Sound Bites & More

The press ate up Green Halloween.

Here's a taste of what they had to say about us.

Want more to munch on? It's low-cal, we promise. Check out the buzz.

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The Richards Family

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Healthy holidays

The average Thanksgiving meal consists of 3,000 calories. Add that to the rest of the day's food and by the time you've gone to sleep that night, that number may reach a whopping 4,500.

Here are a few tips for staying healthy and guilt-free while enjoying the holiday foods you love.

• Instead of skipping meals before or after the big day, just make them lighter, with an emphasis on high fiber, low fat foods including fruits and veggies.
• Before the main meal, eat a salad, fruit smoothie or other filling but healthy snack.
• Use a salad plate instead of a dinner plate - studies show you'll be less likely to overindulge.
• Make a tradition of getting post-meal exercise with a family walk or hike, ping-pong tournament or scavenger hunt.

How do you stay healthy during the holidays? E-mail us your tips, tricks, recipes are more. We'd love to share them on our site or in upcoming newsletters.

It's a common misconception that going green costs green. In fact, going green can save green with these simple ideas:

• Feeding 30 people and have only 12 plates? Don't spend your money or the Earth's resources on disposable tableware. Ask your guests to bring their own place settings instead. To add meaning to the holiday, invite them to also bring a story that goes along with the setting. Was it a wedding gift? Did it come from grandma?
• 27% of the food we buy ends up in the trash can. Instead of feeding the landfill, buy 25% less for your holiday meal than you normally would. If you do have leftovers, send them home with your guests in pre-washed, reused glass jars. Compost anything inedible.
• Use LED holiday lights. They may cost more up front but because they last longer and use 90% less energy than incandescents, they'll save money over the long term.
• Give gifts of your time and talent rather than gifts that cost money (and need to be wrapped).

"Black Friday," the day after Thanksgiving is the biggest shopping day of the year. On this day alone, billions of dollars are spent are spent on everything from electronics to lipstick.

When we purchase "green" products, i.e. buying Fair Trade and sustainably sourced products, we're placing our consumer "vote" on products and companies that have our future in mind.

Whether shopping for tableware or holiday wear, make sure your "vote" is green by shopping at places such as such as:

• Fair trade brick-and-mortar stores such as Ten Thousand Villages or Goods for the Planet.
• Your local co-op.
• On-line boutiques such as aToyGarden.com, Global Excahnge, or Greenfeet.
• Local holiday artisan fairs.

Check out Big Green Purse for more information on how conscious consumerism can change the world.

Watch Story of Stuff for why conscious consumerism matters.

Take The Celebrate Local Pledge here.