Los Angeles, California – The environmentally aware, socially conscious consumer, will have to go no farther than the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium on December 15 and 16 to find unique, green holiday gifts. The Eco Gift Expo as it's called has also gathered the support of Whole Foods Market and the Los Angeles Times who are co-sponsoring the event.
Los Angeles, California – The environmentally aware, socially conscious consumer, will have to go no farther than the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium on December 15 and 16 to find unique, green holiday gifts. The Eco Gift Expo as it's called has also gathered the support of Whole Foods Market and the Los Angeles Times who are co-sponsoring the event.
Similar Eco Expo's are planned for other major US cities in 2008.
Founded by environmentalist Tommy Rosen, the event will feature 150 companies selling a wide range of high-quality eco-friendly gifts, an organic food court and entertainment for the entire family. “The emphasis is on great gifts, convenience and fun,” said Rosen, who with his staff has scoured the United States for those companies that bring “quality along with ethics.”
The expo will donate 10 percent of its gross event proceeds to Global Green USA, a national environmental organization addressing some of the greatest challenges facing humanity, and Whole Planet Foundation, whose mission is to create economic partnerships with the poor in those developing-world communities that supply our stores with product. In lieu of taking a cut of vendors’ sales at the event, Eco Gift Expo organizers have instead asked vendors to participate in their philanthropy program by donating 10 percent of their sales and, to date, 70 percent have agreed.
Whole Foods Market will provide re-usable canvas shopping bags, giving shoppers an eco-friendly alternative. Whole Foods Market is thrilled to share in a shopping expo that allows people to shop with their hearts,” says Marci Frumkin, marketing director, Whole Foods Market Southern Pacific Region. “The Eco Gift Expo is a great opportunity for conscious vendors to sell their products and services to people who care about how they spend their money. By partnering with Eco Gift Expo, Whole Foods Market continues to support our mission to care about the communities we serve and the environment. We are proud to be part of this inaugural event that will most certainly become annual!”
The Los Angeles Times will include a special Sunday, December 9 advertorial section about the expo in the newspaper printed on 100 percent recycled newsprint and offer shoppers an “eco gift wrapping station,” where they can have their gifts wrapped in the newspaper section of their choice.
“As Southern California's leading source for news and information, the Los Angeles Times is committed to issues important to our community,” said Bill Benjamin, The Times director of events and strategic partnerships. “We're also environmentally friendly, using soy-based ink and recycled newsprint, and are pleased to support the Eco Gift Expo -- an event that brings value to our readers and raises awareness about responsible, ecological ways to enjoy the holidays.”
Eco Gift Expo takes place Saturday, December 15 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, December 16 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium in Santa Monica, Calif.
For more information: www.ecogift.com
