Top 10 green gifts for Dad

Top 10 green gifts for Dad

Fathers are notoriously hard to shop for, and what if your dad is an eco-friendly guy who prefers to live light on the planet instead of pile up more plastic clutter around the house?
Look for gifts that use recycled materials or gadgets that help the big guy further his favorite green activities. Here are some of our faves...

1. Black & Decker power monitor
For the father who loves to tinker around the house, this little device is the perfect companion. One part attaches to the home electric meter, and the handheld monitor wirelessly gives real-time data about home energy consumption. If your dad's the type who always reminded you to turn off the light, he'll appreciate knowing exactly where power is being used and what he can save thanks to this gadget.

2. Bamboo cutting board
Is Dad a kitchen whiz? He'll appreciate a brand new, bamboo cutting board (or even better, a whole set!). This sustainable wood is 16% harder than solid maple, but cooks swear that it's gentler on high quality knives. Bamboo is far more renewable than plastic, and it's low maintenance -- just clean up with a quick rinse.

3. Furniture made from sports equipment
Want to spoil a sports nut? Get him a bench made from snowboards or a coat rack constructed of hockey sticks. How about an Adirondack-style chair made of water skis? These one-of-a-kind pieces are built from recycled hockey sticks, snow and water skis, wakeboards, and snowboards.

4. Ankle solar bike light
For the active dad, this solar-powered light is a great addition to his workout or commuting gear. Bike in the morning with the lightweight light (it doubles as a pant-leg clip), and if it's dark on the return trip, he'll have a fully-charged safety light. It's also great for jogging and walking the dog. No batteries needed.

5. Vintage transit token cuff links
Thank Dad for using public transit and remind him of a favorite city at the same time. These cuff links are made of vintage transit tokens from Chicago, Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco, and Washington D.C.

6. GreenSmart commuter laptop bag
This isn't an ordinary laptop bag. It's not just rugged and stylish; the material is made from 100% recycled plastic bottles. Your father is ready for business with a computer bag that protects his gear and the planet.

7. Stainless-steel lunch carrier set
Give "take-out lunch" a new meaning with this handy reusable lunch system. Perfect for fathers to take to the office or on the road, these lightweight yet durable sets can store hot or cold food. Add in a cloth bag and bamboo utensils and Dad can easily brown-bag it every day.

8. Rain watering wand
If your father loves to garden, he'll want to treat his plants right with an accurate watering wand. With adjustable settings and a telescoping reach, the wand waters exactly where it's needed and doesn't waste water.

9. Bottle lamp DIY kit
Did pops sing "100 Bottles of Beer on the Wall" during long car trips? Recycle those memories and six empty glass bottles to create this unusual lamp. The kit contains a frame and base to hold both a light bulb (CFL, of course) and the bottles. Dad's choice of beverage is not included.

10. Handmade necktie
Put a twist on the traditional Father's Day gift by searching for ties made by one of the many artisans on Etsy.com. Search for Dad's favorite color or search according to his hobbies. Maybe he'd find a Ms. Pac-Man tie funny. Sailing buffs might like this navigation print. And there's always a classy red silk tie.

Park Auto Group adds Subaru franchise

Park Auto Group has added another Japanese brand — Subaru — to go along with the new Mazdas, Hondas and Acuras it sells at its campus off South Arlington Road at Interstate Parkway.
The Green-based business recently completed buying the Subaru franchise from what is now the former K.O. Subaru in Springfield Township, Park Auto executives said.
Bruce Kaufman, the owner of K.O., just across the Akron city line on Canton Road, said he was told by Subaru that he needed to sell the franchise. He acquired the Subaru franchise in 1973, making him the second Subaru dealer in Ohio.
Family-owned K.O. will remain in business as K.O. Motors, selling used cars and trucks and new motor scooters while also continuing to service vehicles, including Subarus, Kaufman said.
Park Auto Group and Kaufman did not disclose terms of the deal.
The move also means Park Auto Group is hiring — no mean feat in today's recession. The company says it needs three to five more sales people and service technicians.
''We were looking to expand. Our company is very big on growth,'' said Jim Corra, corporate trainer and head of human resources. Park Auto Group has close to 200 people on its payroll, including 10 to 15 part-timers, he said.
Jason Bass, Park Auto Group's new car and finance director, said talks had been going on for about a year with K.O. Subaru about buying the franchise.
''We always keep an eye open for a good opportunity,'' Bass said.
Subaru is a good brand to mix with Park's other new vehicles, he said. Subarus will be sold in what is currently Park Auto Group's Mazda dealership building, he said.
''Business has been very tough lately. But it's been better for us than the majority,'' Bass said. ''In tough times there are also opportunities.''
K.O. Motors owner Kaufman said Park Auto Group treated him well in the Subaru negotiations.
''I think they're very fair,'' the 81-year-old said.
But he said Subaru forced him to sell the franchise in large part because the automaker didn't like his Canton Road location and wanted a lot more monthly sales.
K.O. Subaru was selling between eight and 10 new Subarus a month and the automaker wants dealers that can sell 100 vehicles a month, he said.
Subaru initially wanted him to move to a new site off Arlington Road, but Kaufman said that would have cost him as much as $5 million, including buying land at $100,000 an acre and having to put up a new building. He said Subaru vetoed his counterproposal that he remodel his existing location.
''They wanted to be out there with all the new car dealers,'' Kaufman said. ''They want you there with the big shots. ... I just said the heck with it. I'm not going to do it.''
Instead, Kaufman said he and his sons will focus on selling used vehicles and motor scooters.
The dealership previously had new Chrysler, Jeep and Saab franchises in addition to Subaru.
Kaufman said while he has had to let some employees go after selling the Subaru franchise, the business still has long-time Subaru- and Chrysler-certified technicians on staff.
''We are still going to do service work on Subarus. We just can't do warranty [work],'' he said. K.O. Motors can service all makes as well, he said.
Park Auto Group will do all right with Subaru and their customers, Kaufman said. ''They treated me good.''

Meet Park Associate Jeremy Lance

What is your full name?

Jeremy Lee Lance

What do you do at Park Auto Group?

I am the One of the Reconditioning Managers of all three stores right now SOON to be 4 stores with Park Subaru starting up here soon. What my job consist of is taking care of all Pre Owned cars that are traded in at any of the three stores, and cars we may purchases from other sources. Making sure they are in tip top shape to show customers and take care of anything that i may be asked to do, have dents removed and alot of other things that go along with that type of stuff.

Where do you live?

Well this is a good question, i live in a card board box behind the Mazda building. OK well not really i live out in the middle of no where, nothing much farm country around me. I get to smell the fresh country air as some might say, but its really nothing great to smell. Its great being able to do whatever you want thou.

What is your favorite food?

Well since i am a fat kid, i like pretty much anything such as Italian food, a good old burger and fries. But things a will not eat are any kinda Japanese food, sushi, Chinese food. Eww I'll pass on all that.

What is your favorite soft drink?

Well my favorite Cola Drink would be good old Dr.Pepper its just delicious!!!

What type of music do you listen to?

MUSIC i like a lot. i listen anything from Country, Rap, Hip-Hop, Alternative,Old school rock, New school rock. I like listen to a lot of different things. Music Rocks .

What are some of your nicknames people call you?

Hmm so names people call me some are not to nice. Well a lot of people call me Lance which is my last name, people i hang out alot with call me Jerome no idea where that came from but its funny. My aunt and grandma like to call me Sweetie Bumpkins. lol don't ask.

Do you have any children? Any pets?

Ill pass on the children for a while a little to young for that, but i do have one puppy dog his name is Toby he is a Yorkie Poo. He is 14 pounds of pure beast, he can bite ankles with the best of them so don't mess with my little guy.

What’s your favorite TV show? Why?

Umm i don't watch to much tv shows, things i do watch thou are ESPN, car shows, sporting events. i watch most things because they interest me and thats what i like to watch.

What is your favorite movie?

OH WOW my favorite movie. I have tons a movies i like to watch. All the fast and furious movies, back to the future all 3, underworld movies, never back down, summer catch, death race, step up 1&2, stomp the yard transfomers 1& soon to be 2. Pretty much ill watch all kinda of movies and i have seen a ton of them.

Your thoughts on our president........?

Well i think that the president came into a rough time, with are economy failing and people being laid off and losing there jobs left and right. To me he brings a sense of urgency to the problems we have and that he wants to fix things as quick as possible. Which is no small task if you follow the news or just read whats going on with are country and the surrounding ones. Overall i think he is doing a good job so far, but ask me again in 4 years when you can really tell how he did.

What is your favorite crayon color?

Oh for sure its blue

What are your hobbies?

Hobbies for me are hanging out with friends just joking around. Also i play couple different sports i play Basketball, softball,golf,bowling, corn hole and a bunch more. Im not sure if beer pong is a sport but its fun.

Who texted you last?

That would be Butch, while he is in florida.

What kind of car do you drive? Why?

I drive a 2000 Honda Civic Si and why i have this car is i have always wanted an Si so i just got one. and i like how it sounds like a weed eater as my buddy would tell me. i have always liked the fast and furious stuff to thats what started it.

If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where?

Well i would like to go to Australia i just think it would be sweet to go across the world to a beautiful place and just have no worries and relax. Another place i would like to go is Germany to look at all the World War II battle sites and stuff they have built to remember it. Also i would like to get a fast car and drive on the Autoban.Fun stuff guys and girls

If you wrote an autobiography about your life, what would the title be?

The Day in the Life of J.Lance.

What is a date on your calendar you are looking forward to? Why?

Whatever date they schedule me to get my braces off. well cause i already had my jaw surgery and well i hate them since this is the second time i have had them on. They SUCK!!!!

What is your favorite quote or saying?

He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.Muhammad Ali

What's the best thing about working for Park Auto Group?

I think the best thing about work at Park is the people you get to work with and meet. You could meet friends you may know the rest of your life and may do anything to help you out of a hard time, and you can do the same for them. Another one for me is the car i absolutely love cars looking at them driving them. I just like cars in general what guy doesn't though.

Subaru

We just aquired a Subaru franchise today. Vehicles will be available early June. We are super excited !!!