Green Gift Guide
by Karen Telleen-Lawton, Noozhawk Columnist (read original in Noozhawk here)
December 9, 2024 | 3:00 pm
I recall lifting the bright red container out of a Santa-decorated box: the milkshake maker instantly became one of my favorite childhood gifts. Like the salad spinner I’ve had for a million years now, you pressed a knob on top, spinning the contents until they transformed into a frothy milkshake.
Santa’s list helps parents choose gifts to please, but adults are a more difficult prospect. It’s even more problematic if you’re intent on reducing your footprint on the earth.
Fortunately, there are plenty of great solutions. These likely didn’t show up on Black Friday or Cyber Monday display tables. Instead, they are choices that will save time and money while making earth-friendly choices.
Refurbished products can be an excellent option. Buying a refurbished smartphone, for instance, can cut the environmental impact of giving a smartphone by up to 91%, according to CALPIRG’s Education Fund.
California’s Public Interest Research Group released its sixth edition of a guide called Fixed for the Holidays, helping consumers save money and reduce their environmental impact.
Fiona Hines, advocate at CALPIRG Education Fund, says, “It’s a win-win for the planet and consumers: create less waste and save money during the holiday season.”
The guide suggests which devices make good refurbished gifts and recommends vendors. It discusses how to know if you’re getting a good deal, plus the risks and pitfalls you might encounter. There’s even a section on how to get your money back if things go awry, which isn’t always easy even for new products.
One feature I like is the section that helps consumers avoid new products that are not designed to last. Apple’s AirPods 4, for instance, feature glued-in disposable batteries that can’t be replaced.
When the folks on your list have grown beyond the material, gifts to nonprofit organizations can help support need rather than excess. Stick with ones your loved one supports or you believe they would appreciate.
Check with a nonprofit database to make sure your choices are valid and well-run charities. Some sources for determining if a charity is legit:
** GiveWell: charity recommendations as well as reports on charities in a wide variety of categories.
** CharityWatch: a rating service mostly based on financials.
** Charity Navigator: a star-based system that’s widely recognized.
** Guidestar: a comprehensive guide.
** California Registry of Charitable Trusts – the government site for registered charities, with a searchable database.
Locally, good bets include the Community Environmental Council, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Santa Barbara Public Library, Museum of Natural History, and Channelkeeper (I’m on their board).
Trustworthy regional nonprofits with a broader reach include Direct Relief International (based locally) and Greenline (national organization founded in Los Angeles).
In the area of health I support research on rare diseases. Rare disease research not only yields improvement in the lives of the 10% of Americans who suffer them (including my family member), but frequently discover new or improved treatments for “normal” diseases in the investigation.
The ultimate in recycling is organ donation designation. Your ultimate gift to Americans would be to sign up as an organ donor through Donate Life California. Your choice shows up as a pink “donor” dot on your driver’s license. No age limits.
Just as organ donation designation is the ultimate in recycling, your gift of time can be the ultimate gift in creating or recreating relationships, especially for the very young and very old.
Your labor can be a wonderful gift. Consider coupons for errand-running, back rubs, babysits, or home maintenance. Your imagination is the only limit.
I give my Dad coupons for foot rubs every year, because that’s what he loves. It’s hard on my hands, but it’s a great way to connect and chat. Plus, he helped me make a lot of milkshakes in my little machine.
Karen Telleen-Lawton, Noozhawk Columnist
Karen Telleen-Lawton is an eco-writer, sharing information and insights about economics and ecology, finances and the environment. Having recently retired from financial planning and advising, she spends more time exploring the outdoors — and reading and writing about it. The opinions expressed are her own.