Gift Ideas from DNREC That Get Recipients Outdoors, Benefit the Environment
Monday, December 22, 2014
DOVER DELAWARE(Dec. 19, 2014) – Looking for that perfect gift that benefits the environment as well as pleasing the recipient? Stumped on what to get for that outdoor enthusiast on your gift list? Here are a few suggestions for you from throughout the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.
DNREC Public Affairs: Give that outdoor enthusiast or nature lover on your list a subscription to Outdoor Delaware. Gift price range: $8 for one year, $15 for two years and $20 for three years. For more information, please call 302-739-9902.
Division of Air Quality: Give the gift of cleaner air through reduced automobile emissions via gifts ranging from a new commuter bicycle to public transportation passes (www.dart.org/fares/fares) to oil change gift certificates from your local garage. Or, if a new car is on someone’s wish list, consider a zero-emissions electric vehicle. Gift price range: $10 and up.
Division of Energy and Climate: Give the gift of light – LED light bulbs, widely available in most stores. Recipients will save money, use less energy and contribute to a cleaner environment. Gift price range: $10-$25.
Division of Fish & Wildlife: Give your favorite waterfowler a limited edition Delaware Waterfowl Stamp print; for availability, call 302-739-9918. For a winter/spring season hunter, pick up a 2014-2015 hunting license, good through June 30, 2015. For anglers, create a gift card-style note, letting your recipient know they will receive the gift of a 2015 fishing license after New Year’s Day, when the new licenses go on sale. For hunters, anglers, boaters and other outdoor enthusiasts, consider hunting or fishing supplies, a good pair of binoculars or camera, backpack, life jackets and boating supplies, hiking shoes or boots and other outdoor clothing. Gift price range: As low as you want to go … or the sky’s the limit.
Division of Parks & Recreation: Give a gift that lasts all year long – an annual Delaware State Parks pass good for admission to all state parks. Available for purchase from state park offices, DNREC’s Dover licensing desk in the Richardson & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, and online at www.destateparks.com/fees/passes; surf tags, military passes and more also available. Gift price range for annual passes: $27 for residents, $12 for residents age 62 and older.
Looking for something extra special? Consider a spa getaway package at the Cottages at Indian River Marina. Details online atwww.destateparks.com/programs/spa.
Division of Waste and Hazardous Substances: Give a gift that keeps trash out of landfills, such as a backyard or countertop composter, or a product made from recycled plastics, such as a fleece jacket or backpack, or reusable shopping bags. Gift price range: $3 and up.
Division of Water: Give the gift of healthy drinking water – water filter systems range from refrigerator-ready filter pitchers to faucet attachments to whole house systems. In addition to health benefits, recipients also will save money and produce less trash by eliminating bottled water from their grocery lists. For another water- and money-saving idea, consider faucet aerators and low-flow showerheads. Gift price range: $20 and up.
Division of Watershed Stewardship: Give your favorite gardener a book about native plants, composting or natural fertilizers. Or choose a rain barrel to store rainwater for watering the garden, washing cars and other outdoor uses. Gift price range: $10 and up.
For more gift ideas, please browse DNREC’s online Nature Store items at www.shop.delaware.gov.