less traditional, more sustainable
ah, christmas gifts. we fret, we panic, we overspend, and we regret. avoid the traditional christmas gift grief cycle by buying sustainable this year! sustainable gifts can be thrifty, thoughtful, and creative, so don’t think you’ll be stuck buying everyone on your list a backyard compost bin (although some people might enjoy that, too!).
give the gift of quality time and use your christmas dollars to support local, sustainable cuisine. most cities have at least one restaurant that focuses on using local organic ingredients. give a gift certificate for one of these restaurants to any couple you know for a nice holiday treat of quality time. for an extra wow factor (with no extra money involved), volunteer to babysit the night the certificate is used!
give the gift of compassion and make a charitable donation in someone’s name. i actually did this as a “secret santa” when i was in college. i was a little nervous about it at first, seeing as how most people got some pretty cool stuff. when it came time for me to reveal the gift, everyone loved the idea, especially the person whose name was on the donation slip! you’d be surprised how many people are happy to forgo the usual plastic junk to know that they helped someone in need.
give the gift of happy memories and find a new way to share your family’s trusted and loved recipes. it’s easy to find a store that will bind your favorite recipes (once you type them up), or try a recipe box made from upcycled materials. what could be a more appropriate holiday gift than gramma’s recipe for pecan pie?
if none of these seem to fit your family’s wish list, consider the following options:
1) Sony’s Daily Reader or an Amazon Kindle, both download books to read electronically at your fingertips without the paper, ink, and shipping of traditional books.
2) a reusable lunch kit, for anyone who has to eat away from home (and who doesn’t occasionally?). these are great for kids and adults, and the link leads you to a site where the lunch kits can be customized to fit any personality and are made from repurposed antique materials.
3) a new shower head that delivers great pressure and uses less water. i don’t know anyone who doesn’t enjoy a really great, hot shower. this would truly be the gift that keeps giving (and saving) all year round!
