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Happy Spring!
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Commute Another Way Week is May 16th-20th!
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Now that it's May, and it's safe to exclaim, "It's really spring!" we're all feeling exuberant and energized. What better time of year to start a new commuting habit? When we walk, bike, and wait at the bus stop, we get to spend more time with the warm breezes, bird song, and budding flowers. Plus, using alternative transportation instead of driving every day is better for the planet and lowers our monthly expenses. Read on for some great tips and resources for leaving your car at home and getting around a greener, healthier way. |
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This Month's FREE E-coupons
Click on the logos below for some great offers:
FREE Event Flower Consultation, plus 10% off any locally grown cut flower purchase over $50
$5 off your purchase of $25 or more of natural and local foods
20% off your purchase of designer and name-brand clothing, accessories, and jewelery 
Receive an additional 30 minutes FREE when you book an hour-long session
$250 off any solar hot water or solar electric system from Sundog Solar: $250 value |
The week of May 16th-20th is Commute Another Way Week with GO MAINE. Since 1995, this annual event has challenged hundreds of employers and thousands of commuters throughout Maine to show their support for sustainable transportation options. There are all kinds of ways to go green with your daily commute in Maine: carpooling, public transit (bus, ferry, rail), bicycling, and walking are just a few! For a reality check, try calculating your annual cost of driving with this online commute calculator
. Whatever you choose as your challenge
for the week - pick one or mix it up for variety - alternative transportation has amazing benefits. It's a great way to save money and energy, reduce stress, get exercise, and experience your community on another level.
Sign up now!
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MBS Workshop: Sustainability through Innovation
On May 18, Maine Businesses for Sustainability is hosting its spring workshop: Sustainability through Innovation, from 7:30am-noon at the Harraseeket Inn in Freeport. Learn how to market sustainability effectively and stay hip to the innovative practices driving the green industry. Bring your ideas! 
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Calling All Bookworms!
We need your recommendations for the 2012 SunriseGuide!
 Have you read a great book recently that addresses sustainability? We'd love to hear from you! In each edition of the SunriseGuide we include a recommended reading list generated by our fans. In the past, featured books have ranged from The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan to The Backyard Homestead by Carleen Madigan. We're interested in all healthy, local, and green topics! Please send us your suggestions by Friday, June 17.
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SunriseGuide Partner News
Goodwill Industries of Northern New England is proud to announce that on April 18, the Belfast and Rockland retail stores and Portland headquarters earned Energy Star Status. This EPA award goes to buildings that use 35% less energy and generate 35% less greenhouse gas emissions than similar buildings across the nation.
In April, Reny's opened a new store in downtown Portland, located at the former L.L. Bean outlet. The store hours are Mon-Fri, 9am-7pm and Sun, 9am-5pm.
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And the Winner Is...
First of all, we would like to give a heartfelt THANK YOU to each of the awesome participants in the 2011 Earth Day Scavenger Hunt. Your photographs were truly creative and inspiring, and we could tell you all had a blast being eco-sleuths! Visit the SunriseGuide Facebook page to check out all of the wonderful photos everyone submitted!
The lucky winner is Sarah Wolcheski of Freeport: she gets to book a reservation for two at the idyllic Craignair Inn in Spruce Head, Maine. Congratulations, Sarah!
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The view from the Craignair Inn, Spruce Head, ME
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Thank You for Your Feedback
 Thanks to all our readers who took the time to share their thoughts with us in April's e-Newsletter Survey. We really appreciate your feedback!
Here's what we found based on your answers:
1. Most of you prefer to see one longer newsletter once a month.
2. You enjoy using the free e-coupons and would like to see more of them.
3. Overall, your favorite part of the e-news is our thorough listing of statewide events.
We're always working on improving our service to the SunriseGuide community, and this information is invaluable! If you missed the survey last month, you can still find it here. We look forward to hearing your thoughts and opinions.
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 Sustainable Living Event Highlights
Included below, you'll find a sampling from the complete event list on our website. Consider it an appetizer. For a complete list of local events, please click here. Organic Orcharding 101 May 7, 10am-4pm, MOFGA headquarters, Unity Portland Green Drinks May 10, 5:30pm-8pm, Bayside Bowl Bangor Greendrinks May 10, 5pm-8pm, The Brick Church, 126 Union Street Wolfe's Neck Farm Spring Festival May 14, 10am-2pm, Wolfe's Neck Farm, Freeport Commute Another Way Week May 16-20, statewide
MBS Spring Workshop: Sustainability through Innovation May 18, 7:30am-noon, Harraseeket Inn, Freeport
Girls and Gears May 20, 10am-5pm, Gorham Bike and Ski, Portland
For a complete list of events, please visit the Local Events section on our website.
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Save the Date
First Slow Living Summit June 1-3, Brattleboro, VT
June 10-12, Camp Winona, Bridgton ArtFest 2011June 18, Wolfe's Neck Farm, Freeport
Have a sustainability event we can help you promote? Please e-mail us the details.
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