We'd Like to Wish You...

A Very Happy Fourth of July! Thanks for Making Kirkland's Fourth of July Possible!


Sincerely,
The Celebrate Kirkland and Save Kirkland's Fourth team

How Purple Duck Marketing Helped Save Kirkland's Fourth of July: Social Media Marketing in Action!

The Celebrate Kirkland team had a daunting task: to raise at least $30,000 in just a few months. Without donations, Kirkland, Washington, wouldn't put on its annual Fourth of July celebration.

When Kirkland resident Susan Burnash, President of Purple Duck Marketing, heard that there might not be a Kirkland Fourth, she immediately offered to help. Knowing she needed to produce an accelerated response in a short amount of time, Susan turned to Social Media marketing, developing an integrated fundraising campaign.

Susan and the Purple Duck Marketing team, along with their intern, Anna, utilized traditional marketing (e-newsletters, flyers, networking, and media support) in combination with the Social Media platforms Facebook, Twitter, and Blogger. Facebook photo albums, Twitter updates, Blogger news, and a Firstgiving online donation page helped quickly generate awareness.

With over 500 Facebook friends and fans, over 150 Twitter followers, and exposure in the blogosphere, Save Kirkland's Fourth's Social Media marketing stance gave us the power to reach our donation goal in the very short amount of time we had.

As Purple Duck Marketing's greater-Seattle area media relationships produced responses, donations from individuals and businesses began flowing in.

The Save Kirkland's Fourth campaign raised $35,000 dollars, enough to sponsor the annual fireworks and parade. But other cities weren't so fortunate in this difficult economy: Millville, New Jersey; Lawrenceville, Georgia; Yonkers, New York; Newton, Iowa; and Gainesville, Florida have all canceled their Fourth of July fireworks. If it were up to us, all Fourth of July celebrations would be saved this year. But we know it takes hard work, commitment, and the Social Media marketing model advantage. We hope other nonprofits are inspired by our story and apply the Social Media marketing model to their cause!

Thank you, Purple Duck Marketing!

(And Happy Fourth of July!)

And the winner is...

The Center For Total Body Awareness, L.L.C., with Kirkland massage expert Jessica Gray, Licensed Massage Practitioner (L.M.P)! Jessica has 10 years experience helping downtown Kirkland unwind—make a visit to get relaxed and ready for this Fourth!

Congratulations, Jessica! We can't wait to see your float!

Breaking News! Kirkland's Fourth of July Saved!

Mission accomplished! Kirkland’s Fourth of July and fireworks have been saved! Thanks to you, we’ve exceeded our goal and raised $35,000! We could never have saved our Fourth without our Facebook friends and fans, Twitter followers, the local businesses, and the Kirkland community!

THANK YOU!

PS. We’ll see you at the Kirkland Fourth of July!

Who's the Grand Marshal?

This year's Grand Marshal is the Green Team! The Green Team has 20 members, people who work to keep Kirkland "green" now and for the future.

The Green Team has set in place small goals for making Kirkland, Washington, a sustainable city. The team hopes to foster local green activities, design a Climate Action Plan, share ideas on environmental stewardship and sustainable strategies, and educate the community on green practices.

Going green has never been so red, white, and blue!

Confirmed Parade Participants!

You'll be seeing these businesses and organizations in the 2009 Kirkland Fourth of July parade! Wonder what they'll do with the "Red, white, and blue, and green all over" theme!

(Click on the names to get more info on the organization or business!)

• Bikini Beach (See their past float in the picture above!)


• Bombaii Cutters


• Butch Kent (with a great iconic vintage vehicle!)


• Evergreen Court


• The City of Kirkland's Green Team


• Mermaid Hair Extensions


• Peter Kirk Community Center and the Kirkland Steppers


• United States Army
  
  

Did we leave out your organization's or business's name? Email us at savekirklandfourth@gmail.com and we'll make sure to mention you!

The Ex Box Boys Coming to Kirkland's Fourth of July!

The eastside's own Ex Box Boys will be performing at Kirkland's Fourth this year!

The Ex Box Boys are a band centered around video games! But you don't need to pick up a video game controller to enjoy The Ex Box Boys' music—they have easy-to-listen-to, catchy songs that draw rock, pop, and alternative music fans. Which is why we're elated to have them performing on the Fourth of July!

Click here to listen to The Ex Box Boys' music so you'll be able to sing along at the show!



Concert details to come!

Special Fireworks Announcement!

As you know, the fireworks have been in danger, but thanks to all the donations and support, there will be a great fireworks show! Not only have we raised money for the usual fireworks, but the fireworks company, Western Fireworks, Inc., has thrown in an extra-special finale worth $2,000!

Let's say a big-thank you to Western Fireworks, Inc. for helping us make this Fourth of July even more spectacular!

**Comcast donates $5000!**

If you missed our big news on Facebook, here it is again! Comcast donated $5000 to Kirkland's Fourth of July Fireworks! Which brings us to our new total...$20, 270! Just $10,000 away from our goal!

Right about now we want to give a big thank-you to everyone who's supported this Fourth, whether you donated your time, encouragement, money, or resoures!

THANK YOU!

Did your business win?

Coming up, you can find out which business won a free place in the 2009 Kirkland Fourth parade!

Join First Baptist Church of Kirkland in the parade!

First Baptist Church of Kirkland will be marching in this year's Fourth of July parade! For all the info, click here.

We're excited to see First Baptist Church of Kirkland will be in the parade! Will you be marching with their group? We hope to see you there!

**Update on Donation Boxes!**

If you've been waiting to donate in person, you'd better hurry! We now have donation boxes in only
3 places:

Tera Apartments
Mushoe (Kirkland location)
Acupuncture & Chiropractic Integrative Clinic

Stop by these Kirkland businesses and look for the Save Kirkland's Fourth donation boxes—they won't be around for much longer!

And to everyone who's already donated, thank you! You're the reason we've almost saved our Fourth!

Did you see us on King 5?

You can by clicking here! Watch and you'll see someone familiar!

Barkz: The Dog Stop Supports Save Kirkland's Fourth! (Pet Safety Tips Inside!)

Read the Barkz Blog's encouraging post:


"Some of you may or may not know but the City of Kirkland deleted the budget for the 4th of July Fireworks and Parade. Celebrate Kirkland is a non profit organization that organizes the yearly fireworks display and the parade with the masterful leader&mdashPenny Sweet&mdashwho co-owns the Grape Choice.

If you enjoy the Kirkland 4th of July Fireworks and/or the parade please visit www.celebratekirkland.org and find out how you can volunteer, contribute or participate in the parade."


Thanks to Paula and the rest of Barkz for their support! And remember, fireworks might be fun for us, but our four-legged friends are often not so thrilled! Follow Celebrate Kirkland's safety guidelines so this year's Fourth can be fun for all the members of your family:

During the fireworks show, no dogs are allowed.
Fireworks and Pets Don't Mix! Identify and License your Pet for Protection.

You might have noticed that we put a lot of links in this post—we wanted to make sure you have all the information you're looking for! And if you ever have questions on anything about Save Kirkland's Fourth, email us at savekirklandfourth@gmail.com. We're here for you!

Kirkland Fourth Forecast: Blue Thunder!

In addition to the Rainbow City Marching Band, the Seahawks drumline, Blue Thunder, will be at this year's parade!

It's not a surprise that Kirkland loves the Seahawks (click here to see how much!), and we definitely love a drumline that sounds as festive as this one!

Anonymous Donates $500!

A very generous anonymous donor just gave $500.00! That's one big donation, and enough to take us up to $16,460! We're feeling very inspired right now! Thank you, secret Fourth fan!

$100 Donation!

Happy Friday! To kick off this (hopefully sunny!) weekend, we'd like to thank Kirkland Fourth supporters John and Heidi Kelly, who donated $100.00! John and Heidi have this special message: "Lots of thanks to Penny for making this a possibility!" We second that!

Contest for Businesses!

Businesses, this one's for you! Want a spot in the parade but are feeling the financial crunch? Enter to win a FREE parade entry!

There are 3 ways to enter!

Online: email your business's name and contact info to savekirklandfourth@gmail.com

By mail: write "Please enter me in the parade entry drawing" on the back of your business card and mail to:
Celebrate Kirkland
c/o 700 20th Ave. West
Kirkland, WA 98033

In person: write "Please enter me in the parade entry drawing" on the back of your business card and drop it by the Kirkland First Launch at Parkplace Books on June 10th, 6-8pm; put your business card in the ballot box.

***DEADLINE: June 15***

Not just Floating: March, Walk, or Cruise, or Coast!

Instead of being limited to the standard float, your possibilities are endless! Your "float" could be a...

• Drill Team




• Band




• Group of Animals (horses, dogs...trained parrots, anyone?)




• Car, Truck, or Trailer




• Group of Bicycles




• Something even better you can think of!

But, let's say you want to make a traditional float. Click here for instructions on building a small float platform. This float-making tutorial comes from some parade pros at the Portland Rose Festival. You can use their tips for making a couple mini floats, letting each of your group members in on the action.

By now, you should be feeling inspired! Send us some hints on what you're making; we'll do our best to keep it under wraps!

Good luck!

So Much Happening! Find out the Latest Kirkland 4th News!

Hot off the press, the latest updates on Saving Kirkland's Fourth of July!

(In no particular order!)

We'll be on KING TV's morning show on Thursday or Friday morning! Make sure you tune in—and tell us you saw us on TV!A little firework told us Kirkland firefighters might be raising money for the fireworks at tomorrow’s Kirkland Wednesday Market! Another reason to hit the market! Click here for Kirkland Wednesday Market details! And talk about green living: the Kirkland Wednesday Market supports a sustainable, green community! Reduce carbon footprints by shopping locally, and support your Kirkland neighbors!And...we've got a contest for businesses! Details to come; if you can't wait, check out our Facebook page under Events!

Meet a 2009 Kirkland Fourth Band!

We're excited to announce that the Rainbow City Marching Band will be returning this year! They've marched in Kirkland's Fourth of July celebrations for years, and it wouldn't be a parade without the Rainbow City Marching Band!

The Rainbow City Marching Band comes from the Rainbow City Band, a group of around 75 musicians. In addition to the marching band, Rainbow City's members perform concerts and form a swing band called Purple Passion.

Watch this video, and you'll know why the Rainbow City Marching Band is one of the best parts of Kirkland's Fourth of July!

Your Hit Parade: Get Inspired!

Now that you've decided to be in Kirkland's Fourth parade this year, you have your group together, and you just need a float. How can you get inspired? Well, there are 2 things to keep in mind:

1. This year's theme is Red, White, Blue and Green All Over: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!


2. Your group's/organization's/business's message can be part of your theme!

Let's say you have a cafe. Your cafe uses reusable dishes, cloth napkins, and vintage decor and furniture. Your float could have a table on it with some volunteer "patrons" enjoying a meal. You could showcase the cloth napkins, glasses, and vintage furniture. You could even make a giant "menu" with the main courses "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" and the name of your cafe on it. It's eye-catching and easy to make.

Maybe you and your group work at a bicycle shop. Cyclists reduce carbon footprints every day! Grab some red, white, blue (and green) helmets, bikes, and gear from your store. Have your group ride the bikes together in the parade! You don't even need a float platform—you and your group will be the float!

All you have to do is ask yourself and your group this question: What does our business/organization/group do that's green? Once you have the answer, add some touches of red, white, and blue, and you're good to go!

Check out our parade photo album for more inspiration!

Latest Donation Brings Us up to $15,860!

Thanks to Rob and Kate Butcher, who donated $100, we’re getting closer to having an amazing fireworks show this year!

Rob Butcher is an important part of Kirkland—he's not just an active resident; his blog is the place to find any and all of Kirkland's latest news. Be sure to check out his site (not only is KirklandViews.com a Certified Kirkland Green Business, it's news without paper!).

Kirkland Fourth of July—Cub Scout-style!

:)

Everybody Loves a Parade!

But have you ever been in one? Now's the time—grab your float-making group and get a parade entry! Sign up online here!

The entry deadline is June 14th!

There is an entry fee, but here's the good part: if you've got a group of people chipping in, it costs hardly anything per person! Let's do some quick math and we'll show you

Cost

• $50 for nonprofits
• $100 for politicial candidates and forprofits (like businesses)

Let's say your group is a business, and 6 people are going to make the float. Each person pays less than $17!

Or if you've got a nonprofit and eight people are in the float-making group, each person pays only $6.25!

****Sign up now!****

Join the Parade!

Here's what it's like to be in the middle of the kids' parade on the Fourth of July! Let's just say it's popular!

Float (most definitely) On!

What are you waiting for? The Fourth of July will be here in just a little over a month—do you have a float idea? We're going to give you tips and ideas on building a float for Kirkland's 2009 Fourth of July parade!

The first question is, who should help make your float? (Unless of course you're feeling very adventurous and want to go it alone.)

Here are places you can find a group to build a float:

Your yoga/Spanish/algebra class
Your family
Your friends
Your book/moms/running club
Your co-workers
Your church group
Your sports team
Your neighbors

Go call or email some people—you've got a float to make!

Next time...how to sign up!

Lake Washington Fourth Video!

We love this time lapse video of the Fourth! Now everyone can see how beautiful Kirkland is even before the fireworks start popping up!

Fireworks a Go! Now Let's Make a Show!

You heard that right—Kirkland will have fireworks on the Fourth of July this year! Thanks to some amazing friends and neighbors—and you! Thank you for:

adding us as on Facebook,

encouraging us,

spreading the word,

attending our Wine Bottle Potting Benefit at The Grape Choice,

hanging a poster in your business,

displaying a donation box in your business,
and most important, donating!

Here's a recap of our latest donations:

• Kirkland Parkplace, $3,000
  
• Evergreen Healthcare, $3,000
  
• Heathman Hotel, $2,500
  
• Anonymous, $30
  

We're looking at a total of $15, 760! That's fabulous! We've hit the halfway mark! Now, we're going to have fireworks for sure, but we need more donations to make an actual show! It's not much fun seeing three fireworks and then ending the night!

Thank you to our amazing donors! We'd never have a Fourth of July celebration without your support! Kirkland isn't just a city: it's a community of people who work together!

Donation Update! (Daily Green Tip inside!)

We've got to give a big thank-you to our latest donors, Ken and Deb at Direct Mailing Solutions, and and Scott Construction LLC (6504 106th Ave. NE, Kirkland 98033; 425-827-7300)! Thanks to these great Fourth supporters, we're $150 closer to our goal!

Wait! Don't forget to read your Daily Green Tip! Save those old batteries and find a battery recycling center near you!

Fireworks Video! (Daily Green Tip inside!)

Click here to watch a video from last year's fireworks show! Think of it as motivation for donating! Remember how much fun it is to watch one firework explode after another? You barely have time to say how beautiful the last one was before a new explosion appears in the sky!

And here's your Daily Green Tip: You can't put plastic bags in your regular recycling, but you can make the best of them! Put grocery bags in small trash cans for fast cleaning—just tie and take out!

Donation Locations! **Updated**

All roads lead to...donation boxes? You can find Save Kirkland's Fourth donation boxes around the city! (Click on a business to view their Web site; contact information is included for those without Web sites.)

• Human Nature Photography
• Salon Pecoaro
  722 Market Street
  (425) 828-4959
• State Farm Agent Patrick Fitzgerald
• Tight Cuts in Juanita Village
• Everyday Athlete
• Kahili Coffee
• Tobacco Patch
  125 Central Way
  (425) 739-4782
• Banner Bank
• Frontier Bank
• Kirkland Downtown Association
• Lakeshore Gallery
  107 Park Lane
  (425) 827-0606
• The UPS Store
• Sterling Savings Bank
• Simplicity Decor
• Hallmark Realty

Are you an organization or business who'd like a Save Kirkland's Fourth donation box at your location? Contact us at savekirklandfourth@gmail.com and we'll set you up with one!

New Reporter Story & Special Daily Green Tip!

Read Carrie Wood's new story on the fireworks on The Kirkland Reporter's Web site! Thanks for the great story, Carrie!

And to celebrate our progress, here's a special Daily Green Tip, just for the Fourth: Do you still have your 2008 Kirkland Fourth of July t-shirt? If you do, dust it off, because we want you to celebrate the green way by wearing last year's t-shirt to this year's Fourth! Didn't catch a shirt from '08? No problem! Email us and we'll share extras!

Kirkland Reporter! (And Daily Green Tip inside)

Open the latest issue of the Kirkland Reporter to page 8. It's us! Thanks, Carrie Wood!

Here's your Daily Green Tip: Looking for a timeless desk that makes a statement? Shop vintage writing desks and tables! Get creative!

Ford of Kirkland's Amy Walen Committs $1,000!

Amy Walen of Ford of Kirkland confirmed Ford of Kirkland will be donating $1,000.00 to Save Kirkland's Fourth! Thank you, Amy and the Ford of Kirkland team!

And we're not the only ones supporting a green-all-over world: Ford of Kirkland offers the eco-friendly Escape Hybrid!

$5,000 from Overlake Oil Inc.!

Overlake Oil Inc. is helping Save Kirkland's Fourth and Fireworks in a big way! They've donated $5,000 to get fireworks in the sky this Fourth! A very big thank-you goes out to Overlake Oil for their great support!!

Read about Us in Kirkland Weblog! (Daily Green Tip in this post too!)

Look at this amazing post on Kirkland Weblog! We couldn't have said it better! :) Thanks for the
great support, Kirkland Weblog!

And not a day's complete without a Daily Green Tip: Check to make sure your workplace is correctly recycling paper, plastic, and glass!

That's all for now...but we do have some more news for you in the morning, so check back here!

Daily Green Tip, Donations, and More!

Happy Monday! Who left the water on? Okay, jokes aside, we're got some news for you...

A Kirkland Fourth fan just donated $20.00 to Save our Celebration! Thank you!!

If you donate $100.00 or more you get a FREE limited edition Celebrate Kirkland expandable tote! These Celebrate Kirkland totes are durable, tiny enough to fit just about anywhere, and expandable to the size of a grocery bag (but way stronger)! Share your love of green and love of Kirkland and support our Fourth!

And of course we wouldn't leave you without your Daily Green Tip: What to do with your good dishes when they crack? Use saucers for mess-free cosmetics trays in the bathroom or spice organizers in the kitchen. Use elegant-but-chipped bowls to hold everything from electronics chargers to spare change!

"Like a Birthday Party with No Cake": Why We're Saving this Year's 4th of July!

This is the story of why we're working to Save Kirkland's Fourth.

With today’s challenging economy, families and communities are struggling. Uncertainty has become a way of life. Jobs are in jeopardy. Homes are facing foreclosure. Businesses are closing while those remaining are working harder than ever just to survive. The idea of celebrating anything to many seems unfathomable. Yet, it is during times like these that the annual celebration of the 4th of July is now more important than ever.

In Kirkland, like in cities across the country, the 4th of July represents many things. For adults, it is a time of family, friends and celebration with the annual parade, picnics, barbecues, a day out on the lake and of course the fireworks! For the children, it is a time of pure joy that includes the excitement of decorating their bicycles, dogs and themselves to be a part of the annual Kids’ Parade. And for Kirkland businesses, the 4th of July is a time of community involvement that includes donating of time, resources, financial support, and participating in the parade itself.

But what if this year, in 2009 when a 4thof July celebration is needed most, there is not enough financial support, volunteers or parade participants to actually make it happen? What if the economy has not only negatively impacted our personal and business lives but our community lives as well? Do we just wake up the morning of July 4th and tell our children, family and friends that today is just another day with no parade, no fireworks and no celebration? The answer most certainly must be NO!

Sadly, without a community effort to “make the difference,” Kirkland’s 4th of July is in jeopardy. With dwindling sponsorships, grants, volunteers and participants, it is quite possible that in 2009, the most Celebrate Kirkland (www.celebratekirkland.org), the nonprofit foundation that funds and supports the Kirkland Fourth of July celebrations, can produce is the parade. Without an additional $15,000 raised for the fireworks show, the odds are good it will be canceled.

“It’s hard to imagine a 4th of July without fireworks,” says Penny Sweet, longtime Kirkland resident and founder of Celebrate Kirkland. “It’s like showing up for a birthday party and finding out there is no birthday cake.”

Hearing about the possibility of a 4th of July without fireworks, Kirkland resident and Chamber of Commerce member Susan Burnash, of Purple Duck Marketing, stepped up to create an integrated fundraising campaign to push out a call to action to the community of Kirkland.

“Each year, we do two major pro bono campaigns,” says Susan Burnash, President of Purple Duck Marketing. “This time it was an easy yes to Save Kirkland’s 4th of July. I’ve lived here for four years now and I love Kirkland. Each year, I walk down to the parade to watch the kids, the floats and all the businesses, marching bands and veterans who have become a staple of that day. I spend the rest of the day downtown, shopping, hanging out with friends, and finally end up at Marina Park to watch the fireworks. There is no way I could accept a 4th without fireworks without a good fight.”

The fight, as Burnash puts it, is a community fight and a community effort. Utilizing a variety of ways to reach Kirkland residents including Facebook, Twitter, online giving, e-newsletters, flyers, networking and media support, “Save Kirkland’s 4th of July” is gaining momentum. Residents and businesses are stepping up and doing what they can to ensure that the day will be not only be as good as it is each year, but that this year, in the face of so much diversity, it will be better and even more meaningful.

And funds, resources and volunteers are starting to trickle in as the community is starting to see it takes a group effort to save the day. Mini fundraising events are underway, including last week’s “Build a Fushia Planter for Spring or Mother’s Day.”

“We raised more than $600 dollars from that one,” says Sweet, who held the event at her retail wine store, The Grape Choice. “It may not seem like a lot but this stuff adds up. Even the smallest donation can make a huge difference.”

With more than 40,000 homes in the City of Kirkland, and a diverse group of businesses, Sweet is hopeful that with everyone’s help recruiting the funds, volunteers and parade entries will be possible.

Daily Green Tip: Tree-free Photography!

Photos minus paper and ink? Now that’s a math equation we like! You’ve seen all the fabulous photos on our blog, and almost every one is from http://www.morguefile.com/, one of our favorite green Web sites! You’ve got free, full-color, artistic photography at your fingertips, for your use (just check out the terms before using)! And not a tree harmed. Now that’s living the green life!

$1060.00!!

That's what our latest donations have brought us to! Remember, we've still got to get $30,000, or at least really close! But we would never be where we are without you, our supporters! Thank you!

Thank-you to Anonymous, who donated $50.00 to make sure Kirkland has fireworks and a parade! Thank you, Anonymous!

Here’s a thank-you to Tony and Shelley Kloba, who just donated $35.00! Thanks to Tony and Shelley, we’re getting dangerously close to the $2,000 mark!

Daily Green Tip: If Life Gives You Magazines...

turn them into gift package bows! So easy! Follow this great tutorial, and soon you'll have lots and lots of bows, and then you'll need to buy gifts just as an excuse to use them!

Save Kirkland's feux d'artifices!

That's fireworks in French! Our Facebook friend Manon told us how to say "fireworks" in French! We feel just a little cooler....

Daily Green Tip: Repurposing in the Pantry!

Old-fashioned wooden clothespins make great reusable pantry clips—close bags of potato chips, rice, or bread to keep them

fresh!*

*They also work on economy-size bags of mini candy bars. Not that we'd know.

You’re Invited to Our Boutonniering Event!

If there’s mountaineering, and engineering, why can’t there be boutonniering as well? Whatever it’s called, we need your help with a special Fourth volunteer project!

You might already know Kirkland honors veterans in our Fourth parade. We need 12 volunteers to help put together boutonnieres! No green thumb necessary, but you can expect to be a pro florist by the time you’re done!

You're Invited!

WHAT: Making flower boutonnieres for veterans

WHEN: Friday, July 3, from 1-3pm

WHERE: The Grape Choice, 7 Lakeshore Plaza Kirkland, WA 98033

RSVP: **Click To Sign Up**

Daily Green Tip: Got Ugly?

Got ugly? Put that bookshelf, lampshade, or anything else up for free on an online classifieds site like Craigslist—you’d be surprised whose treasure it might turn out to be! (And while you're there, check out the great free things others have!)

Rep. Ross Hunter Helps Save Kirkland's Fourth!

State Representative Ross Hunter donated $100 to keep this year's fireworks and parade on! Thank you, Rep. Hunter!

Daily Green Tip: The Lazy Way to Care for Your Plants

So here in the Pacific Northwest, we treat rain the way Alaskans treat snow. Meaning we have 12 different names for it! (Drizzle, mist, shower, downpour, sprinkling, sleet....) However, there's a plus side. When it's raining lightly, you can stick houseplants like ferns outside for a natural watering. This also works if you're lazy. Just don't do it in January.

Watch Us on TV Tonight!!!

Komo 4 News is going to cover Save Kirkland's Fourth Fireworks! Don't miss out—tune in tonight around 6 to watch! Our own Penny Sweet will be on the news!

Daily Green Tip: Put Cozy into Your Workout

Yep, we mean cozy. What's better than curling up in your favorite school or concert hoodie or t-shirt? But after all while, even the sweatshirt you love most wears out. Don't throw it away or hide it in the back of the closet. Save your favorite old t-shirts and hoodies for comfortable workout clothes (you can mix and match with synthetic pieces)! Long live sweatshirts! :)

Daily Green Tip: Like the Sign Says....

Here's your Daily Green Tip, one we're happy to say a lot of you already use! But just in case, it's an oldie but goodie.

Shop till you drop? Hold onto those sturdy handled bags from retail stores! You can pull one out whenever you need an extra tote.

Daily Green Tip!

Remember our Hanging Wine Bottle Potting Event? We repurposed beautiful wine bottles into decorative fuchsia planters. Now you have a purpose for your old wine glasses too! They make elegant, shabby chic cosmetics or jewelry holders, or really fancy pencil keepers! Be creative!

And Happy Mother's Day to all mothers! We'd love to hear some living green tips from mothers! Send us an email or comment below. And enjoy your special day!

Daily Green Tip! (for readers!)

Like books? Then you're probably no stranger to shopping for your favorite titles! Next time you find yourself hunting for a book, check to see if there's a used copy available. Many online stores like Amazon.com offer used books.

Daily Green Tip

Cut down on chemicals—change your household cleaning products to eco-friendly brands or purchase a steam cleaner.

Daily Green Tip: Something for Everyone

Daily Green Tip: Bring magazines you’re done reading into work—your clients can enjoy reading them in the waiting room! Variety is great: everyone has different taste, so publications from fishing to antiques to travel will be appreciated!

P.S. Don't forget to recycle those magazines when everyone's done reading them!

Daily Green Tip: Don't Use These Just for Cookies!

You know those glass jars pasta sauces and other foods come in? Wash them after using and save them for microwave-safe containers for leftovers or packed lunches. Especially great for soups!

Daily Green Tip! This One's for the Kids!

Know some artistic kids? Save your magazines and catalogs for inexpensive, impromptu clipart sessions!

(You don't have to be a kid to enjoy this tip: trust us--clipart is fun at any age! We'd know!)

Not Just Saving Fireworks, Saving Trees!

Welcome to your Daily Green Tip: Purchase a wall dry erase board for jotting everyday notes—you’ll never misplace info and you’ll save mountains of trees!

Speaking of trees, there's no need to water your garden today. Here in Kirkland, WA, the landscape comes equipped with a self-contained watering system. Hello, rain!

Whoo hoo! We're on Komonews.com!

Komonews.com was kind enough write an article on how we're Saving Kirkland's Fourth and Fireworks! Click here to read the article, and send it to some friends so they can learn about what we're doing!

Daily Green Tip x 2

Blame it on the weekend--we just don't know what to do with this strange light in the sky! Whatever the excuse, we're guilty of not giving you your Daily Green Tip! So here it is, x 2.

Frozen juice containers make whimsical pen and pencil cups! And, start your own compost bin for sustainable gardening!

Whew, that was a lot of work. We'll try to keep on time for the future!

Daily Green Tip

Save clothes, money, and electricity! Get a drying rack for your clothing and you’ll rely on the dryer less.

That should get some fireworks exploding!

$875.00! Thanks to the latest donation, $25.00 from Anonymous, we've set aside $875.00 to Save our Fourth! Now THAT'S even better news than the forecast (and we get excited about anything over 50 degrees here)!

Thank you, Anonymous!

Latest donations--you won't believe it!

Look--we're up to $850.00 for the fireworks! How amazing is that? We'd like to give a giant thank-you to Sandy and Glenn Peterson! Sandy and Glenn donated $100.00--which is a lot of money, especially right now!

We're also going to give a giant thank-you to an anonymous donor who generously gave $50.00 toward getting fireworks up in the sky!

These donations couldn't come at a better time: we know they'll inspire you! Even $5.00 can make a difference and Save the Fireworks!




And, we can't forget the Daily Green Tip! This weekend, car (or taxi) pool when you go out! Save parking money, make planning easy, and reduce carbon footprints!

Daily Green Tip!

Give a dog a bed! Donate blankets you no longer use to a local animal shelter to make cozy pet beds. Click here for more info.

Red, White, Blue, and Green! Welcome to Your Daily Green Tips!

I’m so excited about this! You know this year’s 4th theme is “Red, White, Blue, and Green All Over,” so I thought I’d give you a Green Tip every day! I’ve got some short, original ideas for how to simplify living green. These tips will help you stay organized and save money, and most importantly, take care of the environment! Check back here every day for a new Green Tip, and if you’ve got a good one, post it!

Today’s Green Tip:

You know all those things you print off the computer, like directions, documents to proofread, recipes? Save the print outs you don’t use! Put them in your printer upside down to reuse paper and save money!

Getting to know you....!

I just put up pics of the Celebrate Kirkland Organiztion Team and I want you to learn more about one of its great members, Tim! A Kirkland resident for 6 years, Tim explains why he’s involved in the Kirkland Fourth of July celebration,

“As a retired Naval officer and a Viet Nam vet, I’ve always been pretty patriotic. After attending the first 8 years of parades, I decided that it was time to give back to this Celebration event so I volunteered to help last year. It was a great experience, and I had the opportunity to work with a lot of giving people. This year I joined the planning committee for Celebrate Kirkland to help wherever needed to make the 10th annual celebration a success!”

Tim’s favorite part of the Fourth? Hint: it’s one of the most popular! The children’s parade resonates with him the most. “It takes me back to memories of my early Fourth of July’s, and those watching my children participate in similar parades when they were young. Those are memories that last forever with kids and parents.”

Have you been a fan instead of a volunteer these past few years? If you’re ready to meet some amazing people and have a lot of fun like Tim, volunteer for the 2009 Kirkland Fourth!

Ivar's?

We’re not talking about where to grab dinner. Ivar’s Seafood Restaurants has been hosting “4th of Jul-Ivar’s” for 44 years—since 1965. But Ivar’s has decided there won’t be a 2009 fireworks show, or one after that. The reason is simple: with so many economic problems hurting Washington, they’ve decided to support Northwest Harvest in lieu of putting together a fancy fireworks show. See the West Seattle Herald’s full story here.
While we’re working to raise funds for Kirkland’s Fourth of July, Ivar’s decision hits close to home. We don’t want our Fourth of July to burn out. Of course we love our community and want to support our neighbors. Don’t you think we can make a sustainable, supportive community worth celebrating? I do!