Reasons Why I like Gifts Cards - an article that I found

MYTH: ALL GREEN GIFTS ARE CREATED EQUALLY

[Give the gift of reusables - visit our Gift Center]

Giving reusables is the smartest way to make a difference by reducing consumption and saving money and natural resources.

Because modern culture's gift-giving often comes at the expense of the environment, many people are looking for more earth-friendly gifts. Unfortunately, the popularity of "green gifts" has lead to an overwhelming number of products that are labeled "green" but in reality, aren't.

Two of the biggest threats to our natural environment are the consumption of resources and the increasing accumulation of waste that threatens our wildlife and our own health. Many so-called green gifts just add to this problem, by creating more stuff we don't need and likely won't use. Even if something is made of recycled material or contributed to the purchase of a carbon off-set, that eco-trinket is ultimately just more stuff headed for the landfill.

Furthermore, there's a reason "reduce" and "reuse" appear before "recycle" in the mantra "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle." While recycling has its place in helping the environment and should be done whenever possible, as consumers move their attention and actions "upstream" towards reducing consumption, a far greater impact on the environment can be made.

As it is, the holidays produce more waste than any other time of the year. During the month of December, it's been estimated that households generate about 1 million extra tons of garbage per week. To battle this wasteful, harmful mindset, consider giving gifts that actually help people consume less, and gift a reusable.

Reusables, our term for smart, practical items designed to help people consume less, will empower someone to preserve resources and save money, too (you can't say that about most eco-trinkets!). Examples range from stylish reusable shopping bags and reusable bottles to paper towel replacements, replacements for common household disposables, personal items and more. Innovative, eco-friendly and functional, they continue to give back after each use. Check out our gift section here.

When you gift a "reusable" you effectively empower the recipient to reduce thousands and thousands of disposables. Collectively, this can have a huge impact.

For more information, read our press release on our Top 10 Holiday Gifts that help people consume less.

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