Government Neighborhoods  

How to Gift Green This Holiday Season

parents and child holding eco gift box with brown tag

The county’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has started its annual Gift Outside the Box campaign for the holiday season.

The campaign pushes for a more environmentally friendly approach to gift-giving. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, household waste in the U.S. increases an average of 25% between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.

“I want to encourage everyone to think about supporting our local small businesses during this gift-giving season and all year long,” County Executive Marc Elrich said. “Together, we can reduce waste, save energy and build a strong local economy.”

The campaign features five major areas of focus:

  • Buy Local: Support County and State Businesses by purchasing locally made products
  • Gift Experiences: No need for a box when the gift features event tickets, Montgomery Recreation classes, music lessons, and time to be spent in nature or parks
  • Gift Greener: If purchasing new items, make sure they encourage green living and, when possible, help people lower their utility bills
  • Give Back: Appreciated gifts include donations to local charities in the name of a family member or friend
  • Reduce, Reuse and Recycle: Reduce waste by buying gifts made of recycled or reused materials, regift items not used from last year and recycle paper

More information on the campaign and how to gift greener is available here.

nov 30 fundraiser graphic describing MCM's Party with a Purpose

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