The Carmel Clay Public Library (CCPL) will host its 2025 Green Gift Shop event on Dec. 4 from 1:30 to 7 p.m. Luana Cacula, senior advisor for the CCPL’s Teen department, said the event centers around sustainability.

“It puts a focus on a sustainable perspective on local crafts and products,” Cacula said. “It is a fun way to show people how to get even more green about everything.”

Senior Kaia Starnino said the event had an important cause. 

“I am a firm advocate for preserving the environment daily through small actions and consistent efforts,” Starnino said. “From using reusable materials (water bottles, bags, etc.) to sorting waste (compost, recycling, garbage), I believe every action matters. Decreasing consumerism and combating overconsumption is also important, through purchasing secondhand and thrifted clothing.”

Starnino said there is a lack of present awareness regarding environmental challenges. 

Starnino said, “I think efforts should be made to increase public knowledge and educate the population on ways to ameliorate environmental problems. Efforts promoting environmental awareness now are somewhat effective—while they increase conscientiousness of present problems, they have less impact on those who lack prior knowledge of environmental systems and current challenges. I believe that messages and advocacy should be carried out with tact and strategy, so that individuals truly understand the gravity of environmental problems, from climate change and pollution to deforestation and resource depletion.”

Senior Miller Dutton said he agreed with Starnino and said raising awareness was crucial.

“Spreading awareness for sustainability is critical to the success of life on earth for human beings and all life generally,” Dutton said. “Without spreading awareness for the environment, we can’t alter our actions. When the general population is unaware of the effects of pollution or any ways of stopping it, how can we expect any positive change to occur? So, being informed about sustainability and what is required to maintain it is the first step to making our existence on this planet beneficial to all other life we share the earth with.”

Dutton said people can help the environment through everyday routines as well. 

“I support the environment by always recycling, which means knowing what can and can’t be recycled as well as the proper steps of cleaning recyclables before they’re put in the bin,” Dutton said. “Additionally, I drive an electric car, which reduces the carbon dioxide output of my transportation. I also make sure to keep my showers short and not to leave the water running whenever it doesn’t need to be. Really, it’s the simple things that just take a bit of extra effort that will make the difference because if everyone participates, the result will be a dramatic drop in carbon emissions and over-consumption of resources.”

Cacula said the CCPL has been increasing its efforts to raise awareness. 

“I think the library does a lot in its attempts to be sustainable,” Cacula said. “It is a very commendable effort. They do succeed in a lot of those fronts. This event showcases the local businesses and products that can help people get to that sustainability that they’re looking for.”

Dutton said the Green Gift Shop event holds a lot of significance, and said he encourages people to attend. 

“By attending environmental events, people will be able to understand the impact of their actions, both good and bad,” Dutton said. “It’s very empowering to learn about the positive change you can make over time by taking a few minutes a day to do what’s best for the world. Going to events that can help us make those steps towards sustainability can only be good in my mind.”

Cacula said she agreed with Dutton. 

“People should definitely attend,” Cacula said. “There is always something to gain from going, and it costs you nothing. You could just go and look around. It is just a lot of fun, especially if you like crafts and shopping.”