The EPA says there are easy ways to help keep the green in the environment during the holidays.
Some 40 percent of all battery sales occur during the holiday season, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). That's only one of the holiday increases which can negatively impact the environment. Electricity, paper and water are among the other resources whose use increases in December. The EPA provides these tips for reducing holiday waste:
Patch is counting down until Christmas by featuring a different item on sale in a store in our community
It's never too early to start planning that New Years outfit and your fashionable friend knows it. Surprise him or her with a pair of snazzy dress shoes, on sale at the Richmond Highway Payless Shoes, from $19.99 to $24.99. Look for: Items are on sale until the end of the week and supplies are limited, so hurry!
Patch is counting down until Christmas by featuring a different item on sale in a store in our community
Give the gift of peace of mind to your favorite frequent traveler. Multiple travel accessories are on sale from $2.99 to $14.99 at the Richmond Highway Marshalls. Products include: Items will be available until Christmas, but supplies are limited and selling fast.
Patch is counting down until Christmas by featuring a different item on sale in a store in our community
Make the holidays easier this year for your favorite party host(ess) with a thoughtful gift for entertaining. Several Robert Rothschild Farms gourmet dip gifts are on sale from $7.99 to $24.99 at the Richmond Highway Giant. Products include: Items will be available until Christmas, so any last minute shoppers can use this as a last minute present.
Make waffles and baked eggs the night before to save time
Hosting large groups for Christmas can be a nightmare, especially when it comes to food. Dinner can be easily taken care of with a roast or turkey and sides, but don't forget about feeding the hungry horde, post presents. If you make these recipes one to two days before, heating it up on the big day will take you a fraction of the time breakfast normally does. Fluffy Waffles In a bowl, mix together water, yogurt, and vinegar. Sift flour into a separate, large bowl; stir in baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add the liquid mixture to flour mixture. Blend until smooth, but don't over stir. Cook on a lightly greased waffle iron until golden brown; lift off with a fork. Let the waffles cool completely before storing in the fridge for up to …
Patch is counting down until Christmas by featuring a different item on sale in a store in our community
The Gamer: Have a dedicated gamer that needs cutting edge technology? Kinect Game Party In Motion for XBox 360 is only $29.99—regularly $44.99—at the Richmond Highway Walmart. The game is on sale until December 24 but supplies are limited!
Patch is counting down until Christmas by featuring a different item on sale in a store in our community
The Beauty Supply Junkie: What do you get the owner of every conceivable beauty product? Multiple designer perfume gift sets are on sale for $19.00 at the Richmond Highway CVS. Designers include: All perfumes are on sale until December 24, but you only have five days to buy!
Patch is counting down until Christmas by featuring a different item on sale in a store in our community
The Drink Master: Know a gifted bartender or cocktail enthusiast? Give them the Citadelle Vodka gift set for $19.95 at the Richmond Highway ABC. The set features: The set is on sale until Christmas Eve, but supplies are limited. So hurry!
The 'Yule School Reunion' featured classic holiday songs
Christmas came early last night at the "Yule School Reunion" performed by local choir, The Alexandria Singers. The annual Christmas concert featured traditional holiday songs and pop version of all the classics, framed by a narrator's humorous introductions. "A friend of a friend suggested coming, and we are very, very glad we did," Marion West said. "It was so much better than we expected. My son is 15, and even he was tapping along to the beat. That beautiful blond soloist was his favorite—'an angel' he called her." This year's performance was featured at Alexandria City's holiday concert series and the Willard hotel, before returning to the community in time to celebrate Christmas. The 40-member pop choir has been practicing since Labor…
Shops at the Belle View Shopping Center prepare for the gift giving season early
If shops across the country are to be believed, it's Christmas already and holiday displays are popping up all over the Belle View Shopping Center. Kathy's Corner, Unwined and new-comer, Richard Carroll all have the holidays on the brain. "Our ornament display began in July, so ordering was June," Kathy's Corner employee Kimberly Bayliss said. "My husband, Richard, is visiting tradeshows as we speak, picking up items for Christmas," co-owner Carol Lowi said. Even though business is expected to pick up, the thought of hiring seasonal help isn't on the agenda. Kathy's Corner has no plans to hire seasonal employees, and neither do the others. "We won't hire extra help," Unwined manager Renee Lorraine said. "We'll just use the help we already …
