All I Want for Christmas is to Give a "Green" GiftYou don’t have to be a Scrooge when it comes to giving sustainably this holiday season. There are a number of innovative gifts for the environmentally-minded shopper to consider. So put away those lumps of coal (they’re fossil fuels anyway) and consider these simple tips.
Think before you buy.When staring at a potential gift on a store shelf, ask yourself if the recipient will really use it. Then consider how far the item had to travel to get there, what kind of impact it will have while the recipient uses it and, finally, whether the user is likely to donate or recycle it when they’re done with the gift.The items you purchase are just one piece of the puzzle. How you shop is the other. Plan ahead, walk to the stores if you can or carpool and when shopping online don't choose the shipping option that results in your items being flown overnight. Support sustainable shops.There are numerous stores right here in Alberta that are geared to help you give sustainably. Local farmer’s markets are always a good choice as are the Earth’s General Store in Edmonton, Green Calgary Eco Store and Riva's - The Eco Store in Calgary.Give green gadgets.Gadgets are always popular at Christmas time, but not many fall into the “enviro” category. Still, Deborah at the Earth’s General Store in Edmonton says she has customers buying faucet aerators and energy-efficient showerheads as gifts to help nudge their friends along the path to environmental enlightenment.Closer to the true gadget concept, Clean Calgary’s Eco Store carries solar-powered backpacks capable of charging cell phones and mp3 players. And there is nothing like the ENERGY STAR® label to help you purchase appliances or electronics that don’t waste energy. |
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