Green Your Black Friday!
Black Friday kicks off the season of giving. As you check off your list, here are a few tips you can keep in mind to make your Black Friday (and the rest of the holiday season) a little greener.
Before you head out, consider taking public transportation.
Why sit in traffic and worry about parking when you can take public transit? You can treat yourself with the money and time saved from driving and parking. Plan your trip with 511 Transit>
Remember to bring your own bag.
In San Francisco, you will save ten cents every time you swap a reusable bag for a disposable one. Find out more about the new checkout bag ordinance>
Not all gifts need to come in a box; give your loved ones an experience.
Avoid extra packaging and give a gift that will be remembered forever. Some of our favorite gift ideas include: concert tickets, art or dance classes, a car sharing membership, or even a gift to charity. For low budget experiences you can gift your own time by making dinner, babysitting, washing a car, or cleaning out a garage or attic. Visit RecycleWhere to find out how and where to recycle, reuse, or dispose of anything, anywhere>
The perfect gift can be found in an unexpected place. You can find something unique at an antique store or a flea market, or even a nursery.
Avoid the hustle and bustle of the mall and peruse antique stores, consignment shops, and flea markets for one of a kind gifts. Seeds and potted plants are gifts that last all year, and help clean our air.
When it’s time to wrap your gifts, look for paper that is made from post-consumer recycled content, or better yet look around the house for even more unique options.
Why buy new wrapping paper when you can make your own? Kids’ drawings, old maps, newspaper comics, and even cloth can make your gift stand out. Stop by a creative reuse store like SCRAP to get even more creative. An SF Environment favorite is to make one gift into two by wrapping your gift in a reusable bag!
Did you find a unique way to green your Black Friday? Send us a photo on Facebook or Twitter!
More Information
Learn more about consumer responsibility
How to Wrap a Gift in Fabric
