I was recently reading an article in Green American – www.greenamericatoday.org about re-claiming the streets of your community. One of the main points was the benefits of buying from local businesses. They quoted that when $100 is spent in a big store/corporation of that $19 stays in the local community. Versus $100 that is spent in local small businesses of that $47 stays within the community.
Shopping at local small businesses also creates stronger community ties and connections. Where you are not just a face. Generally small business owners get to know their clients personally and chit chat when you come in. When you buy local, such as at a farmers market or a group share you are not only supporting the local economy but also making the least environmental impact with your shopping choices. A group share is when you commit in advance to a weekly delivery of local fresh veggies from a local farm, much of it is dependent on how fruitful the growing season is but is a tremendous support to local farmers.
With the holidays around the corners this got me thinking about green gift ideas for the holidays. Some are “green positive” where if used by the recipent can contribute to a greener, lower impact lifestyle. For example, buying someone a low flow shower head as a gift. If they use it. then they will be reducing their water consumption. and ultimately their environmental impact.
There are also gifts that are “green neutral” that don’t have a positive impact on the environment, but don’t have a negative impact. Generally these are items that are service based, not material goods, such as a gym membership, spa gift card, massage gift card etc. Also if you choose to buy a material item, if you can buy it used locally (such as a book at a local used book store) that is also “green neutral.”
Then there are gifts that are “green negative” these are the most common gifts that we buy for our loved ones over the holidays. These are gifts generally require the most energy to produce and transport; they are generally shipped from foreign manufacturing plants to arrive in Denver, They have an excessive amount of packaging (mainly to help market the product better), and use all new materials to create.
Until recently, many of my gift choices were “green negative” and I never really put too much thought into. I was raised tearing open new gifts at the holidays and on my birthday. It is part of the American way to buy new and consume material goods in excess especially during the holidays. This season I am trying to think a little differently. Here are some green gift ideas please feel free to share any of your ideas, as I would love to hear them. Happy Holiday Shopping!
- Stainless steel water bottle
- Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs)
- Reusable fashionable bags, there are some great ones on Amazon.com
- Plants and flowers
- Membership in a CSA (community support agriculture)
- Donation to a charitable organization on the receiver’s behalf
- Movie tickets, a music class, or concert tickets
- Gift card for a massage, spa, or facial
- Gift card for a car detailing, oil change
- Yoga classes
Happy Holidays!
Sharon