Green Giving with SLED 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. For the first time in print, we present the staff of St. Louis Earth Day’s Green Giving Guide.

Recently, we sat down with Cassandra, Bill, Jeanette and Mike to find out how they approach this consumer-heavy time of year.

Cassandra, Executive Director

Is there a favorite local store you like to shop at?
Home Eco & Verde Kids

Is there a favorite charity you like to donate?
Heifer International & the Kirksville Bike Co-op

Is there a favorite home-made gift you like to make?
Current favorite: Fabric flowers for hair decor.

Is there a favorite fair trade/organic/locally produced good you like to give?
Kakao Chocolate & Better Life cleaning supplies

What environmentally responsible gift would you like to receive this year?
Wool socks.

Bill, ROG Events Site Manager

Is there a favorite local store you like to shop at?
Frank & Helen’s Pizzeria

Is there a favorite charity you like to donate?
Cancer Research Institute

Is there a favorite home-made gift you like to make?
The gift of home efficiency knowledge.

Is there a favorite fair trade/organic/locally produced good you like to give?
Schlafly Beer

What environmentally responsible gift would you like to receive this year?
A sword made from recycled steel and forged by fair trade, local swordsmiths! (He’s serious.) 

Jeanette, Program Manager

Is there a favorite local store you like to shop at?
I can’t stay away from ArtMart, and there is something for everyone at the locally owned business.

Is there a favorite charity you like to donate?
88.1 KDHX & 90.7 KWMU (NPR)

Is there a favorite home-made gift you like to make?
Mix CDs… or tapes for the connoisseur.  

Is there a favorite fair trade/organic/locally produced good you like to give?
Locally produced, hand-made soap like Shenandoah Soaps.

What environmentally responsible gift would you like to receive this year?
A class at The Folk School of St. Louis. (For my parents: Advanced Ukulele, please.)

Mike, GDA Coordinator

Is there a favorite local store you like to shop at?
Local Harvest Grocery

Is there a favorite charity you like to donate?
Defenders of Wildlife

Is there a favorite home-made gift you like to make?
home brewed beer

Is there a favorite fair trade/organic/locally produced good you like to give?
Mudhouse Coffee

What environmentally responsible gift would you like to receive this year?
Vermiculture kit (composting worms and accessories).  

 Local Resources for Green Giving:

BUILD St. Louis : Find a listing of member businesses–all local.

St. Louis Earth Day Festival Vendors : Saw something you liked at the 2011 Festival?

St Louis Green : St. Louis green business listing.

St. Louis Originals : Promotes dining in local, independently-owned area restaurants.

GoodShop : Every time you shop online, start at GoodShop so that a percentage of your purchase will be donated to SLED. (Cool, huh?)