It's summer finally!  Most of us are in the mood to kick back, put our feet up, and relax, welcoming summer's slower pace. Reading about lowering your carbon footprint is not likely to be at the top of your list during the summer months.  With that in mind, I decided to keep this month's column ... very simple. If you read last month's column, you realize that our town is making great strides on the green front. That's good news.  I find that I have to be continually present and attentive to my daily actions as I strive for a greener lifestyle. I am far from perfect, but I know that I am aware of how I feel when I forget to bring my canvas bags or travel mug out with me on my errands. Or admit to myself that I am still trying to compost.  I try to forgive myself with promises to do better, move forward, and take pride in "progress, not perfection."

We all have areas in our life that are more carbon consuming than others.  For me, as the mother of two active teenage girls, I am always in the car driving. This is not something I am especially proud of, but it is a reality of my present life and of where I live. As a result, I try hard to improve in other areas and to make a more concerted effort toward living a conservation ethic in as much of my life as possible. I know that I can do better, especially because I am charged with writing this monthly column in order to inform and encourage all of you! For July, I thought I would offer a just few simple, familiar, but important reminders to make certain they remain on the front burner.

Try to consume at least 10 percent of your food locally.

Visit the local farmers market on Saturday mornings to purchase local food

Seek out local produce in your market

Grow your own vegetables

Participate in a CSA

Share a garden with a friend if you cannot have your own

Check out Summervale at the Intervale on Thursday evenings 5:30-8:30 p.m. for local eating and fun. intervale.org.

Nofa.org is also a great resource

Consider an Energy Audit of your home to find out how you can be more energy efficient

Check out efficiencyvermont.com as one option for an energy audit

Drive less

Carpool when possible

Walk, ride your bike, or take public transportation at least once per week

Bundle your errands

Spend one day of your week without getting in your car

Incorporate the "3 R's" into your lifestyle as much as possible: Recycle, Reuse and Repair

Shop at re-sale shops. Our local shop, SCHIP'S Treasure, is an excellent resource for a wide variety of items.

CSWD.org is a great resource

Visit Shelburne's local store, Home Ecology in the center of town and check out a great selection of green items. Holly Rae is a compost maven and can tell you anything you need to know about composting!

As we move closer to the middle of summer, I am enjoying the clothes drying on the outside line, which uses less energy, and the opportunity summer offers to be in my car less often. However, I am still reminded of the promise I made to myself to set up a composting system by fall. Life remains hectic, but despite the busy pace, it is important to keep ourselves moving forward on the path to living with a conservation ethic. Future generations will be grateful for our attention to this.