Local Holiday Eco-Gifts McKinley Citizens Recycling Council

LocalHolidayEco-Gifts

Contributions by The McKinley Citizens’ Recycling Council (MCRC)

‘Tis the Season for Gift Giving and though it may be easier to order through a catalog or online for those on your list, stop and think how a local purchase would impact the environment and our local artists and merchants.

Gallup and McKinley County’s retailers, area artists and crafters have had a difficult time since 2020. Check out the last of the Art & Craft Fairs and support vendors such as Barbara Babcock, the Summer Farmers’ Market “Garlic Lady” who will be offering her “food art:”: garlic butter, soups and stews at the Winter Arts & Crafts Sale, Saturday, December 4 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Look for the special artistry in glass by Kitty Olguin; Mason jars and wine bottles find a new purpose as lights, centerpieces and more under her creative touch. (kittyolguin@gmail. com)

What makes a gift eco-friendly?

u Locally made u Little packaging u Made from recycled/reused materials A stocking full of useable (filling a need) and reuseable, consumable, or well-made, long-lasting gifts would be great for Mother Earth! u Asking local businesses for these products will show them that there is a demand and will encourage them to provide more variety of eco-friendly items. You can be a savvy consumer who does good for the planet this holiday season.

Some possibilities for Eco-gifts in the Gallup area:

• From The Water Store—solid or bar shampoo and conditioner (HiBar), and Tru Earth laundry soap eco-strips (a chance to try something new that has no plastic container). • From The Water Store— beeswax storage wraps that are washable to use in place of plastic wrap (no photo). • From La Montanita Coop-- another brand of bar shampoo and beeswax storage wraps also. • From Walgreen’s—reusable dryer balls and Stasher silicone food storage bags that can go from fridge to stove. • From Gallup Lumber and Hardware—rechargeable batteries of different sizes made with recycled materials (for those new battery-run toys). They also carry earth friendly light bulbs (but I did not see any solar or crank flashlights). • From Butler’s Printing and Office Supply—

Pilot B2P ballpoint pens made from recycled plastic bottles (FYI-on sale now). Also a Masterpiece jigsaw puzzle made with 100% recycled board and soy inks. • From ECO-Tees by HartMind-

Soul

Tee shirts made from recycled plastics and/or organic cotton blends are available from HMS apparel. Some of the designs include Zebras, Penquins, Giraffes, and Elephants, oh my! For more information contact betsywindisch@yahoo.com • From Kitty Olguin Crafts

Everything is made from recycled material, glass bottles, old shutters, mason or ball jars and wine glasses. When I retired 2 years ago, I found myself searching for ways to keep busy. I contemplated volunteering for nonprofits but due to covid, I instead put my idle hands to work on crafts. Never intending to sell them, I found myself signing up for craft fairs and I enjoy it. Mostly for the socialization which I truly miss.

Start your weekend right with some food and weekend therapy and jumpstart your holiday shopping with our local vendors here at the Hilton Garden Inn.

Shop safely on an early Friday evening 4PM to 8PM or Saturday and Sunday mornings from 8AM to 2PM in our grand Gallup Ballroom. Browse local artisans, jewelry makers, clothing designers, hand crafted items and more!

You are sure to find something for you and your loved ones!

If you would like information to be a vendor, contact Eian Tsosie, Director of Sales at Eian.Tsosie@Hilton.com

Rehoboth at the Cathedral

High School Christmas Concert Sacred Heart Cathedral Friday December 17, 2021 6:30pm

Also Don't Miss:

Band Christmas Concert Grades 6-12 Rehoboth Sports and Fitness Center Monday December 6, 2021 7:00pm

Check www.rcsnm.org for Live Streaming Info