GladRags’ Green Goal: Give Green!
W
hen birthdays and holidays roll around, it’s all too easy to splurge on all kinds of expensive, brand-new goodies for our friends and family. Somehow, in all the excitement we can forget to shop consciously.
And the silly thing is, we do all this because we want our friends and family members to know how much we love them! But there are plenty of other ways to show we care that are better for the earth — and our budgets.
Your Green Goal this week? Give consciously, not extravagantly, with these easy tips:
- Try making something meaningful! If you don’t consider yourself an artist or crafter, don’t despair. Framed photographs and mix CDs can make great personalized presents. When I was little, my mom would leave me poems on holidays — I remember them far better than any gift I ever received!
- Give activities! Does your friend really need more stuff? Most people I know feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of “stuff” in their lives. Instead of the latest gadget, why not give tickets to a concert, make a delicious dinner, or head out for a hike together? Memories last far longer and take up way less space than “stuff” will!
- Think about it! Before you buy, ask: is this something my friend will enjoy for a long time? If you can see it getting broken or given away in the near future, choose something else!
- Shop vintage! Some people equate thrift stores with junk, but there are so many inexpensive treasures to be found — and part of the fun is the search. Plus, you won’t be contributing to increased production and shipment of new products.
- Skip the wrapping paper! With reusable options like cloth gift bags, why choose to add more waste to the world with single-use wrapping paper? And to help you with your Green Goal this week, we’re sharing a coupon for 20% off our reusable Gift Bags in Floral and Pizzaz — so there’s no excuse for wrapping with paper! Just enter coupon code MAMAMIA (valid through 5/9) when at checkout to get your discount!
What’s your favorite green gift idea? Let us know in the comments!
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April 29th, 2010 at 6:54 am
All that is so true. My most memorable Mother’s Day wasn’t a gift at all- simply an amazing letter from my sweet Emma. It still hangs in the kitchen and gives me a lift every time I read it.
April 29th, 2010 at 9:31 am
Another awesome green gift is a donation in their name to a charity that they would appreciate and support. If you give a micro-loan on a site like Kiva.org they will probably even get the money back!