Patch Picks: Easy Ways to Be Green

1. Farmers' markets not only provide fresh, quality produce and products, but also benefit the enivornment through reduced packaging, smaller carbon footprints thanks to less fossil-fuel use by local providers, and the encouragment of organic and pesticide-free farming practices. LCF's farmers market is held every Saturday, rain or shine, across from on Foothill Boulevard from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Check out the market's Facebook page for more information.

2. Why not grow your own veggies or replace your lawn with native plants? Free gardening workshops sponsored by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works can get you started and show you the best way to create a sustainable garden. The 1.5-hour Smart Gardening workshop teaches composting, grass recycling, and water smart gardening techniques for both beginners and advanced green thumbs. Stop by the DPW’s website for more information. A beginner's class will be held November 5 in La Crescenta.

3. The provides safe disposal of prescription drugs to keep them from harming the environment.  Flushed drugs can contaminate our water systems. Just drop your expired or unused medications in the white mailboxes located outside of the station's front door at 4554 Briggs Avenue, La Crescenta.

4. Conserving water saves our environments and our wallets. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Works offers residents a free home water use evaluation. Stop by the department’s website for more information, including how to enjoy water-saving rebates.

5. Even though we all have those reusable totes, forgetting to bring them along when we go shopping is pretty common. Recycle your plastic grocery bags and dry-cleaning bags at and . Both stores have recycling bins located near the front doors.