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Gifting the Environment

By Audubon Nature Institute
When one year ends and another begins , many people take a moment to evaluate what they did or didn ’ t do . Too much virtual time and not enough gym time ? Enjoyed too many slices of king cake and not enough glasses of water ? Maybe you want to see and do more good in the world .
You can take steps in your everyday life during the holidays and beyond to make a positive change in our community and the broader world .
Consider the environment when gifts this year . Look for eco-friendly items , including those made with recycled or upcycled materials , which are locally produced or are sourced through fair trade . Your local farmers market is a great place to find unique items — so are craft fairs , local nurseries and locally owned stores . Doing your best to shop local cuts down on shipping materials , gas consumption for deliveries , and also gives and boosts the local economy a boost !
Gifts of experiences can last longer than just the holidays . Make a donation to a favorite charity , or “ adopt ” an animal through Audubon . Gift memberships to a favorite museum , event or activity are memory makers for all ages . Audubon Nature Institute has gift memberships available for your family and friends who enjoy learning about animals and the environment . Audubon members will be among the first to explore the newly remodeled Audubon Aquarium and Audubon Insectarium when they open next summer !
Holiday lights are a big part of the season for many — those colorful and twinkly lights make
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