BENTONVILLE, Ark., Dec. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- More than two-thirds of consumers say giving "green" this Christmas is important according to a recent survey, while 68 percent believe that environmentally friendly gifts cost more(1). Giving "green" doesn't have to break the bank. This holiday season Wal-Mart makes it easier and more affordable to "go green" with eco-friendly stocking stuffers and helpful holiday tips.
"Filling stockings with unexpected and useful gifts that are better for the environment is a thoughtful and festive way to make a statement that you care for the recipient and the planet," said Matt Kistler, senior vice president of sustainability. "Consumers can take small steps to become more 'green' that can have a big impact on our planet, and it doesn't mean spending big. We believe that consumers shouldn't have to choose between products they can afford and environmentally friendly products."
Elizabeth Blake, senior style editor for ALL YOU, recommends the following environmentally conscious stocking stuffers from Wal-Mart:
-- Eagles' "Long Road Out of Eden": Give the gift of music with Eagles' newest CD, available only at Wal-Mart stores. The double-disc set is packaged in sustainable paper, minimizing the impact on forests. -- Bamboo socks: One of nature's most renewable resources, bamboo creates ultra-soft rayon. GEORGE(TM) bamboo socks absorb moisture and naturally fight odor. -- Organic coffee: An organic cup of coffee is the perfect way to welcome Christmas morning. A variety of organic and fair trade coffees and teas are available. -- Natural hair and skin products: Indulge with natural, good-for-you ingredients that will nourish head-to-toe. -- Organic fruit: Start Christmas morning with something naturally sweet -- organic fruit. It's a colorful, healthy addition to any stocking. -- Organic pajamas: Perfect for lounging in on Christmas morning, earth-friendly organic cotton pajamas are available for women and kids. -- Eco-Friendly Toothbrush: The Preserve toothbrush handle is constructed of 100 percent recycled plastic. Instead of throwing the used toothbrush away, it can be mailed back to the manufacturer to be recycled. -- Great Value compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL): CFLs use less energy and reduce energy bills, saving $31 in energy costs per bulb, so the recipient will save money, too. Wal-Mart's Great Value brand offers four bulbs for the price of three regularly priced name-brand bulbs.
"With more than 75 percent of American homes hanging stocking this year(1), eco-friendly stocking stuffers are an easy way to celebrate a 'green' Christmas," said Blake. "Stocking stuffers are one of the most cost effective ways to 'go green' and a great place to start because there are so many options."
Beyond stockings, there are other ways to make simple, environmentally wise choices this holiday season, including:
-- "Green" your holiday shopping trips by using reusable bags. Just one Wal-Mart reusable bag eliminates the need for 50 disposable bags over its lifetime. -- Deck the tree and your home with LED holiday lights, which use less energy than traditional lights. Use a light timer to control the amount of time lights burn, as well. -- When decorating your tree, take a cue from nature and make ornaments out of pine cones and garland out of popcorn. -- Stockings full of "green" items can go beyond the mantle to make great gifts for teachers, your mail deliverer, and hosts or hostesses. -- Giving gift cards is a great way to save on packaging and waste. -- To power up new holiday toys and electronics, use rechargeable batteries to minimize waste. -- When the holidays are over, recycle your Christmas tree. In many cities, trees can be ground into mulch that can be used in landscaping for your home or community. Also, consider a potted tree for your Christmas decor and plant it when the holidays come to an end.
All products are available at Wal-Mart stores. Select items can be found at http://www.walmart.com/. Images available at http://www.walmartfacts.com/articles/5550.aspx.
About Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Every week, millions of customers visit Wal-Mart Stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets, and Sam's Club locations across America. The company and its Foundation are committed to a philosophy of giving back locally. Wal-Mart is proud to support the causes that are important to customers and associates right in their own neighborhoods, and last year gave more than $270 million to local United States communities. To learn more, visit http://www.walmartfacts.com/, http://www.walmart.com/, or http://www.walmartfoundation.org/.
(1) Wal-Mart's study was conducted by StrategyOne, an independent research company, between November 30 and December 3, 2007. A total of 1000 surveys were completed via telephone among American adult consumers 18 years or older.
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