"I am sending this e-mail out in hopes that you will assist us in spreading the word about a really great program that supports local businesses and organizations as well as our environment. The Waste Free Holidays program is a regional partnership between Thurston, King, and Kitsap counties, and the cities of Tacoma and Seattle. Businesses and organizations from those areas provide discounts of 15-50% on an experience or service gift. The program runs from November 15 - December 31, 2007 and all participants' information is posted on www.wastefreeholidays.com.

This program encourages people to purchase "experiences instead of stuff" to reduce the amount of garbage (specifically packaging waste) produced over the holidays. These discounted gifts include gift certificates to restaurants, performing arts tickets, massages, salon services, gym memberships, farm shares, car washes and much more. We currently have 65 businesses and organizations participating in Thurston County alone. Residents can also take advantage of discounts offered in other counties participating in the program.

So visit www.wastefreeholidays.com and get some great ideas for your holiday shopping list this year.
This is a message from Terri Thomas, the administrator of Thurston County Reusable Materials Exchange. "