Dec 082007
If you think about it Christmas is a time for many things, not the least of which is the tremendous 
amount of resources we consume. It’s as if this is the big hoopla capping off a year of mindless consumerism.
Not that we should abolish Christmas, although every year I say I’m going to opt out and only participate in the mistletoe & “good will towards my fellow man” sort of things. But we can do Christmas more sensibly and if we really try.. use this as an opportunity to make the planet a little better & a little healthier place.
Here’s a few thoughts:
- Tackle the wrapping paper debacle. Now wrapping paper, in addition to hiding what’s in the box also transforms the box into a holiday decoration under the tree. Well, I’m no Martha Stewart but if there’s another kind of colorful paper just laying around see if it’s decent enough to use instead (a Washington Post Article recommends old magazines & the pages of old books..). My take on this is, let’s get real, you don’t want the area under the tree to look like the recycle bin. If you don’t have some decent used paper get some cardboard holiday gift boxes instead and reuse them year after year. You might have to do minor repairs or add some bows or whatever to keep them looking bright years from now but just think of all the paper, inks etc you’ll not consume (or garbage you won’t have to toss out) over the years.
- Homemade tree ornaments. Kids do these best. Make sure they date them and you’ll find that over the years they become more and more beautiful & dear to you.
- Get a real tree.
- Use less lights if possible and put them on a timer.
- Buy gifts that are not “stuff”..things such as a class, a trip or tickets to a play or something. Granted these consume some resources but they’re done in groups so the resources are used efficiently and there’s no factory building something, no truck shipping something and no landfill that will eventually be filled with something.
- Give the gift of food. Just make sure it’s excellent quality and will be enjoyed by the person receiving the gift. The gift I remember from a kid is my Aunt Dot’s Cookies (she’d stop by the house and drop off a gift tin for each of us every year). This is something I remember fondly. And actually, this is a perfect time to introduce someone to organic baking.
- Get involved in an activity that helps others, makes others laugh or feel loved or maybe even help break down a wall of prejudice & hate… You’ve done things to help the planet, just don’t forget about your fellow man as well.
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