Thinking Green In Rye

Dan Askin of Rye says growing up he had grand visions of doing something big.

Now, after getting degrees in neuroscience, history and computer science, he's trying to make a big change in the world by taking some small steps.

Askin is the creator and owner of an eco-friendly car service called Rye Green Limo. It's an affiliate of Green World Transport—Westchester's first environmentally friendly taxi-limo service. The company has three Nissan Ultima hybrid cars, which Askin said get 35-36 miles per gallon. That's about double the mileage of a Lincoln Town Car, which, according to Fueleconomy.gov, gets only 19 miles per gallon.

Green World Transport also has a 13-passenger van that runs on biodiesel—a cleaner-burning diesel fuel made from natural, renewable sources like vegetable oil.

"I feel like I'm having an immediate impact," Askin said about how his service helps the environment.

Askin isn't the only Rye resident helping people go green.

Renee Drummond recently opened up a consignment store in downtown Rye on Purchase Street. So instead of people throwing out their lightly-used clothes, purses and jewelry, they can bring them to Drummond's store—Rhythm in Rye Too—and other people can buy them, contributing to a sort of recycling process.

Drummond said her store is doing well because people are ready to save money.

"People are really ready for a change," she said.

Her store is more than a place to find great bargains on designer suits, dresses and shoes, Drummond said. In the spirit of the green lifestyle's emphasis on community, Drummond wants her store to be a place for other local businesses to flourish. For example, she's offered for her friend who sells homes to put a video display of house ads in the store.

She's also planning to hold morning stretch classes at the store. She said she wants Rhythm in Rye Too to be a place for the community.

"We're all one, together," she said.

The Business Council of Westchester is trying to encourage more local businesses to do what Drummond and Askin have done. The group has created a Web site—www.westchestergov.com/climatechange—to help businesses learn how to go green and reduce their carbon footprint.

Paul Vitale, vice-president of government and community relations for the Business Council, said it's smart for businesses to go green because it will help them reduce costs in the long-term. It also provides businesses with tangible results in improving the community around them.

"We look at the triple bottom line—contributing to the environment and social good," Vitale said.

The federal government is also working to encourage businesses to go green.

The economic stimulus package approved by President Barack Obama last February provides millions of dollars to businesses to fund green job training. The goal is to teach workers the skills required for industries like renewable energy.

If you would like to book a ride through Rye Green Limo visit their Web site here.

Rhythm in Rye Too is located at 85 Purchase St. in downtown Rye. The store is open from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m.-5 p.m. Donations are accepted as well as items to consign.