5 minute read
55
Have you been naughty or nice this year? These silly, practical, and meaningful environmentally friendly stocking stuffers, gifts and non-tangible ideas are sure to please even the quirkiest of your family and friends.
For today’s germophobe
Purely Products germicidal ultraviolet light bulbs kill germs. The manufacturer claims they “deactivate the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other pathogens and thus destroy their ability to multiply and cause disease…”
For the naughty romantic
Photo courtesy of Brand Point There’s no better way to say “I love you” than with a carbon monoxide detector! Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless and colorless gas found in fumes from engines, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges, or furnaces. Bah humbug, you say? That’s what they get for being on the naughty list! For the cleaning nut
Pick up an assortment of the all-natural and organic Method Home, Grove Collaborative, or Seventh Generation cleaning products. The ECOS brand is also carbon neutral, 100 percent renewable energy, and zero waste platinum certified. Who wouldn’t want a stocking stuffed with such fabulous kitchen and bathroom cleaners?
For recipients with no sense of humor
Check out uncommon goods (uncommongoods.com) for unusual gifts ranging from a solar phone charger, collapsible silicon straws, and bamboo toothbrushes to handmade vegan soaps (including wine and chocolate) and S’well® reusable water bottles. By: Roseanne Bottone
For the recipient with loftier tastes
The snow-lover on your list will enjoy our winter wonderland with lift tickets or a ski package. A more budget friendly option is cozy socks from Conscious Step (consciousstep.com). Every pair is ethically made and donates to a cause. Add in a Kindle download and some hot chocolate from shop.equalexchange.coop and your recipient will be all set for a cold winter’s night.
For the springtime dreamer
What if your recipient is the type of person who marks off the calendar as she counts down to the first day of spring? Then garden tools, seeds and bulbs will surely bring good cheer.
When bling is a must
Is your special someone expecting a gift that glitters? The jewelry vendors at Design Good (https://designgood. com/blog/9-jewelry-designers) offer pieces sourced from artisans around the globe that use fair-trade practices. Some are made from recycled or organic materials, and proceeds go toward supporting environmental charities.
For the stressed out
(Do you know anyone who isn’t?) Give homemade “coupons” redeemable for babysitting, car washing, a day of running errands, or a few hours of teaching something you’re a master at (stay away from middle school math!)
For the little kids mesmerized by electronics
Encourage your child’s creativity with wooden toys. Set up a train under the tree or stack blocks. No wrapping (or batteries) required and these toys will look adorable on Christmas morning.
THE POTTING SHED Let us create something beautiful for you
EXQUISITE FLORAL • GIFTS • HOME DECOR (570)424-1174 • 931 Ann Street • Stroudsburg, PA 18360
Cupcake Shop & Nostalgic Candy Exciting “How-to” Culinary Classes
www.Kitchen-Chemistry.com
William H. Clark Funeral Home, Inc. The Caring Professionals
Gary A. Raish, Supervisor If you must wrap, check out “Wrappily” eco-friendly gift wraps from eartheasy.com.
Their reversible gift wrap is 100% recyclable and compostable newsprint, made with soy-based inks right here in the USA. For a more budget-friendly option, wrap gifts in old newspaper.
For someone who has everything
Donate to a charity. CharityWatch is America's most independent charity watchdog. You’ll be able to view a rating and other statistics on the financial performance of over 500 major American charities in 36 categories including the Environment, Cancer, Crime Prevention, Child Protection, Senior Citizens, and more.
Buy a sheep or a llama. Really! Heifer International urges you to “Choose a meaningful gift to give a loved one and help children and families around the world receive training and animal gifts that help them become self-reliant.” Go to www. heifer.org for more info.
For a stranger
If you’re a “people” person, help the elderly right in your own community; cook and deliver a meal to a housebound neighbor.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
Call Monroe County “Meals on Wheels” at (570) 424-8794 for volunteer opportunities.
For the almost human
Are you an animal lover? To give a gift to a furry friend (no, not your co-worker in accounting), contact the non-profit Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center at poconowildlife. com or call them at 570-402-0223.
Santa and his elves are packing up the sleigh!
Roseanne Bottone is a regulatory compliance training instructor, former Peace Corps Volunteer, cancer survivor, grandmother, MBA, and freelance writer. She travels the country teaching business people about environmental and transportation safety regulations, and is a newspaper columnist. She’s a homeowner in East Stroudsburg and lives with her daughter, grandchildren, two cats and a Rottweiler.
Quality Care Providing 40for over years.
GETZ PERSONAL CARE HOME
• Assistance with Tasks of Daily Living • Delicious Home-Cooked Meals • Extensive Entertainment, Social & Wellness Programs • Medication Management • Family Atmosphere • A Scenic, Country Setting
1026 Scenic Dr, Kunkletown, PA 18058 Route 534 at the Village of Jonas www.getzpersonalcare.com • (570) 629.1334
