Oftentimes when we give, we take away valuable gifts from the environment, people, and from our local economies. During this season of giving, let’s gift ourselves and others a sustainable future. This season, instead of giving by taking, give and be socially responsible, environmentally sound, and economically smart.
Here are some of our ideas for celebrating sustainably – we’d love to hear yours!
-> Instead of buying some thing for a gift, invest in an excursion or experience:
- passes or memberships to museums, parks, zoos and aquariums, gyms or pools or rec centers, climbing gyms, spas and hot springs, campgrounds, or entries in running or bike races.
- season tickets to the civic theater
-> Give a handmade or homegrown gift: a recipe book, baked goods, homemade meals, or homemade jams or pickles.
-> Give your talents to teach or coach
-> Give gifts that encourage sustainable habits.
- Reusable water bottles (like the one at the right, from Liberty bottles, made of 100% recycled aluminum and made in U.S.A.!)
- Help your bike-commuting friends and family keep up the habit over the colder months: under helmet ear-warmers, face masks, riding pants, shoe covers will be greatly appreciated!
- Anything that assists your bicycle riding friends in enduring these long winters. Under helmet ear-warmers, face masks, riding pants, shoe covers, etc. would be greatly appreciated!
November 30, 2013 is Small Business Saturday!
- Buying from local artisans and local businesses supports your community.
- Purchase gift certificates from local businesses such as massages, restaurants, or other experiences.
The 12 Re’s of the Holidays
- Reduce your carbon footprint
- Reuse your holiday ornaments and decorations
- Recycle any materials you cannot reuse when the holiday is over.
- Rethink what the holidays are all about.
- Resist all the hype and advertising telling you that the only way to have a happy holiday is to purchase it through the latest gadget or fad.
- Reignite your creativity by giving a unique gift that only you can give
- Reconnect to your cultural heritage by spending an evening recollecting the stories and celebrating the richness of the cultural traditions you grew up with
- Reenergize the holiday by creating your own new traditions and memories to share with family and friends and pass on from one generation to the next.
- Reaffirm yours, and your friend’s and family’s, commitment to and connection with the well-being of others by giving the gift of philanthropy in the form of a donation to a local, national, or international charity in their honor.
- Restore your faith in the common good of humanity by joining family and friends in volunteering for a local charity or service project.
- Rekindle the joy and wonder you felt as a child anticipating the holidays by planning excursions and gatherings with friends and family of all ages to give you that sense of eager anticipation of the coming celebration.
- Rejoice in the spirit of the season and the contributions you have made to a sustainable future.
- Rethink regifting — regifting is sustainability in action!