Summer Green

Summer is just around the corner and students cannot wait to get out of school. This vacation is a time to kick back, relax and not have responsibilities. But the truth is, we all have a year-around responsibility to our Earth. It provides us with the sum­mer sun we love to tan in, and we provide it with a beautiful, clean ecosystem. Inevi­tably, this is not the first thing teens think when summer break begins. Therefore, The Voice is giving you some easy tips to help keep your summer of 2010 green!

Farmer’s Markets

Though going to the grocery store may be convenient, waiting to buy local produce on Sundays is much more fun. Farmer’s markets are held in many areas including Campbell, Willow Glen and San­tana Row. By going to these markets, you will not only be getting some time in the sun, but supporting local farmers, many of whom grow all their food organically. The produce is fresh, healthy and cheaper than the organic produce sold in the grocery store. Farmer’s markets are always lively events, so grab a few friends and hit the streets.

Reusable Clothing

When reused clothing first comes to mind, many girls may think it is gross. In reality, recycled clothing stores hold some of the most unique and high quality cloth­ing around, and for cheap prices. When someone does not want a piece of clothing anymore, they sell it to such stores (after cleaning the clothes, of course!). One of the best recycled clothing stores is called Crossroads and is located in San Jose on W. San Carlos St. This store carries vin­tage, brand name and even designer cloth­ing for amazing prices. Check one of these stores out and save the money, material and energy that goes in to making new clothes!

Soda Cans

A recent study indicates that one third of teenagers drink three cans of soda daily. What do you do with all these cans? Reuse them of course! There are many crafts that you can make out of old soda cans. A short search on Google will bring up hundreds of ideas to morph your cans. Some ideas include turning the cans into drink coast­ers, jewelry or cups to hold pens. The de­signs on the cans are sometimes very intri­cate and exciting; this is perfect for making your morphed soda really stand out. For some more idea on soda can art, visit

http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/family/recy­cled-soda-bottle-crafts.htm

No matter what your plans are for summer, remember that the environment will always be around you. Treat it will love and care and give it the respect it de­serves. New ideas to green our Earth are invented every day. Take them into consid­eration and have fun with them. In the end, your summer will be brighter, cleaner and of course greener!