Support the Ballard economy and protect people and the environment at the same time!

Shop Local!
Did you know that every dollar spent in independent, locally owned businesses generates $3 for the community? In contrast, every dollar spent in large, national or international chain businesses leaves the community and never comes back... Choosing to shop with our local businesses keeps more jobs and income in our local economy. It also means less CO2 pollution and energy use in transportation. Almost always, what you find in locally owned stores is more unique and with local character.

Sustainable Ballard is excited to partner with Seattle Good Business Network in working to stregthen our local economy, by celebrating and raising awareness for Seattle’s unique blend of local, independent businesses with Seattle’s first-ever Gift Local pledge campaign. Participating is free, easy and rewarding! All you have to do is pledge here to spend some of your holiday gift money in at least three local businesses, and you get a Thank You packet with great deals, discounts and free goodies from local businesses!

Barter!
Find the most personable, unique, hand-made gifts for the people on your list without using any money at all, at the Sustainable Ballard Holiday Barter Fair 2012! The SB Holiday Barter is a great opportunity to share your talents with others in the community and take home some great sustainable holiday gift items. It falls just after Thanksgiving to start off the gifting season. Bring your homegrown or home-crafted items or gift certificates for home services such as baby-sitting, weeding or housecleaning. If you are bringing edible items, such as pickles, jams or chocolates, we encourage you to provide some samples.

This is a family event! Trading is informal and provide music, cookies, tea and hot cider. We'll also have a holiday crafts-making area. Start planning your offerings now!!

Buy Fair Trade!
Bring hope and opportunity to poor farmers and artisans around the world by buying Fair Trade. Our local Equal Exchange Espresso Bar has some of the best coffee around, chocolate bars, hot cocoa mix, and a variety of other unique gift ideas, all organic and Fair Trade! They will happily package them in a Fairly Traded basket to create a thoughtful and delicious gift!

Fair Trade basket with hot cocoa mix, chocolate bars, Tamari roasted almonds and the best tasting FT shade-grown organic coffee!

Fair Trade ensures farmers get a fair pay, supports farming cooperatives, and rewards environmentally-safe farming methods. </span>
For lots of beautiful and unique Fair Trade arts and crafts, jewelry and houseware check out the Ten Thousand Villages store at 6417 Roosevelt Way NE (corner of Roosevelt and 65th).

Give an experience, rather than a ‘thing’!
Gifts of experience save resources, don't take up space, and are often more memorable!

- Give a trip to the movies with a gift certificate to The Majestic Bay!

- Give relaxation with a gift certificate for a massage at Massage Heights!

- Give a gift certificate to your recipient’s (or your!) favorite Ballard restaurant!

- Mmmm... Fresh bread! Give a Tall Grass Bakery Prepaid Bread Card ($20 for $25 credit) to be cashed for organic fresh loaves at the bakery on 24th Ave.

Inspire!
Give a copy of the new book by Rob Hopkins, founder of the Transition movement:
The Transition Companion: Making Your Community More Resilient in Uncertain Times 

What if the best responses to peak oil and climate change don’t come from government, but from you and me and the people around us?
The Transition Companion will be the new core text of the Transition movement. Incorporating stories and lessons learned from TI’s around the world, it offers a new pattern-based way to view Transition, and inspiration for raising the movement to the next level.

Get the book for 20% off the regular price! SB got a case of these books from the publisher for a special low price so we are passing the discount on to you! Email Jenny if interested.