Green Giving with earthday365 Staff
For some of us the thought of going shopping or the perceived obligation of gift-giving is overwhelming; but, we may still want to show our appreciation or share the festive spirit in some way. We’re happy to share the annual staff of earthday365 Green Giving Guide.
Recently, we sat down with Jessica, Bob, Janessa, Ben, Elizabeth, and Kathy to find out how they approach this consumer-heavy time of year.
Jessica, Executive Director
Is there a Favorite local store you like to shop at?
Liberated Roots Collection just opened on Jefferson, and I love their curated collection of clothes, jewelry and housewares, many upcycled or reused, and all from Black makers.
Is there a favorite charity you like to donate?
I love Seed St. Louis and A Red Circle. Both have great missions and passionate staff.
Is there a favorite home-made gift you like to make?
I forage for mushrooms, so I gift dried turkey tail (a medicinal mushroom) for my special friends, but it’s an acquired taste for sure!
Is there a favorite fair trade/organic/locally produced good you like to give?
Homemade soaps, fire cider, and elderberry syrup. For your quirkiest friend I would recommend Eerie Baby from a St. Louis artist. Too funny.
What environmentally responsible gift would you like to receive this year?
Big, bold, upcycled earrings, which tend to be my signature.
Bob, Program Director
Is there a favorite local store you like to shop at?
Forest and Meadow Herbal Shop and Clinic or Union Loafers
Is there a favorite charity you like to donate?
St. Louis Public Radio
Is there a favorite home-made gift you like to make?
Sourdough English Muffins
Is there a favorite fair trade/organic/locally produced good you like to give?
I hyper-locally produce positive energy to play with my nieces and nephews
What environmentally responsible gift would you like to receive this year?
Like my 9 year-old nephew said on his wish list: Love
Ben , Green Dining Alliance Program Manager
Is there a favorite local store you like to shop at?
City Greens
Is there a favorite charity you like to donate?
KDHX
Is there a favorite home-made gift you like to make?
Homebrew Beer and Kombucha
Is there a favorite fair trade/organic/locally produced good you like to give?
Fair Trade Handmade Cards from Zee Bee Market
What environmentally responsible gift would you like to receive this year?
RocketBook
Janessa, Marketing and Communication Manager
Is there a favorite local store you like to shop at?
Mystic Valley or Profield Reserve
Is there a favorite charity you like to donate?
I support my sorority Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. that does great work for women and the community and the March of Dimes.
Is there a favorite home-made gift you like to make?
I am an artist and I have my own brand, ColorTripz so a lot of times I give people something I made like paintings, paint kits, or t-shirts.
Is there a favorite fair trade/organic/locally produced good you like to give?
Shine in All Shades adult coloring book
What environmentally responsible gift would you like to receive this year?
Lions Mane Mushroom grow kit
Elizabeth, Recycling On the Go Assistant Program Manager
Is there a favorite local store you like to shop at?
Garden District STL
Is there a favorite charity you like to donate?
Planned Parenthood and Action STL
Is there a favorite home-made gift you like to make?
Simmer Pot Jars
Is there a favorite fair trade/organic/locally produced good you like to give?
Soaps from Bee Simple City Farm
What environmentally responsible gift would you like to receive this year?
Solar string lights
Kathy, Information Systems Support
Is there a favorite local store you like to shop at?
Local Harvest Grocery
Is there a favorite charity you like to donate?
Meds and Food for Kids and Missouri Coalition for the Environment (MCE)
Is there a favorite home-made gift you like to make?
Fudge
Is there a favorite fair trade/organic/locally produced good you like to give?
Homemade soap and local honey
What environmentally responsible gift would you like to receive this year?
Anything secondhand or tickets to anything!