The Joy of Greener Gift Giving

2GTAllYouCanEat, Green Gab Podcast - Green Homes, Green Living and Green Companies

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 35:59 — 49.4MB) | Embed

Click Here to Play This Episode of The Green Gab Podcast Now!Today, we are gabbing with Kathy Curran, who works with us, and we are talking about the joy of greener gift giving during this season of giving.

Kathy was inspired by her adult daughter, who is focused on being green at home since starting her own family. At the holidays last year, her daughter asked for “no stuff,” but you have to open presents at the holidays, right? So Kathy started considering how to change the way they do the holidays and created an opportunity for greener gift giving.

Greener Gift Giving = Rethinking

When considering how to reduce your impact when it comes to gifts, it really comes down to shifting your thinking. Many people are past the idea that stuff matters; instead, they want experiences. Some ideas of experiences include:

  • Annual membership to the national parks or area museums.
  • Season tickets to the local theatre.
  • Gift certificate to AirBnB.

Keep Local

If stuff is important to the people on your list, you can keep it local. When you shop locally, more money is kept local. On average, 48% of what you spend locally stays within the community, as compared to 14% of purchases as chain stores.

Local consignment and secondhand stores tick off two boxes: keeping money local and recycling goods.

Look to the Internet

In a pinch for greener gift giving? Try an ebook or audio book. There’s no need for anything to be shipped, and you’re still providing a type of experience. And if you’re not sure what the gift receiver would prefer, a gift card allows them to choose the perfect book.

Make Greener Gift Giving at Home

Everyone appreciates handmade gifts. Whether it’s your favorite cookie recipe or a hand-knitted sweater, something that is made with love is warmly received. Not personally talented? Gather favorite family recipes or record an older family member’s stories for the next generation. You’ll combine greener gift giving with legacy, and that’s always a perfect fit.

Resources

White LED Lights

Colored LED Lights

Gifts for Friends

Unique Journal with Laser-cut cover

Food Wraps – for lunches and food storage

Tablecloth – made entirely of recycled bottles

The Green Gab Podcast Links Bar:
Click Here to Subscribe to This Podcast via iTunes!  Subscribe via iTunes | Click Here to Subscribe to This Podcast via RSS Feed  Subscribe via RSS Feed | Interact with this Podcast on Facebook!  Facebook Page | Interact with this Podcast on Twitter!  Twitter Page | Subscribe to this Podcast on Stitcher! Stitcher Page

Connect with The Green Gab Podcast Hosts:

— Marla Esser Cloos on – The Web – Twitter – Facebook – LinkedIn

— Tony Pratte on – The Web – Facebook – LinkedIn

 Green Gab:

About the Host of The Green Gab Podcast:

Green Gab Podcast Host Marla Esser CloosGreen Gab Podcast Host Marla Esser Cloos is the Founder of The Green Home Coach – a company leading the way to inspire you to learn about, focus on and put into place Green Solutions when it comes to your life, home building and more.

Marla is an NAHB Master Certified Green Professional, LEED AP and Missouri Woman Business Enterprise. She Earned her B.S. in Engineering and Public Policy and a Certificate in Energy from Washington University.

Click here to learn more about Marla at her website online via TheGreenHomeCoach.Com

Connect with Marla Esser Cloos on – The Web – Twitter – Facebook – LinkedIn