August 13th was the seventh annual Ferndale Green Cruise - an event which brings together those who love non-motorized transportation. The event is mainly bicycle-centered, with mass rides through the community and a large number of cyclists taking part in the feature attraction - The Green Parade. Other environmental causes were touted as well, and of course Western Market was there making a big show of our love for this planet.
We need clean air, nutrient rich soil, and pollutant-free water so that the farmers we work with can continue supplying fresh, healthy foods to our market.
To show our commitment to fresh produce, head cashier Whitney led our crew in a custom-designed lettuce dress, adorned with many other of nature's most nutritious gifts. The dress was made of purple leaf and green leaf lettuce with a kale ruffle trim. Her tierra was made of a kale headband topped with wheatgrass. The earrings were rings of red pepper and the necklace of okra and radish. She carried a bouquet of organic carrots.
Next we had a row of shopping carts pushed by members of the different departments in the store. The buggys had lush hanging basket ferns, and Michigan-grown sunflowers smiling out from the toddler seats. And then there was our row of recycling bins, with the banner across three of them and the guys walking in step to keep it looking smooth.
The parade went through Downtown,cut over into the neighborhood and ended up at the "Green Alley" in the Withington Parking Lot. Here envrionmentally-conscious groups and vendors shared information with riders and spectators. Western Market gave away samples of McClure's Pickles, as well as refreshing cuts of watermelon and juicy ripe oranges. We also gave away re-usable grocery bags. Steve and Rickey had a great time telling people about the market, and the entire day raised awareness of important enviromental concepts.
Western Market would like to remind people to make responsible choices. Shopping locally and eatting organically make a difference to your health, the economic health of your community, and the health of the planet. Thanks to the Sierra Club for putting on this great event each year. Learn more about them, and other environmental issues, at michigan.sierraclub.org.
