Intentional Gift Giving
By Lydia Coburn, BTLT Communications Coordinator
If you’re anything like me, you struggle this time of year. There is often an internal battle when it comes to holiday shopping – on one hand, I adore giving gifts to my loved ones! On the other hand, as an environmentally conscious individual, I want my gifts to be eco-friendly and intentional. Check out the list below for some tips, links, and advice for green gift giving this season:
- Give the gift of strengthening your community through conservation with a gift membership to BTLT
- Hand made gifts are always a win – Try your hands at knitting, baking, woodwork, etc.
- Got a bookworm in the family? Check out these new books from the viewpoint of Maine’s Native peoples or this list of Environmental Justice Books
- Looking for books in general? Find a used copy online at Thriftbooks or locally in Brunswick at Twice-Told Tales or Gulf of Maine Books
- Give the gift of an experience – A local restaurant gift card, a guided adventure, or renting a bike or paddle board, anything to spend time together with one another
- Consider getting a CSA membership with some of our farmers market vendors
- Check out the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association store
- Check out this great low-waste plastic free gift guide by Gogo Refill
- Shop local in Topsham
- Shop local in Brunswick
- Doing a group gift giving event with friends, family, or co-workers? Instead of exchanging gifts, pool your money and donate it to a local organization of your choosing
- Consider supporting the local businesses who so generously support BTLT