rachel archibold's Answers
i think its a bit of both.
i lived at will vill and actually had about an hour of community service i had to do. so my dorm officer (whatever her titled was??) had me take out all the trash that was left in the halls and what not. i found like 6 perfectly good down comforters. i took the best one home for me and washed it and donated the rest. i also found a stereo receiver and a pretty cool lamp.
there are some groups that go through the trash cans and filter out usable school supplies, clothing, housewares and things of that sort. i think if you arent put off by the mystery of whoever used it before you (think thrift stores??) then its a GREAT idea. so many kids at this school have way to much money and just throw lots of great things away. i bet even if you dont find what your looking for you'll find something you like :)
i think most organic grocery florists in boulder stock local options when its an option. european floritsts in north boulder say they always stock local options when available and have verified sustainable sourcers for all their outsourced needs. http://europeanflowershop.com/about-us
like food, fresher flowers are best so i think it is safe to say that providers prefer local options whenever available to preserve the appeal of their fresh cut flaura!
almost all the websites ive seen say "when we can go local we do"
if your coming from a little further away and cant/dont want to walk. the rtd has busses from all over (local and regional) check the schedule online (link below)
fares are 4 dollars roundtrip, but FREE with the student bus pass.
http://www.bolderboulder.com/Assets/_assets/pdf/RTDMap09.pdf
if you are thinking of trash bags and the like, then there definitely exist some great options.
these bags are strong, and are made in all sizes.
thay are compostable, but will not break down in normal household trash conditions (avoid very hot substances going stright into the trash, ie things right off the stove, burnt cookies or something like that)
they are expensive, i mean plasic is cheap, so in relation almost any product is initially more costly.
you can buy online here. http://www.ecoproducts.com/Home/home_biobags/home_index_biobags.htm
they are onsale at many stores including whole foods and ellies eco products (next door to sunflower market)
VITAMIN COTTAGE. while whole foods, sprouts, and sunflower market offer great organic options, Vitamin Cottage is the only PURELY organic grocer in town. they carry only organic options and none else.
if you really just want the most healthy options for food, its often a good idea to go for local options. many farmers aren't certified organic because of technical things with the law (for instance many farmers have been growing organic, but have just recently identified themselves as such meaning that they have to wait 3 years in order to qualify as certified organic by the feds) many of these local options, even if they are not purely organic, will be healthier since the faster you eat foods from when they have stopped growing the more nutrients are maintained. a non organic tomato from colorado will taste better and be better for you than one shipped here but grown organically in california.
that said, the farmers market is back!! every saturday and every wednesday(after may 5). here you will find many organic options and some not, all local and so fresh you will never want to eat grocery store veggies again.
check out the website for exact times and locations
http://www.boulderfarmers.org/hourslocation.html
yumm enjoy your summer cookin!!