Are you one of the many people who have realized that giving “stuff” may be exciting in the short term, but it ends up in a landfill sooner or later? Instead of searching the malls for “stuff”, try one of the following gift ideas… (If you need to be inspired to exit the mall, go to Story of Stuff)
Gift membership to The Nature Conservancy
The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to preserve the plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive.
Gift membership to the Arbor Day Foundation
The Foundation’s mission is to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees.
Gift membership to the Audubon Society
Audubon's mission is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the earth's biological diversity.
For the ultimate green gift, give a tree planted in one of our national parks. Check it out at the Arbor Day Foundation. Why is that the ultimate green gift? Because trees are essential to our life on the planet. Trees are like the lungs of the earth--they breathe in carbon dioxide and contaminants and breathe out oxygen. One tree can absorb approximately 48 pounds of CO2 a year and release enough oxygen to sustain two human beings. In addition, trees provide habitat for birds and other wildlife, help to reduce ozone levels in urban areas, and reduce urban runoff and erosion by storing water and breaking the force of rain as it falls.
If you’d like to take your holidays to an even higher level of green this year, try the following tips:
Instead of a buying a cut tree, buy a live conifer and plant it in your garden after the holidays. Be sure to dig the hole before the ground freezes.
Instead of buying holiday ornaments, decorate with nature’s ornaments—flowering plants, greens, pinecones, seedheads, pods, nuts etc.
For holiday waste reduction tips, go to Integrated Waste Management
And don’t forget yourself. How about the gift of some quiet time in nature this holiday season?
Happy Holidays to all!
Do you have a gardening question? In Delaware County, call our Master Gardeners hortline at 610-690-2671 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 AM-12 NOON.
UPCOMING MASTER GARDENERS EVENTS
December 13, 2008
Wreath Making
Create a one-of-a-kind holiday wreath using fresh greens. Bring pruners and rubber gloves. All other materials will be provided. Sign up early--this is a very popular workshop. Cost: $15
January 10, 2009
Plants by Mail
Mail order is an excellent way to purchase varieties of both common and unusual plants. There are many new web sites and plant catalogs that will make you a better gardener, all from the warmth of your home. Cost: $10.
The Garden Series at Haverford Township Adult School
A collection of one night classes for both the indoor and outdoor garden. Classes taught by Delaware County Master Gardeners. Take one, two or all five– and save.
For more information, go to Haverford Adult School or call 610-446-8022.
Registration required for all events. Please call 610-690-2655 for more information or visit our web site for a registration form.
