Online guide encourages eco-friendly gifts-giving
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Department of Conservation is helping holiday shoppers and the environment this season with its 2004 Green Gift Guide ( www.greengiftguide.com).
The Green Gift Guide is an online guide designed to help consumers “close the loop” on recycling by encouraging them to purchase products made from recycled materials, including bottles and cans.
“Recycling strengthens California’s environment and its economy. Buying recycled products helps promote recycling, which is a common-sense practice that helps preserve and protect our environment and our economy for the future,” said California Secretary for Resources Mike Chrisman.
Last year an astounding 8.7 billion bottles and cans went into California’s landfills. If recycled, these containers could save natural resources, conserve energy and be made into unique, top quality products such as dishware, clothing, jewelry and pet toys – just some of the items featured in the Green Gift Guide.
The site features more than 60 individual and national recycled product retailers, including industry leaders such as LL Bean, Birkenstock and PETsMart, as well as a variety of small businesses such as Point Beach Outdoors and Fire and Light.
From fleece products made from recycled plastic bottles to decorative dishware made from recycled glass bottles, these companies offer items for everyone on a holiday list.
“We are very proud to be able to feature a unique variety of recycled-material products in this year’s Green Gift Guide and even more pleased to help consumers find eco-friendly goods all in one spot,” said Mark Oldfield, spokesman for the DOC. “Consumers will be impressed by the beauty and quality of the products in the guide and simply amazed by the fact that they come from recycled materials.”
The Green Gift Guide also includes a variety of eco-friendly tips for holiday entertaining and decorating. Consumers will also find creative gift-wrapping ideas and tips on how to “be green” all year round.