Raise Funds. Raise Awareness

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If your library holds fundraisers, you may want to consider having your next one be a green fundraiser. Initially marketed to schools, churches, charities, and sport teams, there is no reason libraries can’t join the bandwagon.

What differentiates a green fundraiser from a conventional one? Right off the bat, I can think of three ways:

1. It’s earth-friendly in every way including its marketing and promotional materials.
2. If food is involved, local in-season fare is the headliner.
3. There is no significant nonrecyclable garbage trail after the event.

The ideas for holding a green fundraiser are almost endless.

Examples of some of the items that can be sold or auctioned at a green fundraiser for your library include:

• rain barrels;
• fair-trade coffees, teas, and chocolates;
• reusable shopping bags and coolers;
• small evergreen trees or flower bulbs;
• heirloom seeds and plants;
• home-baked organic breads and desserts;
• soy candles;
• organic table linens and napkins;
• gift baskets geared to the health-minded home cook;
• private cooking classes featuring local, seasonal ingredients;
• gift certificates for a green home-cleaning service;
• a share in a CSA (community-supported agriculture) farm.

If you prefer not to sell merchandise, you may want to consider inviting a well-known green speaker and/or author to a meet-and-mingle soiree.

Whatever direction you decide to go, remember to keep it simple and invite as many environmentally friendly groups as possible from your community. They may be interested in partnering or attending.

I say go for the two-fer. Raise funds and raise awareness at the same time.