Earth Share
Earth Saving Tips from Earth Share
    Winter 2007-2008
 
Buy Less with More Heart


Did you know? The amount of household garbage in the United States generally increases by 25 percent during the holiday months, from 4 million to 5 million tons per week. Buying over-packaged items is a big part of this increase. Keep your celebration green and still warm the hearts of your friends and families by following these handy gift-giving tips.

Give a gift card.This year, more than half of consumers want to receive a gift card as a holiday gift. You can ensure that your present is memorable (and isn’t used for everyday items) by giving a gift card for a life experience, such as going to a restaurant, theater, movie, sporting event, museums, or an art lesson.

 

Plan a family outing as your gift. If you want to be especially earth-savvy, scrap the card altogether and just plan the experience yourself. Research shows that your loved ones will remember it more than that CD you bought them last year. And tagging along will cut down on your own holiday blues because you’ll be spending more time with them and less time stressing out about what to buy.

Make something. Lots of people groan at the suggestion of a hand made present. But, there are many almost-home-made ways to make classy gifts that are good for the environment. Decorate a potted plant with pictures or paint, make a picture frame out of your favorite magazines. Try to re-create your favorite items using your own materials!

  

Look for local waste-free holiday incentives.

Many local businesses offer discounted rates for shoppers who want to help save the environment!

 

* "Buy Less with More Heart" inspired by article, Holiday Depression can be Beaten in The Daily Vanguard by Susan Captein, a therapist at Counseling and Psychological Services at Portland State University.
Green Celebrations
 

Earth-savvy is in! And there are a few easy ways to entertain in style and reduce your carbon footprint.

Use soy candles in your menorah or wreath this year. Soy candles are made from a renewable resource, and are completely biodegradable. They emit no carcinogens, and burn much cleaner than paraffin-based candles. And soy products support farmers!
 

Consider buying a live holiday tree with intact roots. 50 million Christmas trees are purchased in the U.S. Of those, 30-plus million get carted to the landfill every year. A live tree will survive inside for about a week with ample watering and somewhat cool air temperatures. When you're ready, transplant it outside to a spot you have already prepared, or donate it to a school or community center.
 

Replace your old string of decorative lights with LED lights. LED lights may initially cost more, but you’ll save money on electricity costs because LEDs reduce energy use by 90%. And you’ll never have to replace burnt-out light bulbs again!
Spice Up Your Season with a Mama Mia Red Hot Wreath


 

Spice up your decorations and holiday meals this season with this cheerful organic wreath, made from a blend of Mexican and Greek oregano and sizzling red peppers!

Earth Share will receive 10% of the purchase price when you use this link: www.organicbouquet.com/earthsharewreath

 
Earth Share Eco-gift Checklist 2007
 

If you prefer giving a wrapped present or are searching for unusual stocking stuffers, why not look for gifts that are earth-friendly and can also benefit the environmental community? Consider items like clothing made from organic cotton and alternative materials, energy-saving devices, and recycled, reusable or sustainably produced products. Here are a few of our favorites:

Bamboo clothing is softer than cotton, naturally anti-microbial, and is made from one of the most sustainable resources in the world! Bamboo clothing is becoming increasingly main-stream, so it isn’t hard to find fashionable clothing made out of bamboo. Search for bamboo items on the internet, or visit www.shirtsofbamboo.com
Earth Share Coffee would make a delicious stocking stuffer for the coffee lover in your life! Earth Share’s fair trade blend is organically grown, sustainably produced and sourced from independent farmer cooperatives. A portion from every sale goes back to Earth Share to help support more than 400 local, national, and international environmental and conservation organizations. To order:
http://www.earthshare.org/marketplace.html
Organic bath and shower products are ideal for pampering the sensitive-skinned friends and family in your life. For a line of body washes and soaps made with organic herbs, essential oils and pure minerals, try www.terressentials.com/. Their promise: all ingredients are USDA certified organic.

ChicoBags can help your loved ones adopt a planet-friendly reusable bag habit that will serve to reduce waste and pollution. ChicoBags are sleek and handy -- each folds into its own small attached pouch that you can slip into your pocket or purse so they’re accessible for any shopping trip. Plus, 10% of the sale price of each bag will benefit Earth Share when you make your purchase through this link: http://chicobag.com/earthShare.php.
A bike chain bracelet would make a cool, funky recycled gift for the young trendsetter or avid cyclist. It is made from real used chain that's been cleaned and is ready to wear! Perfect for both boys and girls. www.greenfeet.com

Water powered alarm clocks use no electricity or batteries! Fill up the fuel cell with water to enjoy four modes of water-powered usage: clock, alarm, countdown timer, and thermometer! www.thinkgeek.com
 

For more green gift ideas, visit Earth Share’s online marketplace:
www.earthshare.org/marketplace.html

Looking for more consumer-conscious tips?
Visit Earth Share member group,
The Center for the New American Dream
www.newdream.org

Earth Share, a nationwide network of America’s leading nonprofit environmental and conservation charities, promotes environmental education and charitable giving in employee workplace giving campaigns. Click here to find out why hosting an Earth Share campaign is a good idea for your workplace and the world.
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