'Gift Outside The Box' Challenges MoCo Residents To Gift Greener

BETHESDA, MD — Montgomery County officials are challenging residents to "gift greener" this holiday season as part of the region's third annual "Gift Outside the Box" campaign.

The campaign, which kicked off Friday, focuses on five areas where residents can learn how to gift in a more environmentally-friendly way.

"This time of year, we are all flooded with messages about how and where we should spend our money on gifts," said Montgomery County's Department of Environmental Protection Director Ortiz, "and most of those ads are focused on one theme: buy more stuff. The County is trying to turn that on its head and use our campaign to inspire our residents to give differently."

Here are five ways residents can lower their environmental impact, according to county officials:

• Buy local: Support County businesses and purchase locally made products. Look for the "MoCo Made" label.
• Gift experiences: No need for a box when the gift features event tickets, Montgomery Recreation classes, music lessons and time in nature and parks.
• Gift greener: New items still are the choice of many gift givers, but they are encouraged to think green, with gifts such as reusable water bottles or smart thermostats.
• Give back: Among the most appreciated gifts are donations to a local charity or setting aside time to spend with friends and family by volunteering together.
• Reduce, reuse and recycle: Reduce waste by buying gifts made from recycled or reused materials. For all gifts, minimize wrapping.