November 12, 2019

Montgomery County DEP Readies Annual ‘Gift Outside the Box’ Campaign

Montgomery County’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is partnering with County agencies and organizations for the third consecutive year to provide residents with ways to green their holiday giving with “Gift Outside the Box.”

County Executive Marc Elrich and partner agencies will help kick off the campaign on Friday, Nov.15, at an event from noon-3 p.m. at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore at 1029 East Gude Dr. in Rockville. Formal ceremonies for the launch are scheduled for 1 p.m. The date also is celebrated nationally as “America Recycles Day.”

Gift Outside the Box focuses on five areas where residents can learn ways to gift in a more environmentally responsible way.
  • Buy local: Support County businesses and purchase locally made products. Look for the “MoCo Made” label.
  • Gift experiences: No need for a box when the gift features event tickets, Montgomery Recreation classes, music lessons and time in nature and parks.
  • Gift greener: New items still are the choice of many gift givers, but they are encouraged to think green, with gifts such as reusable water bottles or smart thermostats.
  • Give back: Among the most appreciated gifts are donations to a local charity or setting aside time to spend with friends and family by volunteering together.
  • Reduce, reuse and recycle: Reduce waste by buying gifts made from recycled or reused materials. For all gifts, minimize wrapping.
More information about the most sustainable ways to give for the holidays is available at the Gift Outside the Box website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/dep/gift-greener.html.