by Jennifer Lefebvre

These days, almost everyone is trying to make a conscious effort to “go green.”  Those efforts may include recycling, carpooling, using less paper, less water, less plastic; thankfully, the list is vast and goes on and on.  However, sometimes many of us tend to forget that going green encompasses every aspect of our lives – including gift giving.  If you’re shopping for a gift, why not consider something that is eco-friendly?    Living a green lifestyle or giving a green gift doesn’t mean you have to compromise on the quality of a gift or the price you’d hope to pay.   Many new eco-friendly products are being created and introduced to the consumer market every day.  Some may cater to the practical person on your list while others may appeal to the fun-loving person.  No matter the reason or to whom you choose to give, these items have a common goal in mind:  helping promote the “going green” lifestyle.
Shopping for an environmentally friendly gift has become a whole lot easier than it once was.  Below are some ideas and websites to check out.  If you’re still looking for something special, simply type “eco-friendly gifts” into your search engine and a world of possibility pops up.

1. Global Goods Partners:  www.globalgoodspartners.org  – Help the environment and promote market opportunities for economically marginalized women across the world!  Global Goods Partners is a fair-trade, not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to reducing poverty and promoting social justice by strengthening women-led development initiatives for marginalized communities in Asia, Africa, and the Americas.  Artisans in these countries are not able to easily access the global marketplace and succeed in economic growth. Through their online store, Global Goods Partners provides direct access to new markets for their partners’ handcrafted products, often providing the only means of revenue in their communities.  Eco-friendly items include bags, jewelry, home décor, and clothing.

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by Ashley Adams

Are you thinking about putting in new floors, buying new furniture, or switching to wood for any other item in your home? Purchasing products crafted from reclaimed wood is one way to dress up your home without negatively impacting the environment.  There are many companies that specialize in reclaimed wood which includes wood that is no longer suitable in its current state and turned it into something functional.

For example, Centennial Woods uses old snow fences from Wyoming to create beautiful interior and exterior home products.  This company has been able to repurpose over five million feet of snow fence that would otherwise have gone to waste. The company approximates that it has been able to save 9,000 tons of CO2 emissions. Centennial Woods’ products also feature all natural and untreated wood meaning there isn’t “offgassing” once installed. Companies such as Centennial Woods benefit the natural environment and create a healthier indoor environment for consumers.

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by Jessica Stasiw

“Being green” starts at home. From the items you throw into the trash, to the amount of time you spend in the shower, it all adds up to an increased overall carbon footprint. Gas is one thing that is constantly a hot button topic for discussion in regards to the environment. With daily commutes to work and school, lately it seems better for everyone, especially the environment, to just stay home. If you’re interested in returning to school, however, there are eco-friendly ways of doing so, the most obvious one being attending an online school.

There are several eco-benefits to going to school online starting with the consumption of gas…there is none. Fuel emissions from time spent in traffic can have hazardous impacts on the environment and are multiplied when there is nobody with whom to carpool.  With an online school there is no traffic, no gas being consumed by your car on the way to school, and less overall environmental impact since the school is not required to maintain brick and mortar classrooms which require lighting, heating and cooling, and maintenance. E-learning can be considerably less carbon-intensive than conventional brick and mortar-based coursework. Convenience is also an appealing reason to attend an online school.

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by James May and Jennifer Lefebvre

EVP1000 Pickup Truck

In February 2009, American Public University System (APUS) purchased two electric vehicles (EVs) for transporting people, equipment, mail, and supplies across the university’s Charles Town, West Virginia campus.  Using EVs at APUS will aid in fulfilling the school’s commitment to the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) by providing fuel efficient transportation around campus and reducing CO2 and other harmful emissions created when using traditional vehicles.  Prior to purchasing the EVs, employees used their personal vehicles to move goods and mail around the organization.

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by Beth Gray

The National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) is a great resource for anyone in higher education.  In 2009, NACUBO teamed with Second Nature to publish a book titled, Boldly Sustainable: Hope and Opportunity for Higher Education in the Age of Climate Change.  The book, written by Second Nature leaders Peter Bardaglio and Andrea Putnam, is a must-read for anyone interested in the issue of climate change as it relates to higher education.  Virtually every aspect of the higher education environment is addressed from the perspective of climate change.  From sustainable business models to greening dining halls and dormitories, the authors have managed to create a veritable encyclopedia of sustainability for higher education leaders interested in sustainability.  In September 2009, American Public University System’s (APUS) President, Wallace Boston, Jr., published a thorough review of Boldly Sustainable on his blog.  I encourage you to read President Boston’s thoughts on the work and take a look at Bardaglio and Putnam’s book for yourself.  I am sure that you will find it worthwhile.