Green and Simple

8 Great Ways to Green Your Thanksgiving

Being green is about more than being eco-friendly; it's about being a good citizen of the earth in ways that go far beyond the environment.

When I think about being green, eco-friendly or earth-minded, I don’t just think about being kind to the environment. Sure, I think about conservation, preservation, and about embracing a lifestyle that embodies sustainable living; but I also think about simple things individuals can do to make the world a better place.  It is in that spirit that I offer these eight great green ways to express thankfulness as we head into Thanksgiving week:  Have a fun, festive and filling Thanksgiving!

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Animal Welfare League of Alexandria to Host Black Friday Adoption Event

Adopters can decide on their adoption fee for the animal of their choice.

If a new pet is on your shopping list this Black Friday, you're in luck: The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria will host a Black Friday Adoption Special for homeless animals at the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter next week. The event will last from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 23. As part of event, potential adopters can name their own adoption fee for all animals ages 6 months and older, according to the shelter. Animals 5 months old and younger will be available for adoption at the normal fee. The minimum adoption fee is $10. Adoption fees for adult dogs and cats usually range around $150 and $120, respectively. The cost includes spay and neuter surgeries, vaccinations, health screenings, microchipping and more. “Our Black Friday …

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Alexandria Aims to Attract Black Friday Shoppers

Boutiques have banded together to offer big sales and the city is offering free parking on Nov. 23, traditionally the biggest shopping day of the year.

Shops in Old Town Alexandria are offering enticing deals seeking to lure Black Friday shoppers to the neighborhood. Additionally, the city is offering incentives like free parking and expanded public transit hours. The free King Street Trolley will begin operating at 6 a.m. Shoppers can board a trolley every 15 minutes and hop on and off at 20 stops between the King St./Old Town Metro station and the waterfront. The city is offering free parking at parking meters and in all city-owned garages and parking lots as a special incentive for shoppers to visit Old Town. The following garages and lots are opening at 6 a.m., with free parking all day: Many of Alexandria’s independently owned shops are offering special discounts, with early and …

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Extended Hours for Trolley on 'Black Friday'

Free trolley service will begin at 6 a.m. on the biggest shopping day of the year.

Alexandria's free trolley service running from the King Street Metro down to the waterfront will have extended hours on Black Friday, the big shopping day after Thanksgiving. On Nov. 23, the trolley will begin its first run at 6 a.m. instead of its usual 11:30 a.m. It runs every 15 minutes, with 20 stops to encourage residents and visitors to explore the shops, restaurants and attractions throughout Old Town.

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Free Adoptions at Animal Shelter on Friday

Alexandria's animal shelter waiving all fees on adoptable pets on Friday.

Alexandria's Vola Lawson Animal Shelter is waiving adoption fees on all animals, Friday, Nov. 25. The center, located at 4101 Eisenhower Ave., also will open early at 10 a.m. The day's events include a surprise guest and a gift basket for the first dog and cat to be adopted that day. See the shelter's photo galleries of adoptable cats and adoptable dogs as well as other pets ready to be taken to a good home. Additionally, the shelter's new 2012 calendars are now available at the Eisenhower Ave. location and various local stores such as Old Town's K Aubrey Flowers, Diva Designer Consignment, Olde Towne School for Dogs and Del Ray's Your Dog's Best Friend. They are $15 each or two for $25.

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