Eco-Friendly Gift Guide

by Madeline Palaszewski

It feels good to give and it feels even better to give sustainably. Whether you’re searching for a holiday, birthday or a “just because” gift, there is a wide array of eco-friendly gift ideas for everyone on your list.

1) Zero Waste Kit: For the ecoconscious friend in your life that’s trying to live a more sustainable lifestyle. 2) Vases: Made from recycled glass or decorative pieces made from recycled materials. 3) Composting Bin: A little bin that goes a long way into minimizing the amount of garbage that ends up in the landfill. 4) Jackets and Vests: Look for companies that make jackets and outerwear from recycled material. 5) Skin Care Products: Search for companies who produce skin care products with natural and organic ingedients. 6) Solar powered phone charger. 7) Clothing: Shop for clothes at consignment stores where the quality is usually quite good. 8) Thermal travel mug. 9) Shoes: More and more manufacturers are making shoes out of natural and recycled materials. 10) Cork Planters: These are not only beautiful; they’re also biodegradable and recyclable! 11) Metal Razors: Old fashioned razors that don’t end up in the landfill. 12) Stocking stuffer ideas include: Floss picks made of biodegradable corn starch; stainless steel or silicone straws; To Go utensil kit, and plantable colored pencils!

It’s easy to shop with sustainability in mind. Search on the internet for companies who make sustainability a priority; the list gets larger every day. Also, be sure to keep packaging to a minimum and support companies who use eco-friendly packaging. Happy green gift giving!

give Ron and Peggy Carlock have rich family histories in retail here on the Central Coast. Ron’s family owned several well Plants as Gifts! known bakeries in Arroyo Grande and Pismo Beach and Peggy’s family owned grocery stores here in the area before the “big box” stores moved in. 1972 was a significant year for both Ron and Peggy. They both graduated from Cal Poly and got married that same year. Ron has a degree in Horticulture and Peggy a degree in Liberal Arts. She recently retired after teaching 50 years in elementary school for the Lucia Mar School District. Out of gift ideas? Nothing is more sustainable than a plant which you can take care of and watch grow for many years to come. If you’re buying a gift for someone with a green thumb, it’s a good idea to get them a house plant or some accessories they can use around the garden such as tools, watering cans or similar items. You could also get your friends who want to go into gardening a planting kit for their garden which they Ron remembers working in his family home garden and discovered a love of can use to grow their own vegetables, flowers, or plants. gardening at the age of 16. He got his first job and worked for Chapman’s Nursery in 1966. In 1983, Ron’s Nursery opened up at it’s first location on 13th St. in Grover Beach across from Okui’s Fruit Stand next to their large strawberry field. After 28 years, they endured a few “bumps”and eventually moved to Arroyo Grande in it’s new and best location on Halcyon at the General Store. Ron is grateful for his new location and says, “It’s my favorite spot.” He continues, “the field across our new location was planted with strawberries coming full circle back to having strawberries across the way.” When you come to visit the new location at 936 S. Halcyon Rd., you will know exactly what he means. It’s an inspiring haven and a retreat. One customer exclaimed, “I am moving in and going to set up my bed over there in the corner!”

Ron’s Nursery Home & Garden at the Halcyon General Store 936 South Halcyon Road

Halcyon, CA 93420 • (805) 489-4747 Open 7 days a week from 10am to 3pm