December 2007

Give the Gift of a Healthy Ocean

"It's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years."

- Abraham Lincoln

The holiday season is a time for family, reflection and, finding and giving that perfect gift.

Here are some simple suggestions for shopping and giving this season that will help you show those on your list that you care for them, and our ocean planet.

Three for me...

1. Be social and socially conscious in your shopping! Shopping is always more fun with your friends - coordinate your shopping errands with friends so that you can all make fewer trips, reduce pollution, and save money. Consider carpooling or taking public transit together.
   
   
2. Eco-Practical! This year liberate yourself from the guess work of holiday shopping by buying "green" gifts that meet everyday needs. A supply of off-beat, eco-friendly household cleaners that help reduce water and ocean pollution? An energy star appliance to help cut energy bills and CO₂ emissions? Or find and select other ocean-friendly products using the shopping guide at www.pristineplanet.com. And don't forget the unique and specially priced Seas the Day conservation education calendar!
   
   
3. Wrap it up right! Give your gifts an ocean-friendly face. Save on the cost and waste of store bought wrapping paper by making your own wrappers from materials around your home or office. Try using, and then recycling, newspaper, magazines, decorated paper grocery bags, or old road maps. In this way, you can do your part to help reduce the four million tons of trash that otherwise come from store bought holiday wrapping paper and greeting cards each year!
   
   

...and three for the seas

1. Present a novel idea! Give presents that provide entertaining information about our ocean planet, such as an Ocean Book of the Month or videos about the astonishing diversity of coral reefs or the curious communities of the deep blue. As another option, making your own gift from sustainable or recycled materials is always a good way to go!
   
   
2. Celebrate sustainably!
   
   
   • Avoid disposable cups, plates, knives, folks and spoons at holiday parties this year. If you must go in for disposables, look for ones made of biodegradable materials.
   • Freshen your home with potpourri and candles, or boil cloves and cinnamon instead of using chemical air fresheners that are typically harmful to human health, and the planet's health
   • Treat loved ones to delicious and healthy meals that are more lean and green, and are made of locally and organically grown foods or a sustainable catch.
   
   
   
3. Communicate for conservation. Share this information with two friends or family members. You can sign up for the free newsletters and urge family and friends to do the same! Helping others help the ocean is a sure way to inspire the change you want to see. Each person you inspire to action magnifies your positive impact!