No Signal

I spent the past weekend in Black Mountain, North Carolina for a spring retreat with InterVarsity. The scenery was absolutely gorgeous. I was actually excited to discover that I had weak cell phone service where we were lodging, a Montreat cabin, and I could spend the weekend free from my Blackberry. Friday night most students slept in the lodge, while one group decided to sleep in a tent, A small group of students and myself decided to sleep on the front porch in our sleeping bags instead. I hadn't realized how beautifully peaceful hearing the creek trickle by and the sounds of the wilderness would be. There truly is something to be said for that crisp, mountain air. As I lay falling into slumber, I realized how little I take time in life to appreciate the natural beauty that is a part of the United States. The landscape's artistry is something that should more often be appreciated. I began to wonder how different the mindset of American citizens would be if we only took the time to appreciate what is around us. People just might start realizing the dire need to take care of the resources we are blessed with. Just taking a moment to stop and behold could greatly motivate people to preserve what is left of nature.

The next morning, we went into the quaint town of Black Mountain and explored the unique shops. Among them were several antique stores. One of them held a sign that read, "Go Green, Buy Antiques". I immediately thought of our goal of reusing resources. A great deal of energy could be saved by simply using the unique antiques available to decorate one's home. Once more, history is becoming a part of your surroundings. In my opinion, this is an intriguing notion, and moreover, a very easy way to recycle.

As the semester is ending, many students are allocating housing for next year; many of which are houses and apartments that need to be furnished. Simply purchasing furniture from graduating seniors who are eager to be free of their furnishings makes a large environmental impact. There are many other used furniture stores in Burlington as well. The prices are often more reasonable, and the products of just as high quality as a retail furniture store. One simple way of saving resources and energy would be to encourage students at Elon to purchase their new furniture and decor from thrift or used furniture stores.

These second hand furniture stores are located minutes from Elon University's campus:

Bella's House

236 East Front Street

Burlington, NC 27215

(336) 229-3699

bellashouse.com‎

Granddaddy's Antiques-Collectibles

2316 Maple Avenue Burlington, NC 27215-7114 (336) 570-1997 J&S Thrift Store 2288 North Church Street Burlington, NC 27217-3111 (336) 226-0016

Gingham Daisy‎102 East Front Street Burlington, NC 27215-5878(336) 226-0400‎

Kacey Stark