Elise Lazar passes out an unusual holiday treat this time of year: compact fluorescent light bulbs decked with ribbons. Lazar gives the energy-efficient bulbs to share conservation rather than consumption during the holidays. She's among a growing number of revelers who prefer to spend moderately and direct the dollars they do spend toward socially responsible businesses.
Elise Lazar passes out an unusual holiday treat this time of year: compact fluorescent light bulbs decked with ribbons.
"People look at me strangely, [but] later in the year they really appreciate it," says Lazar, who directs marketing at the University of Utah Department of Theatre. "It saves them money."
Lazar gives the energy-efficient bulbs to share conservation rather than consumption during the holidays. She's among a growing number of revelers who prefer to spend moderately and direct the dollars they do spend toward socially responsible businesses.
"If you give an environmentally friendly gift, you're giving more to that person and to the community," says Lisa Romney, environmental adviser to Mayor Rocky Anderson.
Romney recommends shopping with local businesses that are registered in Salt Lake City's e2 Business program, which requires participants to conserve natural resources and limit waste. Consider these possibilities: outdoor gear from Wasatch Touring, a day pass to Alta Ski Resort, a novel from The King's English Bookshop, dinner at The Bayou or vintage furniture from Retro Rose. For a complete list of e2 businesses, go to http://www.slcgov.com/environment/e2businesses.htm.
For the bargain shopper, Co-op America has put together a holiday gift guide of online retailers that are offering discounts on environmentally friendly products. Go to http://www.coopamerica.org/go/holidaygifts, to find deals on organic chocolate, recycled toothbrushes, a dishwasher accessory for plastic baggies and fair trade products from Ten Thousand Villages and Global Exchange.
Ashley Patterson, owner of The Green Building Center in Salt Lake City, will stage a "Give Green Fair" in her store at 1952 E. 2700 South from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Dec. 15. The event features recycled arts and crafts made by local artists.
Patterson prefers to give "consumable" gifts -- homemade jam or pesto, a gift certificate for a massage or tickets to the Sundance Film Festival.
"I like careful, thoughtful gift giving," she says. "I don't want any more stuff."
GO ONLINE FOR ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY PRODUCTS:
--Co-op America Holiday Gift Guide: Discounts offered, http://www.coopamerica.org/go/holidaygifts
--National Green Pages: Eco-friendly gifts, http://www.greenpages.org
--e2 program: Salt Lake City businesses, http://www.slcgov.com/environment/e2businesses.htm
--Environmentally friendly products: Sold by Utah businesses, http://www.redirectguide.com/slc
--Stores owned and operated in Utah: http://www.localfirst.org
To see more of The Salt Lake Tribune, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.sltrib.com.
Source: Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News
Contact Info:
