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10 Gifts to Help the Planet
1) Gifts to help loved ones stay warm: Rather than turning up the thermostat to heat a whole home, warm up your loved ones with cozy slippers, throws, sweaters and base layers of clothing.
2) Gifts made of recycled materials: It’s getting easier each year to find clothing made of reused plastic bottles, old sweaters and other recycled materials. Buying from second-hand stores can yield surprising treasures. And it’s not just clothing that’s recycled: look for towels, dish cloths and other household items.
3) Gifts that cut down on packaging: A nice water bottle to discourage the use of plastic, reusable coffee cups to take to the local shop or fill at home, and artistic shopping bags are just a few ideas.
4) Gifts that help avoid waste: A kitchen food composter lets urban dwellers collect scraps and turn them into soil - or join their community composting program. Nice food storage containers encourage saving rather than tossing.
5) Gifts that clean the indoor air: A houseplant will breathe oxygen and help your loved ones connect to nature in the cold months. Paperwhites and Amaryllis are two fun bulbs to grow during the holidays.
6) Gifts that share things you love: Suggest your book group exchange books you’ve read and are ready to pass on rather than new books. Propose that your work group’s gift exchange feature treasures already in your homes.
7) Gifts made by local crafters: Markets featuring homemade arts and crafts abound this time of year and allow local artisans to thrive.
8) Gifts that help the needy here and abroad: Whether it’s planting trees in Africa, helping Latin American farmers grow their herds or replacing coral in reefs, charity gifts are always welcome. Closer to home, consider gifts that feed the hungry and help those who are struggling, and let your loved ones know you have donated in their name.
9) Gifts of experiences: Tickets to a concert, a play, or a sporting event can be more meaningful than more "stuff.'' So can a massage or a membership to a gym or museum.
10) Gifts that help organizations working on the climate crisis: Of course, we think this is a great time to make a gift to New Energy Colorado in a loved one’s name! Your tax-deductible donation will allow us to broaden our education and outreach offerings, helping more people get involved in fighting climate change.
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