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Friday, December 2, 2011

Eco- Friendly Gift Ideas

With the holiday's approaching, people all over the world are spending hundreds of dollars to find that perfect gift. Just the other day I was circling around the store trying to find that something. But, did you know that nearly half of U.S greenhouse gas emissions come from making and distributing goods and foods? Have you ever thought about what the recipient of these gifts will do with it when they are done with it?

In my search of finding a eco-friendly gift for my family, I turned to my morning news (AM Northwest) and saw a very interesting interview.

Metro Recycling expert Betty Shelly appeared on AM Northwest on Wednesday to 4 of her ideas of ways you can give wonderful gifts while " celebrating the season and curb waste at the same time. I thought I would share with you these awesome tips on ways to go green in the gift department.

1.) Homemade surprise
  Baked goods
  Unique crafts by knitting, Sewing, woodworking, or candle-making
  Shop LOCAL- find homemade creations at markets, or find local artists work

2.) Gift of talent, time, tickets or memberships
  personal gift certificate ( chores, babysitting, pampering etc.)
  Share talent ( piano lessons, swimming, etc.)
  Give tickets to a local performance
  membership to local zoo or museum

3.) Share special experience/ helpful resource
  Plan a vacation or day trip
  Schedule a nature outing
  build a gift basket
  Share copies of local bike or hike trail

4.) Decorate and Wrap with less waste
  use natural materials ( twigs, moss, dried flowers)
  use newspaper, paper bags, old boxes, old maps for wrapping
  look for recycled cards and wrapping if chose to buy
  AVOID nonrecyled wrapping ( foil or plastic coated paper) 

According to American Research Group Inc, American shoppers expect to send an average $646 on holiday shopping this year. Hopefully these people can use the tips above to spend this money in ways that will help reduce the gas emissions from making and distributing goods and foods. 

Jaimie Butterfield 

Information from- 
http://americanresearchgroup.com/holiday/

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