So, how does that make Black Friday Green?  Two ways.  First, green is the color of money.  Money spent at locally owned businesses creates 3 times the return in the local economy than dollars spent at chains.  Second, independent, community-serving businesses are people-sized. They consume less land, carry more locally-made products, locate closer to residents and create less traffic and air pollution.  What’s greener than that?

“But, it’s hard to find the gifts I want to buy at local businesses,” you say in, let’s be honest, a whiny tone.  Not any more, we are launching a local directory just in time for Christmas shopping on Nov 23rd – 4 days before Black, I mean, Green Friday at CapitalRegion.com.

“But, how can I help?” you ask, now in a much better tone.  Go to www.capitalregion.com.  If you are a retailer, send us your info to make sure we include in our directory.  If you are a consumer, just sign up to receive alerts and other updates.  Follow us on Twitter.  Find us on Facebook.  Come on people now….