughout the rest of this spring! (our guests received wildflower seeds!)
4) We frequent resorts that are "wind-energy" generated! (Vail is 100% Wind Powered!)


Gotta help to save OUR sport! How 'bout you?

 

[SnowHot]

I'm very encouraged by the move my own local resort has taken to pursue Green energy, such as wind powered Lift Service, recycling, stainless flatware instead of plastic,(even in the cafeteria) among many other noticeable things.

I'd like to add, how encouraging it is to be a part of an online community that can embrace this discussion with ideas and enthusiasm, without concern of it becoming a hot button issue.

Please lets keep the good vibes coming!

I hate having to delete thread when they become political

 

[Native Vail Gal]

I'd like to add, how encouraging it is to be a part of an online community that can embrace this discussion with ideas and enthusiasm, without concern of it becoming a hot button issue.

Please lets keep the good vibes coming!

I hate having to delete thread when they become political

Well stated...and thank you!

 

[Solincia]

In general, and non-ski related...

I have currently 8 employees, my manager, a host, and myself at work.
When I took over as the asst. manager, I purchased everyone a travel mug to use for coffee, and water bottles to use for water/drinks. We labeled everyones mugs and have saved countless plastic cups and hot temp cups from going into the landfill. I'm very happy about this.

Oddly enough, just after I did this, our company nationwide started a website to offer all employees a free travel/coffee mug, to reduce the use of styrofoam cups in our workplaces... haha... love being ahead of the game!

Also, at home, I purchased 10 "tote" style bags for grocery shopping, and replaced all of my home bulbs with mini compact florescents.

Along with the normal stuff we had been doing, I thought these were a great addition to trying to help out and do our part.

 

[Robyn]

NVG, I love the idea of sprinkling wildflower seeds! I thin I'll pick some up tomorrow and do the same this weekend. Hmmm, maybe a fantastic send off with the kiddos!

All the Summit County and Eagle County ski resorts are 100% wind powered which I love. I take a reusable waterbottle with me to the slopes (most days) and at the office to reduce plastic cup useage. I've started replacing lightbulbs at home and most of the time I don't turn lights on in my office.

 

[MaineSkiLady]

All compact fluorescents here since we moved into this house in '01.
Much recycling. My former state was the first in the nation to make it a law ('93).
Refillable bottles, all the time.
Energy Star appliances.
Teeth-chattering thermostat settings. (55 )
Wind energy coming on strong in this state, if the old school people could just GET OVER the "ruined" appearance of the wilderness. (Burning fossil fuel is worse!)

Tryin'.....
"Reduce, reuse, recycle"

 

[itri]

LOVE the wildflower sprinkling! What a great idea!

*I FINALLY got around to getting some recycling bins. It still burns me that although we live in the city of Denver where our property taxes go toward trash and recycling services, we don't get those from the city because we live in a condo complex. And our stupid HOA will not set up recycling even though it's been requested at every HOA meetings by a number of homeowners. So, I finally got around to getting my own bins, which I only have to take a few blocks to the grocery store where there are bins. It's amazing how much our trash output has decreased since I started recycling, we've gone from overflowing our trash can by trash day to usually only having one bag in it a week!

*I cloth diaper my son. Not something I ever thought I would do, but my mom got me a gift certificate for 6 months of diaper service for my shower. I loved it so much, that I've been doing it on my own for the past year. I save money, don't clog up the landfills, and it's only one or two extra loads of laundry (in my high-efficiency washer) a week. Oh yeah, and DS has NEVER had a diaper rash!

*I've been trying really hard to turn lights off and unplug appliances that aren't being used. I used to leave everything on all the time, so this is a big deal for me!

*This time of year, I try to leave the furnace/AC off as much as possible, and just use the fan and opening windows to regulate the temperature in our condo. We have a west/south facing exposure on the 2nd floor, so it gets pretty warm in the afternoons, but if I open the windows for an hour or so after the sun goes down, it cools off pretty quickly.

*Oh yeah, and I finally got around to buying reusable grocery bags from Whole Foods. And I LOVE them. They hold so much more than the normal bags, and the handles are long enough, I can carry them on my shoulder. Now I just need to take my major stash of plastic bags in to the recycle bin next time I go to the grocery store.

Much as I love my SUV, my next vehicle will be a cross-over or a hybrid that is not such a gas-guzzler.

 

[Jilly]

Well we recycle everything we can. We pay $2/bag for garbage so you recycle anything you can. Using compact flourescents except in some areas where they just aren't the right thing, about 3 places in the house. If I don't need it, its not on. Just replaced the frig with an energy star one. Thermostats are set at 68 in the winter and 74 in the summer. If I need to be cooler - I go downstairs. I refuse to cut the trees on our property - they cool the house. Have the travelling coffee mugs and water bottles. I use "green boxes" from Loblaws for grocery shopping. These things are great. Because I drive a truck, the groceries don't end up rolling to the front of the truck. Also got reuseable bags for Costco and M&M meats. The Costco bags are huge. I think the A+P bags are the best for size. Yeah, I drive a truck, but that's a work issue and I can't get away from it. Maybe the next one will be a hybrid. Come summer I shop the farmers market downtown. Better produce and better prices than the grocery store. I'm trying make a less carbon imprint. I really should try the quiz on my University alumni site. Would be interesting to know.
NVG - the local highway (401) has designated areas for local improvement with wildflowers. They get local businesses to cough up the money or they plant themselves. Because native wildflowers are more hardy, and they regenerate themselves, they are the best ground cover. And its looks really neat as you drive down the road to see all the colour. Also the business/group get a small sign to promote the project. So you're not alone in trying to make this world and better place. Robyn it would be a great end of year, last chairlift ride idea!!

 

[Native Vail Gal]

NVG - the local highway (401) has designated areas for local improvement with wildflowers. They get local businesses to cough up the money or they plant themselves. Because native wildflowers are more hardy, and they regenerate themselves, they are the best ground cover. And its looks really neat as you drive down the road to see all the colour. Also the business/group get a small sign to promote the project. So you're not alone in trying to make this world and better place. Robyn it would be a great end of year, last chairlift ride idea!!

Ah Jilly! You made my day by posting the flower project information! :D

We thought it would be a nice way to remember the wedding...by seeing all of the wildflowers on the hill in the Summer....and by helping the environment as well! It's oxygen! And you're right.....they regenerate themselves and are the BEST ground cover! Thank you for sharing! Please post pictures when they are blooming! I'd love to see the beauty!!

 

[Robyn]

So, um, Kelly, where would I find wildflower seeds around here? Drawing a blank with only one day to pull this off.

 

[Native Vail Gal]

Well, Steve & I had a Rocky Mountain Blend put together for our wedding....so we are using that up.

There is also a blend of Native Rocky Mountain Blooms at Lowe's or Home Depot. They are just starting to put their seeds out.

This is the best place to go locally:
https://www.applewoodseed.com/

They are not too far from where I live, so if you want me to pick them up for you or go over there tomorrow and see what's up, I can try to do that!

I don't know what they can get together for you asap, but they can certainly steer you in the right direction!

 

[Robyn]

Hmmm, do they have a retail outlet at their location? I'm off tomorrow so it's a possibility for me to run over there if I can't find them at a Lowe's or something.

 

[Jilly]

Please post pictures when they are blooming! I'd love to see the beauty!!

That could be awhile. Last time I was out that way, there was about 2' of snow and ice. They should be up in May. But I will do that. I'll try to get one with a sign in it.

 

[Native Vail Gal]

I think if you run in there (their address is on the website) and tell them what you are doing and the mixture you want (look for above 7,000 feet), they may be able to put a little something together for you.

At Lowe's or Home Depot....make sure you look for the MOUNTAIN MIX....because that is the one that will grow above 7,000 feet.

If worse comes to worse, call me and I'll get you some of the seeds left over from the wedding.

 

[Native Vail Gal]

That could be awhile. Last time I was out that way, there was about 2' of snow and ice. They should be up in May. But I will do that. I'll try to get one with a sign in it.

FABULOUS!! I'll look forward to that....and I'll be patient!

 

[Swamp Dog]

well, I don't know how fabulous it is, but one day I woke up and decided that I use too many styrofoam cups from Dunkin Donuts. I bought a reusable plastic coffee tumbler which just happens to say Green Mountain Coffee on it.

One day before school I head in to DD for a refill and the woman taking care of it tells me that the gas station a half mile up the street has Green Mountain Coffee, and it's under a buck. As she charges me $1.75 for the same refill.

I think I've been to DD twice since then. Not only is GMC much less expensive, I actually like the coffee better and there are more flavored coffees to choose from. And no more styrofoam cups

I've also changed light bulbs, bought reusable shopping bags, and have been sharing a ride to school in the morning with another teacher, my dad!

In my next house I'm either going to have a corn fed heating system or a pellet stove. I am really intriqued by the AMAIZE-ING corn systems that have been developed.

 

[Native Vail Gal]

Everything we do is FABULOUS!

 

[SueNJ]

I'm known in my house as the thermostat nazi. If someone says they're cold, I tell them to put another layer on.

 

[Native Vail Gal]

Robyn...
Did you get your seeds?

 

[Robyn]

No. I found some but they didn't have them in the larger sizes and I couldn't bring myself to pay $4 per .5 ounce. I'll still buy some for myself to spread through the rest of the season.