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Local food is fresher and tastes better than food shipped long distances from other states or countries. Local farmers can offer produce varieties bred for taste and freshness rather than for shipping and long shelf life.

Shipping food for thousands of miles not only loses freshness and its related health benefits, but it increases use and dependence on petroleum for transportation -- which affects air quality, and soil and habitat health.  Local production of consumables is common sense, and this online local food locator can help you make buying local and fresh food practical.

The Buy Fresh Buy Local Campaign, a project of the Community Alliance with Family Farmers, helps consumers find and choose local products while building relationships between growers, food artisans, farmers' markets retailers, restaurants, and institutions.

Buy Local Buy Fresh:  http://guide.buylocalca.org/

Many seniors live frugally because they were taught good work and play and living habits as a child or developed them to manage their own homes and lives.  So you might realize how "green" you already are -- and how a few choices can also save you significant money!

For example, 

Biking or walking for short errands ... or even to your volunteer or paid jobs

Learn to take the city bus -- many cities have significant discounts for seniors and even if you pay full price...bus rides cost much less than a car and gasoline and maintenance!  My husband and I are having a ball exploring our city on the bus...and at $ .25 a ride!

Save water -- as water supplies becomes more volatile, they also become more expensive.  Consider converting water-guzzling lawns to hardscape or native plants, or mulched beds.
And you can remind  yourself daily of the value of water by changing to a glass of water for tooth brushing instead of wasting a gallon of running water every time!

 Manage your window drapes and shades to enjoy the beautiful rays of free sunshine during your active times...and close them for filtered light to keep your rooms cool when not in use,

Make or use home-made alternatives -- like baking soda for scrubbing and scouring.  Vinegar and basic soaps are easier on the environment...and will save you big bucks over fancy cleaners.

 Simple things like reusing paper -- both sides ,,, and using mugs and glasses instead of disposable cups are simple changes to make.  Just take the time to create an easy to use system ... and you'll have them handy every time!

Pay your bills on time...avoid late charges and interest charges.  Fees for banking services are growing rapidly and by using an automated payment, you can even avoid monthly interst charges on your credit card.  Just make sure you cover your minimum payment each month with an automated payment...and then add a second payment at your leisure to finish your payment.  This can save BIG BUCKS as well as preserve your credit rating!

Gift giving can be even more special when you use your own arts and crafts to make cookies, or paintings, or embroidered dishtowels or potholders!  Wrap them in a usable cover -- such as a dishtowel or wash cloth...and your gift truly is appreciated through and through!

Going green can be a game...with unending ideas and strategies that you can use your imagination to refine and your friendships to share ideas and resources.  And then, Mother Earth becomes a valued friend, as well.

ARRA provided $3.2 billion for the Department of Energy (DOE) program, $2.8 billion to be distributed by formula, with the remaining $400 million to be awarded competitively.  EECBG provides grants to states and local governments for improvements in energy efficiency and to reduce energy use and fossil fuel emissions.  EECBG is a new program, receiving money for the first time due to ARRA, although it was authorized in 2007
The block grant is administered by DOE's Office of Weatherization and Intergovernmental Programs in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

Potential housing-related uses of EECBG include: grants to nonprofits to perform energy efficiency retrofits; financial incentives for energy efficiency improvements; energy efficiency for buildings; and, residential energy audits.  In addition there are many other eligible uses ranging from energy efficient traffic signals to carbon capture and sequestration from power plants. 

Applications from sates and local governments are due June 25.

EECBG webpage, http://www.eecbg.energy.gov

EECBG Financial Assistance Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA),
http://www.eecbg.energy.gov/downloads/DE_FOA_0000013_Amendment_000003.pdf

Energy Star is a federal program to help families, individuals and businesses save energy. Seniors, too, can benefit by using Energy Star's programs to choose the right appliances, insulating their housing to lower heating and cooling bills, and weatherizing windows and doors to stop those pesky drafts!

HUD spends more than 10% of its annual budget-an estimated $4 billion-on energy. These funds are distributed through utility allowances to renters, housing assistance payments to private building owners, and operating grants to public housing authorities. HUD estimates that installing basic efficiency measures in public housing alone can save taxpayers at least $800 million over the next 10 years.

Renters can save 15% to 20% on their energy bills by installing ENERGY STAR qualified products such as refrigerators, room air conditioners, and lighting.

Learn more about Energy Star information and services at www.EnergyStar.gov where they have lists of Energy Star rated appliances such as refrigerators, telvision sets, toasters, fans, washers and dryers...and yes, even lightbulbs such as CFLs and LEDs!