Yes, it is that time of year again… All of us are hoping you had a very happy Thanksgiving. For some, this also means a kick-off to the holiday shopping season. Well, here are some gift ideas that will help minimize your impact on the environment and maximize your impact on our local economy.
Lew Coulter |
I like to give locally grown dried cherries. They are reasonably priced and a great stocking stuffer. You can eat them alone or as a snack or combine them things like cookies, granola, oatmeal, or salads. These tasty local products are available locally at places like Peninsula Fruit Exchange, Tom’s, Oleson’s and Meijer. |
Robin Christensen |
I like to encourage people to save money and resources by giving them a metal water bottle. The bottles come in an assortment of colors and designs. If the recipient drinks bottled water because they don’t like the taste of tap water, include a faucet water filter with their gift. They can have bottled water taste without the leached chemicals from plastic bottles or the energy waste from transporting it. Find some of these water bottles locally at Backcountry Outfitters |
Ben Purdy |
This year I am going to give a programmable thermostat. These simple devices can help you reduce your heating bill and your carbon footprint. Even though there are no programmable thermostats produced locally, you can purchase one through a socially conscious source like Goodshop.com. They will donate a portion of the purchase to a local charity of your choice (hopefully the GTCD). |
Jon Prins |
My green gift idea is made by a local company that sees value in items viewed as trash. A wood pallet that has carried its last shipment is given new life through Mission Workshop. The company hand crafts a variety of beautiful outdoor furniture. Re-purposing these materials keeps them out of the landfill and fully utilizes the energy originally spent to produce them. Learn more at missionworkshop.org Mention you heard about the company from the GTCD and receive a 20% discount! |
Cindy Retherford |
This year I purchased some Christmas presents made by a local artist, Jeanne Hinds. She makes wind chimes and jewelry using recycled glass and pottery found along the shores of West Grand Traverse Bay. They are truly beautiful and contain a variety of different colored beach glass: blue, green, brown and white. The jewelry was made from unique pieces of tan pottery, with crackled glass finish. These gifts support a local artist, have a historical aspect, and are green because they are made from recycled items. Plus they are unique and beautiful to boot! Visit her shop on Etsy.com by clicking here. Mention you heard about Jeanne’s products from the GTCD and the she will give you a 5% discount! |
Kath Zatorski |
My choice for a green gift this year is a gift certificate from Salon Verve. It is a place of “good energy,” and delightful folks that really care about their guests, community and our environment! They support other “green” organizations in our own community (like Bay Area Recycling). Gift ideas can be found on their website, thenewlookoforganic.com. Click the link that says “That’s a Wrap.” Who wouldn’t want a relaxing spa treatment after the stress of the holidays?!? |
Colleen Masterson-Bzdok |
Choose something that can create memories without creating clutter. Rather than giving yet another gift this year, consider giving an experience. My favorite is to offer a full day to pamper a friend with whatever activities they choose. Have friends with kids? Offer them a free night of babysitting! Someone that would appreciate an adventure? Take them winter camping, snowshoeing, skating, skiing or snowboarding. Looking for something new? How about a certificate for a class or workshop that is new for both of you? By giving an experience, you will both have a great time and create shared memories that will last a lifetime! |
Rebecca Teahen |
For those of you with little ones on the way in your family, check out the great selection of earth and baby friendly goods at Green Island downtown. This year, (shhhhh-don't tell!) I got a little cozy red & white organic flannel sleeper for a friend’s baby due right around Christmas! Even if no babies are on the way in your household, Green Island has a variety of eco-goods for your home. Happy shopping! Visit their website for directions and more info, gogreenisland.com |
Steve Largent |
I like to give things that can be found locally. The next time that you are on a hike, pick up that sturdy looking branch. Take it home and create a walking stick out of it. Wrap some leather around the end and make a carving into the side of it. Get creative! |
Dan Busby |
I work with a lot of local farmers who produce some great wine. Bring a bottle to your next holiday party or package it in a gift basket with some other locally made products. Here are some links to some great local wine producers who have achieved Michigan Agricultural Environmental Assurance Program verification: |
YOU Christmas Shop and They GIVE
If you need to search online for gift ideas, use GoodSearch. It works the same way as the yahoo search engine, but gives about a penny to the GTCD every time you search! If you can’t find your gift locally and need to order it online, use GoodShop. For every purchase that you make, GoodShop will donate a percentage to the GTCD. There are hundreds of online retailers participating, and a bunch of money saving coupons.
A Delicious way to Donate
Don't forget, if you're looking for things to do, you can stop by Firefly (downtown TC) to enjoy tasty dessert. Firefly gives $1 to GTCD for each dessert sold…Yum!
Boardman River Nature Center Holiday Hours
- Closed: December 24-26 and December 31-January 2 for the holidays.
- Open: Tuesday, Dec 29 and Wednesday, Dec 30. There will be many Christmas and winter related activities at the Boardman River Nature Center around the holidays for kids off from school. So bring your family into the Boardman River Nature Center or get out and enjoy the trails of the Natural Education Reserve!
CLICK HERE to check out the story that 9&10 News did with us on "Greening" up your holidays!
Tags: christmas, green gifts, holidays, staff favorites