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 Having
trouble picking the perfect present for someone special? Choosing
a gift -- one way of showing that you care about someone else --
is also an opportunity to care about our planet. Here are some green
gift ideas that will suit both the recipient and the environment.
For the gadget freak:
Anyone who loves gadgets has to deal with batteries. Gadget geeks
who don't have a battery recharger in their collection are wasting
a lot of money (and creating a lot of waste). Why not give them
a charger with a selection of rechargeable NiCd batteries that can
be used over and over? Or, go one better and give them a gadget
that doesn't eat batteries at all, such as a solar-powered radio
or battery-free flashlight.
For people who need to get out a little more:
John Muir observed that getting people to experience the environment
was the best way to get them to care about the environment. If you
know someone who needs just a little encouragement to spend more
time off the couch, try these ideas: Anything
bicycle-related, such as a new bike helmet or a certificate
for a really comprehensive bicycle tune-up at the local shop, can
encourage them to saddle up. Or, you might consider giving them
a voucher for a guided hike or wilderness trip. Other inducements
to leave the couch include a set of binoculars, a
GPS unit, a book of local hikes or bike rides or a set of trekking
poles.
For the artistically inclined:
Recycled notepaper is an obvious choice, but how about going a step
further and getting an entire blank book or journal (recycled of
course) and combining it with one nice (or vintage) fountain pen?
Fountain pens are one of the great overlooked renewable communications
technologies. A blank book can also serve as a sketching journal
for those who'd rather draw than write.
For kids:
Kids usually have their own ideas about what makes a good gift,
but you don't have to limit yourself to the latest toy industry
fads. For younger kids, especially, sturdy wooden toys that will
become heirlooms in years to come are a good investment. Lots of
children's books and videos also have
environmental themes. Older kids can be encouraged to think about
environmental issues if they receive gifts such as membership in
a museum, zoo or conservancy or a subscription to a young person's
science or nature magazine. Or you can help them sponsor an endangered
animal through adoption, either in the wild or at a zoo. Paper-making
kits that use junk mail are both fun and a practical lesson in the
value of paper recycling. And teenagers into funky jewelry may appreciate
some of the creations of artists who recycle materials such as old
bicycle parts into fashion accessories.
For the gourmand:
If you know someone with a real appreciation for good food, you
can make them happy all year long with a membership in an organic
cooperative that keeps them supplied with fresh fruits and vegetables.
If that's more food than you're ready to spring for, how about some
organic chocolate or coffee? Or a reusable lunch kit that will help
them save on money and packaging by bringing home-cooked meals to
work?
For someone on a fixed income:
For people who need to stretch a dollar, a thoughtful gift might
be a water-saving showerhead, a set of compact fluorescent light
bulbs or an insulated cover for a hot-water heater. These are gifts
that will be appreciated year-around as they lower utility costs.
For someone who has everything:
The person who has everything (or at least doesn't need more stuff)
might appreciate a less tangible gift. For instance, you could contribute
in their name to the purchase and preservation of an acre of land,
have a tree planted in their honor or give them a gift
membership in an environmental organization, such as the Sierra Club.
Whatever you decide to give someone, don't forget that the packaging
can be as important as the contents. Look for wrapping paper that
is recycled or recyclable. Decorative twine can be as festive as
prepackaged ribbons, and homemade wrapping decorations are always
a good way to show that you were willing to take the time to make
a present really special.
The Planet: The Sierra Club's activist
newsletter serves up some creative gift suggestions in these articles:
Photo courtesy www.freefoto.com
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