The Holidays Are Here - Please Spare the Junk

Looking for the perfect gift that will make your clients take a second look? PLEASE spare the junk. There are a bunch of ways you can integrate sustainability into your holiday gifts with some non-junk ideas (i.e. won't hit the landfill and will support your local economy). Don't fall for the misnomer that sustainability choices equate to more expensive. With a little creativity, you can put the 'green' back into sustainability by saving some money, making an impact in your community, and saving the planet while you are at it. Here are a few of my favorite things:

Cupcakes! Visit my good friends at the Cupcake Bar - www.acupcakebar.com and order cupcakes for your clients. Not only are these hands down the best cupcakes I've ever had, they are eye catching and memorable (and downright creative). If you're extra nice, you might even be able to get a branded cupcake flavor.

Give the gift of a donation to your favorite charity. Non-profit organizations do an incredible service for your community, and typically are hard hit during any economic downturn. Instead of giving junk to your client base, why not make a donation to a non-profit that means a lot to you or your company? It is noteworthy on many levels and underscores your commitment to social justice (and doesn't send junk to the landfill!) Looking for a suggestion? How about my personal favorite, www.rebuildingtogethertriangle.org...

Buy local art. Supporting the arts is fun and fashionable. Send a unique gift of work from local artists. If you can't do this for 2008, consider commissioning a piece of work for 2009 for your clients next year.

Adopt-a-Family. This is something everyone can get behind at the office. Contact your local social services department and learn more about very needy families in your own community. You can play santa and make a difference in a family's holiday. You'd be surprised at the list of items and how far your donations can go to help.

Looking for a feel-good activity for you and your employees? Volunteer at a Soup Kitchen, Meals on Wheels, Caroling at a local nursing home, or other community-centric charity. Get involved - your resources span far beyond monetary donation.

Many companies send out holiday cards to the entire contact database. Consider using 100% recycled paper (and for bonus points, select a card painted by a local artist!).

Looking to cut costs with the holiday cards? Consider designing an e-card for the holidays. Not only will this be virtually "zero waste", it can be quite memorable for recipients (and should actually be much cheaper than sending out the real thing). With the flurry of holiday cards cluttering your reception desk, an e-card can set you apart from others.

Consider using an organic caterer for your holiday party instead of the same-ole. One I've been impressed with (and that recently racked up several awards) is Green Planet Catering (www.greenplanetcatering.com).

Looking for the environmental option? Consider buying Terra passes for your clients or employees. www.terrapass.com Calculate your carbon footprint and buy carbon offsets.

Looking for the LOCAL environmental option? Buy Renewable Energy Credits from NC GreenPower (www.ncgreenpower.org). They use the money to support alternative energy sources from North and South Carolina.

Looking for the extra pizzazz for your holiday party? Consider a 'Low Waste' or 'Zero Waste' event by using an organic caterer, limiting/eliminating trash, and buy green power offsets!

If there were ever a year to demonstrate your commitment to sustainability, this is it! Happy Holidays, everyone!