Gifts That Give Back!

My family is slowly beginning to understand my desire to be a socially conscious consumer and it shows in the gifts I received this year!

I'm a gadget geek and the number one gift on my list this year was an iPod touch.  Not only do I love Apple's intuitive designs and cutting edge technology, but I wholly support their mission to report the environmental impact of their products in a comprehensive manner. I can easily pull up the CO2 emissions created in the manufacture of my iPod and offset accordingly. My iPod is highly recyclable when it reaches it's end of life, has a mercury free display, is PVC free and is made with power-efficient components.  On top of all that, my family gave me a Novothink Surge hybrid solar charger. Not only are these great gadgets, but they reflect a definite focus on respecting the environment on behalf of Apple and Novothink.

Another socially responsible gadget I received this year was a teeny tiny camcorder.  Not only is the Flip Mino HD a hip little gadget, but they have this amazing program called "Flip for Good".  In conjunction with Cafe Press, they've created a crazy variety of designs that can be printed on your Flip in order to support one of 17 different non-profit charities. A portion of the proceeds from my flip ($10USD) will support "Go Campaign" work for orphaned and vulnerable children around the world. Now THAT is something I can really feel good about.

It's easy to find socially responsible and earth friendly gifts that your family will love.  Every choice we make can have a positive impact.

Would you like to share your story about a socially responsible gift you gave or recieved this year? I'd love to hear from you.  Please leave a comment below or connect with us on twitter.

Four Fun Facts About Recycling (That Just Might Surprise You)!

I've heard a lot of statistics this year about recycling and some of them are outright jaw dropping.  Here are a few that stand out:

1. An aluminum can that ends up in a landfill site will still be an aluminum can 500 years from now. Recycling that very same aluminum can save enough energy to power a TV for 3 to 4 hours. Wow.


2. If all Americans recycled just 1/10th of their newspapers, it would save 25,000,000 trees a year. No kidding.

3. 4000 years.  That's the minimum length of time it takes for a modern glass bottle to decompose.  The energy saved by recycling that same glass bottle can power a 100 watt bulb for 4 hours.

4. 38 Million.  That's a very low estimate of the number of disposable water bottles that North Americans use each year--most of which end up in landfill where it can take up to 700 years for them to decompose. Recycling just five 2L PET bottles makes enough fiberfill to stuff a ski jacket. It's not hard to see that recycling is the better solution.

Have you read any fun recycling facts you would like to share? Please feel free to leave a comment or to connect with me on twitter.