Father's Day is right around the corner and you're probably starting to think about what to get the big guy for his special day. Rather than buying him yet another gaudy tie or cologne, how about giving him the gift of "quality time"—for example, by doing some chores for him. Your dad will appreciate your creativity and you can also help the environment, too!
1. Time to Chill
Help your dad get some chill time by offering to do things for him around the house. For example, you can surprise him on Father's Day morning by having weeded the lawn, cleaned out those mucky gutters, or washed the car, etc.
Or you can give him a few coupons for each chore and he can redeem them when he wants them done.
And remember to add a little environmental consciousness in all that you offer. For example, you can compost the weeds and gutter muck. And if you are going to wash the car, consider an automatic car wash; they have far greater environmental benefits:
1. A standard garden hose flows at 10 gallons of water every minute, whereas a self-serve car wash bay only uses around 15 gallons of water per wash and an in-bay car wash uses a total of 60 gallons during an entire wash.
2. Automatic car washes are typically connected to a sanitary sewer, in which the dirty water drains to a wastewater treatment plant. If you wash your car at home and there is no lawn or gravel area to absorb the water it's likely going into a local pond, lake, river, or ocean.
2. Quality Time With Dad
Plan and organize a day for you and your dad to enjoy his favorite activities. Whether it is a weekend camping trip or a day of golfing or fishing, your dad will appreciate quality time that he gets to spend with you doing what he loves.
While you're enjoying nature, be sure to be kind to it, too. Here are some tips for going green while camping:
1. Shop for sustainable camping gear. There are retailers that sell tents made from 100 percent recycled materials. (If weather permits, find sleeping bags made from 100 percent recycled materials or just go with the blankets you have at home).
2. Portable stoves are best for cooking, as open wood fires can be dangerous for campers and the surrounding environment.
3. Leave the campsite the way you found it, this includes cleaning up ALL trash, even if you used biodegradable materials.
3. Charitable Donation
If your dad lives far away or you don't think any of the above items mentioned would be suitable, donate to his favorite charity organization. These organizations often even provide a card to be printed that says you donated in his honor, that way you won't need to spend money or waste paper buying a greeting card.
If you decide on buying your dad something for Father's Day, shop sustainable brands.
Here are just a few:
- Bambeco sells sustainable home goods, including kitchen supplies, home décor, furniture, and outdoors items.
- Real Goods sells solar and renewable energy supplies, sustainable household goods, gardening materials, and more.
- Patagonia is an outdoor clothing and sport equipment provider that uses recycled polyester and organic cotton in their clothing. They also donate a portion of their profits to environmental groups around the world.