Week 48: I resolve to consider the environment this Christmas by buying eco- gifts or giving something non-material to my friends and family to reduce consumption and support sustainable production.
Date: 01-Dec-09
In the lead up to Christmas it's easy to get into a shopping frenzy. However, everything we buy represents an investment in energy and water as well as an output of greenhouse gases in production, transport and eventual disposal. There are lots of clever ways to give presents that show my friends, family and colleagues that I care for them and for the planet.
I can look for practical, quality items that serve a need and will last for a long time; buy items with less packaging; and buy products that can be recycled or reused. I can also choose gifts produced by companies that are working to reduce their impact on the environment.
I can also think outside the (gift) box for some unique ideas, such as:
- a satchel made from reused billboards for my partner,
- an immaterial, experiential gift for my sister like a massage or ticket to the theatre or ...day out with me,
- a good quality book from a second hand shop for my brother,
- a native tree - a gift that grows- for dad,
- beautiful organic skin care and fairtrade tea for mum,
- a fun wind-up torch or solar powered robot for the kids,
- homemade chocolate truffles as takeaway treats for my festive season guests,
- a charity donation to buy a goat for a family in rural Africa, made on behalf of my benevolent best friend and
- a cute reusable coffee cup or water bottle as my workplace Kris Kringle present.
To top it all off, I can use colourful reusable ONYA shopping bags (made from recycled PET bottles) as my new Christmas stockings. Having a Green Christmas has never been easier!
I can visit the following sites to buy these eco gift ideas and more:
www.planetarkdirect.com, www.onyabags.com.au, www.biome.com.au, www.fairtrade.com.au, www.oxfamunwrapped.com.au, wwf.org.au/shop/categories/adoptions, www.todae.com.au, www.ecodepot.com.au, www.neco.com.au, www.redballoondays.com.au, www.urbanboomerang.com.au, www.cambodiahouse.com.au, www.thedharmadoor.com.au or www.grok.com.au.
Commitment Statement
I resolve to consider the environment this Christmas by buying eco- gifts or giving something non-material to my friends and family to reduce consumption and support sustainable production.