Wake up call
Interest in the environment doesn’t stop with organic mattresses for The Sleep Shop in Reno. The independent store on 140 Vesta St. has been hosting a number of free eco-friendly events open to the community, including plant exchanges, gong therapy and recycling with rag rugs. Saturday, May 15, marks the next one with an ethanol presentation by J. Michael Lipke regarding how to make your own fuel.
The Plant Exchange events began May 1, and others are to follow on June 5, July 10, Aug. 7 and Sept. 11 from noon to 3 p.m. The focus is on edible plants but “if people have extra shrubs or trees, we’ll find a home for them,” says owner Karen Woods (pictured). “Bring your seedlings or plants and exchange for what someone else has.” You can also post plants to swap at theplantexchange.blogspot.com, where Woods is documenting the transformation of her home lawn into an edible urban garden in downtown Sparks.
Woods says that while the events haven’t resulted in many sales for her shop, “it’s just made a difference in our attitude. It feels like we’re more a part of the community.”
For upcoming events and information, visit organicsleepshop.com.