Patch Picks: Make The Earth A Better Place

Looking for sources of eco-friendly products and services? Here's a sampling of companies along the shoreline that are showing their "green" today on Earth Day.

1.  Discount Compost Bins and Rainbarrels, WPCA, www.oldsaybrookct.org/pages/index, Old Saybrook, (860) 395-2876

2.  Nike Reuse A Shoe, Clinton Crossings, www.nikereuseashoe.com. If you donate your old sneakers to Nike, they will reuse all three parts in athletic fields. The rubber is ground up and melted for running tracks; the fabric is used for the padding of basketball courts; and the foam is used on tennis courts.

3. Save the Sound a program of Connecticut Fund for the Environment, 203.787.0646, ext. 113, www.savethesound.org, http://ctenvironment.org/calendar.cfm, or take the initiative any day any beach and do your part to clean up the beaches.

4. Put your stamp on a greener tomorrow. Buy Go Green stamps today at www.usps.com/green for purchase as well as more green ideas. The United States Postal Service has reduced their facility energy intensity more than 28% since 2003. They advise to adjust your thermostat, use public transportation and plant trees.

5. Connecticut Light & Power offers a $75 energy audit through Connecticut Energy Effiency Fund which will identify sources of energy inefficiencies in your home. The auditor will install compact fluorescent light-bulbs and low-flow showerheads, evaluate appliances and offer rebates. They install weather-stripping on doors and assess air leaks. Visit www.CTEnergyInfo.com

6. The , Saturday, May 14 (the ultimate in recyling!) and , Friday, May 13. Volunteer to help Morgan students make a difference all over Clinton.

Do you know other eco-friendly companies or events in the area? Feel free to add them to this list!