If your office has a gift exchange, consider some gift alternatives that would either promote the reduction of consumption or support local families. Here are some ideas;
Consider ‘adopting’ a family. Instead of gifts for employees, consider purchasing gifts for one or more local families. Through homeless shelters and family support non profits, organizations can easily find a family in their area.
Purchase ‘experience’ gifts. Rather than purchase a tangible item, consider giving gifts that are more experiences such as movie tickets, dinner gift certificates, guided hike tours, or other local services.
Fair Trade and Local. If your office still wants to do a gift exchange, promote fair trade and/or local products.
Who knew that a simple Google search related to water usage? Well the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) examined the relationship between water and energy and showed just how much a Google search requires.
In their report, “Where Water Meets Watts”, they cite that a single Google search requires a half a milliliter of water in energy. With over 300 million searches worldwide that adds up to over 150,000 liters of water per day to produce enough electrical power.
The IEEE also developed an interactive map that shows the relationship between energy and water and how it relates to each communities supply. The map shows population access to clean water and electricity along with the prognosis provided by IEEE. It hopes the map will encourage global awareness of the situation of water and energy use.
To calculate and learn more about your water consumption habits visit Water Footprint.
If you haven’t seen this video produced by Annie Leonard, it is a must see! An engaging and interesting short video on the life cycle impact of consumption and stuff. A great video to include in sustainability training for employees or to launch your sustainability program.
Eco-Living, Holidays | eco-officiency December 6, 2010 | 
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