Families that want to be more environmentally conscious this fall can find many businesses and restaurants around Austin this year.
     One way to "go green" this season is to pay a visit to anyone of Austin Java's coffee shops. Derek Green, General Manager of the original location at 12th and Lamar, said that Austin Java carries all-organic coffees.
     "All of our coffees are from different vendors and their all roasted here locally," said Green. "We also carry international brews and different blends."
     Their international brews include single origin coffees such as Bolivia Fair Trade, Mexican Chiapas, and Ethiopian Harrar. They also carry flavored blends such as French Vanilla, Hazelnut, and Texas Pecan. All are sure to taste good during the cool weather this season.
     Families can also go green by cooking a holiday meal by purchasing vegetables and meat from Austin's Farmers Market, Whole Foods, and Central Market. Kristy Ozmun, Public Relations director of Central Market said the market has over 60 different organic foods to choose from in the produce section alone and aisles of organic items to choose from.
     "They have a whole program of environmental activities," said Ozmun. "They support local environmental organizations and they sponsor environmental events for stores north and south."
     Another way Central Market is environmentally friendly compared to other grocery stores or markets is that they don't carry plastic bags to store your groceries in. They sell a bag that customers can bring in with them every time.
     One thing that occurs throughout the holidays is shopping. Gifts for loved ones or friends can mean traveling back and forth from one shopping place to the next. However, without a car this could be difficult for some folks. Austin CarShare can make this process easily done. Located at 611 S. Congress, Suite 200, Austin CarShare can be beneficial for folks that don't own a vehicle during the season holidays.
     According to their Web site, this non-profit organization provides access to vehicles without the cost of ownership. They supply the vehicle, gas, insurance, maintenance, roadside assistance, and free metered parking all included in the price. One of the founding members of the organization, Shane Guitar, gives his opinion of his experience with Austin CarShare.
     "When we moved to Austin from New York City, we assumed we would have to buy a car," said Guitar. "Joining Austin CarShare has allowed us to do the right thing for the environment in a way that saves us tons of money and hassle every month."
     Besides shopping, there are trips to take including picking up relatives from the airport, going to Austin's Farmers Market, or even dropping stuff at your local Goodwill. To find a list of their prices and more information about the organization go to www.austincarshare.org.
     Another way to join the phenomena of "going green" this fall is to purchase your own shopping bag from the growing stores that are switching from plastic to their own tote bag. Target and HEB have started selling personal totes to carry groceries or other items. Texas State alumna, Hali Gregory, said that the bags at Target are only $1.50.
     "I bought the bag at Target but I also used it at HEB, and their pretty durable." said Gregory. Personal totes that are lying around the house also work just as good to carry gifts, groceries, or any other items.

Ashlynn Kemp

Freelance Journalist