Greening Black Friday

by Robin Fiedler

I've heard that eco-friendly shopping is an oxymoron. But, hey, does that mean we shouldn't at least make an effort? A gift is supposed involve some thought, right?

In fact, a green Black Friday means that shoppers may spend a little more money. Robin Shreeves points to a study done by Plow & Hearth in 2008, "According to an article on Portland Business Journal the study found that 'About two-thirds of those going green this year say they are willing to spend between 10 percent and 25 percent more to by eco-friendly holiday green gifts'." get-hip-get-green-shopping-bag

Staying home and shopping online, according to Shreeves is one of the greenest ways to spend Black Friday, depending on what you purchase and how far it has to be shipped. Large items shipped over long distances, however, cost our environment in fuel cost, pollution, and shipping materials.

Shoppers can also buy green gifts--not just for those friends and family who care about the environment, but also for those who need a little more enthusiasm in saving themselves as well. Julie Garden-Robinson, a North Dakota State University Extension Service food and nutrition specialist and associate professor in the Department of Health, Nutrition and Exercise Sciences, suggests food thermometers, pedometers, healthy food baskets, and a storm survival kit.

Pedometer - According to Garden-Robinson, "These step-counting devices are powerful motivators as people set goals to increase their physical activity. According to a recent Stanford University study, participants who set a goal walked 2,000 steps (one mile) more than before they set a goal." Encourage walking instead of driving.

Healthy meal basket - First the basket allows the gift giver to avoid using a box and wrapping paper. Second, the basket can be re-used. Third, Garden-Robinson suggests that the basket of healthy food can include biodegradable cups, plates, and napkins so that it is a picnic or party, ready to go.

How about gifts that send our kids outside to play? The Missouri Conservationist reports, "American children spend an average of 30 hours per week in front of a TV or a computer monitor. This lack of physical activity results in an increase of childhood obesity and an increased frequency of Attention Deficit Disorder. According to a Seattle children's hospital, each hour per day a child watches TV increases the chance of developing symptoms of ADD by 10 percent."

You might not be so popular at first, but note that everybody else is buying the video game, music and computer presents. Try hopscotch with sidewalk chalk, jump rope, and marbles; sports equipment from soccer balls, basketballs, footballs, softballs, to tennis rackets and balls; nature exploring kits, camping equipment, and the list goes on.

Finally, really go green and plant a tree in a public park in the name of the gift recipient. Find gifts made from recycled products. Wrap presents with children's artwork or newspapers. Don't forget an ecosphere for young teens. The National Resources Defense Council has a long list of creative suggestions. In the end, a green gift is a gift for our environment.

Footnotes

Garden-Robinson, Julie. Prairie Fare: Consider Holiday Gifts That Promote Health and Safety. North Dakota State University. N. date. http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/news/columns/prairie-fare/prairie-fare-consider-holiday-gifts-that-promote-health-and-safety/

"Think Outside the Box" Missouri Conservationist. 69:12 (2008). Missouri Department of Conservation. http://mdc.mo.gov/conmag/2008/12/20.htm

Shreeves, Robin. "Green Consumers Willing to Spend a Little More this Season." Sustainablog. 25 Nov. 2008. http://sustainablog.org/2008/11/25/green-consumers-willing-to-spend-a-little-more-this-holiday-season/