With Thanksgiving soon approaching, gift-giving season is just around the corner. Many retailers say that “Black Friday”, the Friday after Thanksgiving, is their biggest shopping day of the year; while others see the largest sales increase the Saturday before Christmas. Regardless, we are soon to embark on one of the spendiest times of the year. Unfortunately, though, the ritual of our holiday gift giving brings along with it a great deal of harm to our environment. And for many of us, gift-giving season translates beyond our family and friends, as co-workers are also included on our shopping lists. Spreading a green message at the office is a good start to giving back to our planet this holiday season.
Begin by shopping online. It can be easier, less stressful, and more time-efficient to find green gift ideas on the Internet than to go from store to store. Online shopping also cuts down on the transportation energy used when making the shopping commute. Often times, the items purchased online are shipped directly from the factory to you so it cuts down on the overall freight footprint. Because holiday shopping, especially for co-workers, can seem like a daunting task, below are resources to guide you in looking for that perfect green gift to give at the office.
Green “Things”
•Green Office Supplies: Begin spreading the green message at work by giving your co-workers items that can be used in the office. You can locate notebooks, pencils, pens, paper, calendars, and so on at www.thegreenoffice.com.
•Stainless Steel Water Bottles and/or Coffee Mugs: Water and coffee are staples in the office, but can bring about a lot of waste. One of the most eco-friendly alternatives to plastic water bottles and paper or Styrofoam coffee cups is stainless steel. Look for a variety of options at http://www.mysigg.com/ or www.kleankanteen.com.
•Solar Chargers: Instead of using energy to charge cell phones, ipods, or other electronics, use the sun! Browse different solar chargers at www.solio.com/charger/.
Green Gift Baskets/Tote Bags
•Gift Baskets/Tote Bags are an excellent way to spread a lot of little green ideas. Whether you want chocolate, coffee, tea, or bath products, you can search a variety of pre-made baskets at www.thegreenoffice.com.
•If you still need inspiration or would like to create your own gift basket/bag, go to www.gogreengift.com for more ideas.
Giving Green without Giving “Stuff”
•Plant or adopt a tree in your co-worker’s name. Organizations like www.treesftf.com or www.treepeople.org will send you a certificate in the receiver’s name.
•Give a National Parks Annual Pass. Our protected areas need support and a year long pass to enjoy their beauty is a perfect way to start. You can buy a pass at www.nps.gov/fees_passes.htm.
•Adopt an animal of their choice, symbolically, through the World Wildlife Fund! Our planet’s endangered species list continues to grow, so every bit of support helps. Adoption cards are available at www.wwfgiftadoptioncard.com.
•Make your co-worker a member of an environmental organization of their choice. They will be a part of a good cause while also receiving information and membership benefits.
Extras
If you still do not feel inspired, there are many online resources to do your own green “window shopping.” Some ideas for general gift browsing include http://www.ecomall.com/, www.coopamerica.org/pubs/greengifts/index.cfm, or www.thedailygreen.com/living-green/green-gifts?click=main_sr.
By this point, hopefully you have found something green to share at the office. Remember to also encourage your co-workers to buy green gifts and to request them for yourself. The more people buying green this holiday season, the better for our environment!
