Question: My dad is a big golfer and into gadgets. Any gift suggestions for Father’s Day? What should I consider?
Given the 100 million golf balls that are lost in rivers, lakes, streams and forests every year, you'd be doing him — and Mother Nature — a favor by treating him to returnable golf balls. A few companies make products now that would be good choices.
Dixon has developed a ball made with a biodegradable polymer (rather than conventional compounds like titanium and urethane) that will decompose in water and leave no residue behind. Better yet, each Dixon package includes a return mail pouch so you or your Dad can easily recycle old balls for new ones. Eco Golf Balls is another choice that degrades quickly in water (plus, you can still return Eco Golf Balls to Dixon, though you'll have to supply your own mailing envelope). Wilson Eco-core golf balls are molded around recycled rubber tires, though they don't biodegrade. You can personalize any of these balls with your Dad’s name or a “Love, Me” message. Bonus: All brands come in recyclable packaging made from recycled materials. For a complete golf package, check out these links to biodegradable golf bags and clothing made from recycled and organic fibers.
For the gadget geek in your dad, how about a hand-cranked radio? One option is Freeplay’s Summit Handcranked Radio. It's compact enough to stash in his golf cart while he's making the rounds, and can be solar powered if he'd rather focus on his swing than on his tunes.
What are your go-to green gifts for Dad? Share 'em below!
Diane MacEachern is the author of Big Green Purse: Use Your Spending Power to Create a Cleaner, Greener World, and a popular blog, Big Green Purse.
EARTH MONTH
I am not convinced that the world needs recyclable golf balls. What harm do the golf balls do the general environment and more specifically to the water traps on a golf course? I must be missing something.