What if you could do all of your holiday shopping in one day, under one roof, where everything you purchased was good for the body, mind, spirit and planet?
Imagine having delicious organic food to munch on throughout your shopping experience, knowing that part of the money you spent would be donated to charities fighting global poverty and supporting local education. Sound too good to be true? Welcome to the Eco Gift Festival 2008.
Eco Gift Festival, in its second year at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium December 12-14th, is the brainchild of founder Tommy Rosen. His inspiration for the event came from feeling frustrated at being unable to find “holiday gifts of lasting value†knowing many of his purchases were “destined to end up in a landfill in less than a year.â€
Furthermore, Rosen felt the holidays and the shopping experience ought to be a time of connection, rather than a stressful, disconnected event.
Rosen is a ten year veteran music festival producer, who was also the catalyst that brought together Victoria’s Secret and Andrea Bocelli, producing a CD that sold over 2 million copies in one of the largest music/retail industry promotions in history.
In 2005, he co-produced The California Tomorrow Festival as part of the United Nations’ World Environment Day in San Francisco. Tens of thousands attended the event and it became the pivotal experience in Rosen’s decision to help people make positive, healthful and sustainable lifestyle decisions.
This year’s show brings together over 200 eco-conscious companies in a festival atmosphere. The emphasis is on convenience and the enjoyment of the process of giving. The Festival features 3 days of live music, an organic food court, exceptional shopping and a world-class speaker series with Arianna Huffington as the keynote.
Gifts at the Festival run the gamut from solar-powered chargers for small electronics to plug-in speakers for your iPod that do not run on batteries. Cosmetic and skincare companies such as Josie Maran, Pangea Organica and Ascended Health feature products made with entirely organic ingredients.
Offerings also include elegant bags by Raecyclaments; internationally lauded designer clothing by Linda Loudermilk; collectible costume jewelry by Smart Glass; yoga clothing and accessories from Dali Mama, Yoga Works and Wai Lana and an extensive children’s gift section.
The show features state of the art waste management and is 93% recycled and composted. There will be free eco-gift wrapping and onsite shipping.
Be prepared to be inspired and surprised by the offerings and exhibitor discounts. The future of consumption is here — and these companies are at the forefront of what lies ahead.
A portion of Eco Gift’s proceeds will go to Global Green USA to green and improve Los Angeles’ schools.
Eco Gift Festival 2008, Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, December 12-14, 2008
For more information visit www.ecogift.com
