eco-friendly gift giving

On Valentine’s Day Show Your Love for the Planet

by Betty on February 7, 2017

As with many other holidays in the United States, Valentine’s Day is one of those holidays where we tend to spend money on stuff. Cards, flowers, candies and gifts. We often share a message about buying and consuming less stuff, and we believe you should show appreciation of your significant other or loved ones every day. However, if there’s that someone special that you just want to shower with gifts we’ve got some ideas for how to show your love for the planet too!

 

Valentine’s Date Night Out

Choose a restaurant that sources their ingredients locally! We’re lucky in Charlottesville that so many of our amazing restaurants care about this and choose to purchase meats and vegetables from local farms. It reduces the carbon footprint of your meal because the food doesn’t have to travel as far! Here are a few of our local favorites:

  1. Revolutionary Soup (they also have a great vegetarian selection for the extra Earth conscious eaters)
  2. The Local
  3. Beer Run
  4. C & O Kitchen
  5. Brookville Restaurant

Cville Scoutology Shares a few more

Gifts Galore

Gifts are often the focal point of Valentine’s Day, but that doesn’t mean they need to be a burden to the earth. You can find some amazing gifts from second hand boutiques and antique shops. Another eco-conscious Valentine’s gift option is to make your own Valentine’s Day card. Of course it’s not as convenient, but we’re certain they’ll appreciate the effort much more!

Pinterest is loaded with ideas for easy DIY crafts for romantic gifts and children’s school valentine’s cards

Better yet, support Charlottesville Community Bikes and send your special someone a sweet half dozen scones delivered by bike for Valentine’s day! Click here to place your order by Feb 12th

Shop local for gifts!

Check out Galentine’s Day on Feb 11th where 20 local female artisans selling goods to benefit the Women’s Initiative!

Flower Fix

These beauties are often the go to quick valentine’s gift, but where did they come from and what was sprayed on them? The reality is that during this time of year those roses are often imported from thousands of miles away or are grown in nurseries where energy efficiency is not top of mind.

If you’re set on giving flowers try to pick ones that you know are grown locally, or are labeled “Sustainable,” “Fair Trade” and “Organic” for the healthiest and highest quality. Better yet, why not give a house plant as a gift. It sure does last longer than a week.

{ Comments on this entry are closed }

Best Holiday Gift Picks (Experiences)

by Betty on December 20, 2012

[This is a holiday series of eco-friendly gift-giving ideas!  Enjoy]

 

Continuing with the holiday gift guide series, here are a few more ideas for local experiences that would make great presents. Experiences make wonderful green gifts because they provide a fun and memorable way for family and friends to bond without increasing the amount of “stuff” accumulating in your house. Plus, you help strengthen the local economy by keeping your dollars in the area. Consider giving your loved ones:

 

1. Tickets to a local musical performance. Charlottesville is home to a whole host of terrific music venues that support local musicians. Try one of the following:

 

  • The Jefferson – Located on the Downtown Mall, the Jefferson Theater was historically home to silent movies, vaudeville acts, and performers such as The Three Stooges and Harry Houdini. Reopened in 2009, The Jefferson has state of the art lighting and sound systems that make for a great live music experience. (434) 245-4980. 110 East Main Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902.
  • The Southern – Just off the Downtown Mall, The Southern is both café and music hall. (434) 977-5590. 103 South 1st Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902.
  • The Garage – On any given night, you can find the Garage’s door wide open as they host art openings or concerts by local and regional bands. They focus on community, creativity, collaboration and accessibility. 1st Street N, Charlottesville VA 22902.
  • Cville Coffee – A local coffee shop in Downtown Charlottesville, Cville Coffee also hosts Stage Café every Friday and Saturday, showcasing a wide variety of musicians. (434) 817-2633. 1301 Harris Street, Charlottesville, VA 22903. (Cville Coffee is a supporter of local environmental work; let them know you think that’s great!)

 

2. Gift certificates to try out a new activity. Websites like WishWish and LivingSocial offer highly discounted deals on local products and activities. Previous deals have included art classes, skydiving, yoga classes, rock climbing, and golfing. Give your family and friends the gift of adventure by checking out:

 

 

3. Gift certificates for health and fitness services. Health and sustainability go hand in hand. Help your friends and family cultivate a healthy body and mind in the New Year by giving tem the gift of:

 

  • ACAC Membership
  • Yoga classes – Try Allied Yoga for yoga classes, Charlottesville’s favorite for 2011 and 2012; or check out Breathe Studio for meditation classes! (We know that Breathe Studio supports environmental work at the local level, so check them out and let them know you love what they’re doing!)
  • Pilates classes – Check out TruPilates, voted Charlottesville’s favorite since 2006!
  • Dance classes – Learn to tango with Charlottesville Tango, swing dance with Swing Cville, or try out more classical dance genres with Charlottesville Performing Arts School or Wilson School of Dance.
  • Whatever you like! Pick your favorite place, and you and your friend can exercise together.

 

These are just a few ideas. Get creative, and you are sure to find the perfect experience to gift your family and friends! Have more ideas? Share them in the comments!

{ Comments on this entry are closed }