Montgomery County Challenges Residents To "Gift Greener"

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD – Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett and the Department of Environmental Protection’s Acting Director Patty Bubar launched the County’s Gift Outside the Box holiday campaign on November 20. Other speakers included Executive Vice President of the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce Barbara Ashe and Director of Montgomery Parks Michael F. Riley.

The kick-off event took place at Pike & Rose located at 11920 Grand Avenue in North Bethesda. The DEP public awareness campaign aims to help residents make sustainable choices to reduce waste, support local businesses, and encourage volunteerism during the holiday season.

“This important holiday outreach effort challenges us to think about ways we can enjoy our holiday celebrations and reduce our impacts on the environment,” said Leggett. “I encourage all residents to ‘go greener’ the holiday season to protect our environment.”

The Gift Outside the Box campaign has five main themes:

• Give to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle: Reduce waste by buying gifts made from recycled or reused materials and minimizing wrapping.
• Gift Greener: Help the environment by greening how you buy and what you buy.
• Give Back: Instead of a traditional gift, donate to charity or volunteer with others.
• Gift Experiences: From theater tickets to Montgomery Parks classes, give your loved ones activities and experiences, instead of more stuff.
• Buy Local: Support county businesses and purchase locally made products.

“According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, household waste increases an average of 25% between Thanksgiving and New Year’s,” said Bubar. “Wrapping paper, decorations, packaging, and in many cases, the gifts we buy, can end up in the waste stream. We hope the Gift Outside the Box campaign inspires residents to rethink some of their gift choices, as well as, how they shop. The easiest first step is to bring your reusable bag when shopping for holiday gifts or supplies.”

The five Gift Outside the Box themes will be displayed on RideOn buses and in county buildings and featured on county social media and at events through the end of December. DEP has launched a Gift Outside of the Box web page, which provides a wide range of information and resources for residents looking to “green” the holidays.

Image via Pixabay.