Bedford 2030’s 2023 Holiday Gift Guide!
Global waste levels are expected to increase by 25-30% over the holiday season. Besides gifting experiences, here are our top recommendations for beautiful gifts to your loved ones (at a variety of price points), while also giving a gift to the planet.
Home and Transportation:
- FREE: Schedule an Energy Coach Session session for yourself, your partner, or a loved one! Bob can help to better understand energy usage, reduce drafts, and increase the overall health and safety of a home. You will learn the root cause of any building problems you may be experiencing, and how to make improvements based on your needs and budget.
- $: Upgrade your lighting! Upgrading lighting is a low-cost way to save energy and money in your home whether you own or rent. In comparison to conventional lighting options (such as incandescents, fluorescents, and halogens), energy-efficient light bulbs use less energy, cost less to operate, and can last up to 25 years longer, according to NYSERDA.
- $$: Switch to a smart thermostat! A smart thermostat is a Wi-Fi-enabled device that automatically adjusts heating and cooling temperature settings in your home for optimal performance. With a smart thermostat, you can control your heating and cooling when you are away, allowing you to track insights on your home. Smart thermostats learn your temperature preferences and establish a schedule that automatically adjusts to energy-saving temperatures when you are asleep or away. (EnergyStar)
- $$$: For safer and more efficient cooking, get rid of your gas stove top and switch to induction. Removing propane or natural gas from your cooking allows you to breathe healthier air while you make delicious food. If you’ve already made the switch and are looking for new pots and pants, check out these recommendations.
- $$$$: If you’re going BIG this holiday season, check out ev.bedford2030.org to see how different cars affect the environment and your wallet! Or if you aren’t there quite yet, get your home EV ready with a 220V outlet in your garage. Contact a local electrician to determine the next steps!
Rooted Solutions:
- FREE: Volunteer with a loved one- Bedford Vine Cutters will teach you how to remove invasive vines from the local canopy. Feel good about giving back!
- $: Plant a tree, and give the gift of a healthier environment! Check out this list of native plants, local nurseries, and more resources for a healthy yard
- $$: Purchase a Compost bin or starter set from us (at cost): Come to the Bedford 2030 office (make an appointment by emailing us) and purchase a compost kit for $30, which includes 2 rolls of compostable bags and two bins: 1 small bin (1.6 gallons) for inside your kitchen and 1 large caddy (6 gallons) with a lockable lid to leave in your garage or outside. Email us to make an appointment.
- $$$: Ditch your fossil fuel-powered lawn equipment and go electric! Electric lawn equipment is healthier for you, reduces noise pollution, and is often cheaper to run.
- $$$$: Jumpstart reforestation using the Miyawaki method, on a private or (approved) public property. Miyawaki forests are biodiverse, native, small scale forests that rapidly establish full, functioning ecosystems. This nature-based climate solution sequesters carbon, mitigates heat and flooding, benefits wildlife, cleans air and water and increases cooling, biodiversity and resilience.
No matter what you choose, do your best to avoid unnecessary packaging and plastics, and try to reuse materials you already have for more personalized wrapping ideas.
Remember to sort garbage, recyclables, and reusables as you unwrap presents. Plastic bags and other plastic films from your presents can be recycled at the grocery store- Look for a specific bin just for plastic films.
And the best gift of all-, donate to a cause your loved ones believe in (ahem, Bedford 2030 is a great choice!).
Happy holidays from Bedford 2030!