Are you ready for more sun and more fun in the great outdoors? So are we. To launch into summer, we're sending our June newsletter soon with free printable coupons for outdoor recreation and reminders of all the great deals in our book.

If you aren't signed up yet, enter your email in the box at upper right. We only send newsletters monthly.

Here's a sampling to get you interested. This Tizzi bathing suit by Kelly B is 65% bamboo and 25% organic cotton (with 8% spandex), and USA made. Order online ($130) from Nimli.

Image via Nimli. More...

Becki Walker writes about food and crafts recipes. In this Fridays series, she examines the culture of farmers markets. Here she explains Certified Naturally Grown, an alternative to USDA Organic, and shopping on a budget using the food chain model and pesticide guides.

Over the course of the next few articles, I’ll be examining the farmers market.  I’ll cover how to get to know your farmer, shop on a budget, and experiment with more “unique” fruits and vegetables. Before heading to the market, though, it’s important to know some of the terminology you’re likely to find there.  Just what does organic certification mean?  Are there alternatives?  Which foods are most important to buy organically?

To be organically certified, a farm must be inspected by an agency approved by the US Department of Agriculture.  Products that are 95 – 100% organic can display the organic seal on them.  Products with at least 70% ingredients may state that they are “made with organic ingredients.”  However, anything less than 70% organic cannot include the seal on its label. More...

Even if you used all your coupons from our book, we know you still need to buy things that we don't cover. Use these three sites to continue saving money while you shop for necessities.

RedPlum.com We found Tylenol, V8 Juice, and Renu contact solution coupons to download and print. Enter your zip code to begin searching.

Smart Source Both printable coupons and online coupons are available here. Right now they have a coupon for $2 off Seventh Generation baby wipes. Mac users will need Safari.

RetailMeNot.com Search here for discount codes from online stores including clothing companies, Walgreens, and Amazon. You can almost always find a free shipping code--search by store. More...

Your top green building resources are MN Green Star and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's Residential Building. But we know that these times call for cash, so we've gathered your top money back options to aid your green remodel.

4 Areas to Check
Have you used our Personal Energy Analyzer yet? If you don't own a Blue Sky Guide, you can download it right here. Reducing your water heater temperature, lowering your thermostat (or raising it this summer), and eliminating phantom power suckers can save you money with zero cost up front.

Cash and Tax Incentives
We found the most comprehensive information through the Minnesota Energy Challenge, which you can sign up for online. While there aren't currently many rebates, being a part of the challenge will keep you informed when they become available.

Two low cost home improvements are upgrading  appliances and insulating you home. Use Energy Star's DIY guide to insulation and sealing to save yourself money. Calculate your potential Energy Star savings by appliance to determine which are the biggest energy users.

Coupons

• Recycled cotton fiber insulation is available at Natural Built Home. Your coupon will save you $5 off $25.
• Replace old windows with Green Seal certified windows from Renewal by Andersen. Your coupon will save you $60 off per window on 6 or more.

Get a Professional Audit
Xcel energy customers can get a $150 energy audit for just $35. Audits last 2 hours and the price is added to your next bill. Call 1-800-895-4999 to schedule yours. After the audit, improvements on your home may qualify you for a Home Performance Rebate. More...

My Dad Recycles More Than Your Dad T-Shirt ($24)
Printed on organic cotton with water based inks, Little Green Stars clothes are sweet and sassy. Our favorites are the "My Dad Recycles More than Your Dad" t-shirt and "My Other Ride is a Hybrid" onesie with a stroller image. Available online.


Eco House ($150)
Play house with solar panels, rain barrels and recycling bins. Zoom around the kitchen table on a scooter and admire the view of the wind turbine from afar. This play set is made of rubberwood and recycled wood, but is not recommended for children under 3. Available online. More...

This holiday season give the gift of Blue Sky Guide – a one-of-a-kind resource and coupon book, offering more than 300 valuable coupons for all aspects of life. Help your friends and family explore the Twin Cities with the guide for shopping and saving locally.

Check off the names from your shopping list and make the most of our December Holiday Special! Save $5 on each copy of Blue Sky Guide (regularly $20) at select retailers listed below or receive free shipping at our online store ($5 value).

While getting copies for friends and family, remember to grab an extra for yourself! Blue Sky Guide offers great gift ideas and the opportunity to stretch your dollar.

Click on the store names below for locations and hours: More...

The holidays can be a tricky time to please everyone gathered at your table. Tofurky, started in 1995 in Hood River by the Turtle Island Foods Company, came into existence to meet the need for holiday foods for vegan and vegetarian guests. Check out this history of Tofurky, Where's the Beef?, in Good Magazine online. Tofurky is made with organic, non-GMO soy beans and is available at most of our grocery merchants with coupons.

Turtle Island and the Humane Society run a program called Tofurky Tuesday to encourage American families to eat less meat starting one day a week. Meat production has a significant environmental impact. According to the Tofurky site, "If you reduce your meat consumption by only 20% (only 6 meatless days a month!) the energy saved will be equivalent to that saved when you switch from driving a sedan car to a hybrid vehicle." The Tofurky Tuesday package includes vegetarian magazines and coupons for meatless products. Sign up here. More...