Gift Giving Ideas:

Too often the end result of purchasing gifts is accelerated environmental degradation and huge additions to landfills and increased usage of waste incinerators. It doesn't have to be that way. There are lots of "green" purchasing alternatives and practices each one of us can use to insure that future generations will have a planet worth living on, the greatest gift of all. Here are a few ways to include environmental sustainability in your purchasing decisions. This is only a partial listing. There are literally hundreds of ways to lessen our impact on the planet.

• Boise Cascade is Colby's preferred office supplier. Recent catalogs include a section highlighting all the recycled, and greener products that Boise offers.
• Look for the Energy Star or Green Seal labels on electronics and other purchases. These products have been evaluated for both energy efficiency and recycled content. See the Personal Action Guide on Energy Star purchasing.
• Shop locally and buy local products. Driving long distances to purchase products that have been treated with chemicals, processed, and traveled thousands of miles themselves puts a lot of strain on the environment. (www.shop-maine.com) Besides saving gas by not driving long distances, you're supporting local businesses. You're buying products that haven't been shipped from around the globe.
• Shop with friends. Not only is it more fun, you save gas and wear & tear on your car.
• Buy recycled/recyclable. Look for products that have high recycle content and are easily recyclable. Ask about company buy-backs.
• Not all gifts need to be wrapped. If you must, use high recycle content paper. Bring your own bag when you shop.
• Buy rechargeable battery devices. Besides saving money, rechargeable batteries, when recycled properly, don't add to the waste stream.