The holidays can be a tough time for anyone trying to live a “greener” lifestyle. Although thought lies behind gift giving, holiday parties, and decorating, it seems that perhaps there is less thought for the environment. Living Green Barrie is dreaming of a Greener Christmas and we have put together a list of gift giving ideas that will please the toughest person on your list to buy for, and the planet!
Nation-wide
1. The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) strives to protect the diversity of species in Canada, plants and animals alike. NCC has three unique ways to give a gift this year. You can send an e-card featuring iconic Canadian landscapes, mammals, or birds for $20.00 and your donation goes toward protecting natural habitat and the species that inhabit them. Also available are the “Adopting a Piece of Canada” or “Adopting a Species” options with your donation of $40.00 and up goes towards NCC conservation efforts. You can opt for the paperless choice. To see the details, visit the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s website.
Closer to Home
2. The Wye Marsh, located in Midland, Ontario has 3000 acres of wetlands and forest, and provides the opportunity to learn in nature with walking trails, educational programs and more. Their adoption program is perfect for the birders and reptile fans on your list! Adoptions range from $35.00-$1000.00 with Trumpeter Swans, Chickadees, Birds of Prey, Wild Birds, and mammals available for adoption. Your adoption comes with a certificate, information about your adopted species, and more. For more information, check out the Wye Marsh website. You may also consider giving a membership or unique experience to the nature lover in your family! Nature of Giving-Wye Marsh
3. The Barrie Native Friendship Centre has put out a “Reverse Advent Calendar” for their Hunger to Hope program. Instead of getting something everyday in December you give something every day that you can. Living Green Barrie is proud to be working with the Barrie Native Friendship Centre as part of our FruitShare program. Check out the BNFC Facebook Page to keep up with their current events! This event runs from December 1st-21st. Here is a list of what they are in need of this holiday season: 
Living Green Barrie Projects and our Sister Organization
4. Urban Pantry is Living Green Barrie’s sister organization. Between building community gardens, teaching food growing, and healthy living skills, the Urban Pantry encourages Barrie residents to participate in growing a sustainable food future. To learn more about Urban Pantry’s initiatives, visit the UP website. Their “GoodFood Box” which allows for healthy, affordable, and convenient eating, is only $17.00 a month and is now available as a gift called the “Pay it Forward” Box. Your donation will be shared with a social service agency who will provide the box for a local family in need this season. What a great giving idea!
5. FruitShare, GreenScreen, and coming soon…Tree Planting! We cannot forget to mention that Living Green Barrie is always looking for partners in our community to work with. If you are interested in sponsoring our GreenScreen program, FruitShare, or our new Tree Planting Projects, email us at info@livinggreen.com. Any and all donations are appreciated, whether you are sharing your expertise, time, or monetary donation! If you would like to donate to LivingGreenBarrie to support our programs, click the Donate tab on our website. If you are looking to volunteer your time and expertise, click the Get Involved tab on our website.
We hope this “green giving guide” has helped cross a few names off your list and encouraged you to go a little greener this holiday season. Although Barrie usually has plenty of snow for a white Christmas, we encourage you to set your sights beyond the snow this year and look towards a greener community of giving!