The Newton Senior Center is proud to announce that they have been Re-accredited by the National Councils on Aging. Thanks to all of those who work so hard to make this a very special place!

“It’s Not Easy Being Green” …. Kermit the Frog!
 By Joanne Fisher

   Some thirty years ago a Sesame Street character, Kermit the Frog made famous the words, “It’s not easy being green”. It is no easier to be “green” today.  Each generation rediscovers the world anew. In this year of 2008, the public consciousness has turned to responsible re-use of materials and a kinder, gentler attitude toward the environment. This green attitude is really not a new idea.
    One volunteer at the Newton Senior Center has lived his whole life committed to the responsible re-use of materials and treating the environment kindly. His valiant efforts at “saving” discarded roses from our good neighbors, the florists of “Kabloom”, have resulted in a wonderful relationship. When flowers are past their sale date, but not their beauty, our volunteer brings them to the center to be distributed and enjoyed. That is not all he shares. His bountiful garden is lush with vegetables in season and if your are among the lucky few, he may gift you with some of his harvest. Organic gardening is not a new concept but one that has returned as ideas get re-cycled along with newspapers and plastic bottles.
    The environmentally conscious are looking to the past to learn some old tricks. In the past home gardeners fertilized their roses with used coffee grounds and egg shells. Soda water was used to clean just about anything, and everything had a second use! Home remedies for stains, disinfecting and air freshening are being rediscovered. As the new generation goes green that old favorite baking soda is a popular cleanser once again and hot water works its magic without causing damage to the air we breathe!
      Kermit the Frog still appears on Sesame Street teaching a new generation about environmental awareness. The challenges are certainly greater than ever, as the population has mushroomed and the use of non-bio-degradable materials has spread.
By reading product labels carefully and steering clear of aerosol sprays that eat at the ozone layer, every day can help reverse the damage already done. Remember, if you can rip it, you can recycle it. It may not be easy “being green” but the result is priceless!

NOTE: To recycle used computer cartridges, cell phones, and eye glasses just drop them off at Newton Senior Center reception desk. We will do the rest!

For more information about going green contact:
Green Decade Coalition/Newton,
P.O. Box 590242 Newton, MA    02459
617 965-1995

… and enjoy those “rescued roses”.