Citizens Campaign for the Environment

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS

Environmentally Friendly Gift Categories

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State Park Season Passes

CT State Park Season Passes - Give the gift of unlimited hiking, swimming, and camping at Connecticut’s diverse State Parks and Forests. Season passes cost $50for Connecticut residents and $75 for Out-of State residents. They can be purchased at the DEP Store, by mail or in person. They are valid for one car and for one calendar year. For more information visit: http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?a=2716&q=325090&depNav_GID=1650
To purchase a season pass by mail, send a check for the appropriate amount, payable to "Treasurer, State of Connecticut" to:

DEP
Licensing and Revenue
79 Elm Street
Hartford, CT 06106-5127

Please enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope with your request.

Empire Passport – An Annual Pass to New York State Parks and Recreational Facilities
Enjoy the forests, the seashore, the lakefronts in your state parks...every day if you like, through all of New York State's beautiful seasons. Walk, picnic, bike...bring as many friends as your car holds! The Passport provides access to most of the 164 state parks, 50 Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) forest preserve areas, as well as to boat launch sites, arboretums and park preserves. The Empire Passport provides unlimited day use vehicle entry to most of New York's State parks and recreational facilities.
$59 for a whole year (April 1- March 31 of the following year).

For information, visit http://nysparks.state.ny.us/passport/ on the Web or write to:

Empire Passport
New York State Parks
Albany, NY12238

Herkimer Diamonds
In the search to buy a loved one jewelry, why not look for Herkimer diamonds? These unique crystals natural, unique, and brilliant hard clear quartz native to Central New York. and produced without exploitation of native peoples and their natural resources. For more information, visit:
www.herkimercrystalsonline.com

Membership to a Local Co-op
Do you want fresh, locally grown food, but don’t want to give up the convenience of a regular grocery store? There’s no need to wait for the area mega-chain supermarket to carry the good stuff. Instead, support your local food coop!
www.localharvest.org/food-coops/

Clean and Green Electricity
Do you know you can buy clean, renewable energy to meet your electricity needs? By purchasing renewable energy like wind, solar or biomass energy for your family’s home or business, you join thousands of people who are helping to keep the air clean and the water pure, save our forests, prevent respiratory disease and reduce our nation’s dependence on foreign oil. What a great gift for your family and future generations! To purchase wind energy regardless of location, please visit http://www.green-e.org/base/re_products?cust=r

Front Load Washing Machine
These more efficient washing machines not only get your clothes cleaner but also will drastically reduce the amount of water and electricity used per wash. Easily found in home appliance stores and specialty catalogues this home appliance is not only good for the earth but for the monthly budget as well.
www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=clotheswash.pr_clothes_washers

Donation to an environmental organization
Giving in someone's name is not only a great way to show someone that you care, but to let the world know that they care! Environmental organizations, like CCE, are powered by people and depend on members to support the work.. Identify your loved one’s favorite cause and give to an organization that can do good work in their name. For information about donating to CCE, visit: www.citizenscampaign.org/member.html

Hybrid Automobiles
If you are considering a big-ticket item for the newlyweds or recent graduates on your list, CCE suggests purchasing a hybrid car. These cars benefit both the pocketbook and the environment by maximizing gas mileage and reducing harmful emissions. These sedan, sport coupe, and S.U.V sized cars possess gas-and-electric motors, which don't idle when you stop. Instead, the engine shuts off to conserve fuel and refrain from spewing harmful emissions. The engine seamlessly starts up again as soon as you step on the accelerator. The result is increased fuel efficiency. This gift will keep giving, with a lifetime of savings at the pump! Check your local dealerships or
visit: www.eere.energy.gov/cleancities/hev/hev_availability.html for additional details.

Adopt a Whale (or any other animal)
There are many endangered species that need your help. You can usually find a packet that contains all the information you need to know to “adopt a whale” in various science stores. Once you officially adopt the animal they will send you a photograph and periodic updates. You can also find various websites that will help you participate.
www.worldwildlife.org

ECO Tour Vacation
Interested in international travel opportunities that benefit local communities and protect the environment? Conservation International works with tour operators in biodiversity hotspot countries. Book an eco-tour/ eco-vacation, research credible lodges, preservation programs, and locations at www.ecotour.org.

Energy Star® Home Appliances
If a coffee maker, blender, or microwave is on your list to purchase this holiday season, make sure you look for the Energy Star® label. The Energy Star® label signifies an energy efficient appliance so your gift recipients will be able to enjoy your gift and reduced energy use. Find Energy Star® labeled appliances in electronic, home furnishing, and department stores. For more information on the pollution prevention Energy Star® program visit: www.energystar.gov.

Plant a Tree
A great gift to an environmentalist and our planet! Give a gift this year that leaves a legacy for years to come. Give the gift of planting a tree in someone’s name. For more information visit www.treepeople.com or
www.arborday.org/shopping/trees/trees.cfm?TrackingID=101

New YorkState Recycling License Plate
Order your favorite recycling enthusiast a New York State Recycling License Plate which features the recycling arrows superimposed over an outline of the state, and the words "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle." Each plate is made from recycled steel. Plates can be ordered on-line at www.nydmv.state.ny.us/org.htm (Custom Plates for Organizations - NYS Association for Reduction, Reuse & Recycling) or through your local DMV office.

Greyhound Adoption
Win or die, they have no choice. But you do: adopt a retiring racing greyhound. Good natured Greyhounds make excellent companions for children and adults. They are smart, sweet, calm, gentle, loving, and socialize with other four-legged friends too.
www.greyhoundsandlove.com or www.adoptgreyhounds.org

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