I am someone who believes that we can all make a difference no matter how small, especially when it comes to Mother Earth. The simple act of carrying around a reusable mug can prevent 100’s of single use cups from ever being used. Image if we all carried around reusable mugs and coffee shops got to stop offering single use cups? I believe there is a quote out there somewhere that basically says that the small actions of many has the power to bring big change.

When I first decided to start The Local Gift Card I had a hard time accepting that I would be running a business that was based on a single use plastic item. I know that the purpose of The Local Gift Card is much bigger than the little plastic cards but it was still important for me to find a way to ensure our gift cards stayed out of the local landfill.
The solution was simple. I want them all back!
I want every gift card that ever goes out into the world from our program to come right back to us.
Why? Because I want those gift cards to be turned into park benches or maybe planters. Right now our used gift cards will become park benches but I am looking at a few other options that will hopefully result in our gift cards being given a second chance closer to home.

So if your gift card is empty please leave it at the last business where you used the card. That way I can make sure to get them all back. If you happen to take your gift card with you… no problem. Simply drop it off anywhere that accepts The Local Gift Card.
I realize that some people will need incentive to return a used gift card. That is way if you put your phone number on your used gift card it will be entered into a draw to win a new $25 gift card.
The bigger picture.
Collecting our gift cards definitely helps to ensure that less single use items end up in our landfills. But to help make a bigger impact The Local Gift Card will be collecting the used plastic gift cards of all our participating businesses too. Our program is designed to compliment not compete with a business’s own gift card program so many of our participating businesses have their own plastic gift cards. The Local Gift Card is excited to help prevent them from ending up in the landfill too!
April 22, 2022