“As we celebrate the holiday season, the annual Gift Outside the Box campaign is a reminder that we can show love and generosity while also caring for our planet,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “By choosing greener gifts, supporting local businesses and reducing waste, we make a meaningful impact on the environment and our community. Small changes add up, and together, we can create a more sustainable future—one thoughtful gift at a time.” 

The annual Gift Outside the Box campaign brings together County agencies and community organizations to promote environmentally friendly gift-giving. The campaign focuses on five areas:  

• Buy Local: When you visit County businesses and purchase gifts made locally, you are helping to improve our area’s economy, support jobs and reduce fuel consumption.  
• Gift Experiences: Some of the best gifts are those that bring families and friends together and allow new experiences. Gift classes, workshops, event tickets and experiences.  
• Gift Greener: Gifting green means considering the environmental impact of both what you buy and how you buy it. When shopping online, plan ahead to minimize delivery trips and reduce packaging. 
• Give Back: Donate to local charities in the name of a family member or friend or consider setting aside time to spend with loved ones by volunteering together.  
• Reduce, Reuse and Recycle: Reduce waste by choosing gifts made from recycled or reused materials, regifting unused items from last year and recycling wrapping paper.  

DEP staff will be handing out free reusable bags and offering lightbulb exchanges at the following locations:  

• 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7. Westfield Wheaton Mall  
• 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15.  Westfield Montgomery Mall 

“In a world where every choice we make has an impact, the Gift Outside the Box campaign is not just about the present,” said DEP Director Jon Monger. “It is a statement about our commitment to a more sustainable future. Every action we take makes a difference. The Gift Outside the Box campaign gives us the opportunity to challenge the way we give gifts while expressing our love and care for recipients, local businesses and the environment.” 

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, household waste in the U.S. increases an average of 25 percent between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. Wrapping paper, decorations, packaging and leftover food (and sometimes even gifts) often last only a short time and end up in the waste stream.  

DEP is encouraging everyone to share their “green” holiday gift ideas on social media via Facebook, X and Instagram by using the hashtag #GiftGreener. Subscribe to My Green Montgomery for news and updates for living a green life in Montgomery County. Follow DEP on Facebook, Instagram and X.