Here are some ways you can care for the earth as well as your family and friends.
by Rhonda Hill
he holiday season is here. Businesses are gearing up
for their busiest time of the year. Many stores make 75 percent of their
yearly revenue during this time, while others may operate only for the season
and take the rest of the year off. This is a time of increased burden on
the planet. More natural resources are taken over a shorter period time.
Fossil fuels are burned at a much higher rate, people are traveling and
food consumption is increased. Commercials bombard us. Billboards, junk
mail, and ads everywhere are saying "buy!, buy!, buy!".
Is this the true meaning of celebration? Is
this what these traditions were intended to be when they were started? I
think not. But the truth is, we can create whatever we want. We don't have
to get caught up in it all. In fact, we have a tremendous power to heal
and change things right now. If we choose to engage in the gift-giving traditions,
we can use our gifts to heal the planet, strengthen the local economy and
send a powerful message for change.
You might think it sounds too simple. The truth
is, it is very simple. Every dollar we spend is going to support the companies
and individuals responsible for creating those services, products and distribution
media. The dollar is a powerful tool for voting. We can use it wisely if
we choose to not support the toxic, polluting industries (like non-organic
cotton) that are a drain on our economy and the environment. If we support
companies that are creating positive change instead, all the better. The
following are a few recommendations.
For decoration ideas, you can wrap packages
in old fabrics, maps, posters, newspapers, magazines or junk mail, secured
with hemp or jute twine. Package gifts in reusable bags, pillow cases, baskets
or recycled boxes. Make your own awesome wrapping paper by decorating paper
bags with fallen leaves, twigs, and flowers from outside, or purchase 100
percent post-consumer recycled wrapping paper at Earth Connections or Environgentle.
Decorate your home with popcorn and cranberry strands, squash, fruits, fallen
twigs, pine needles, seeds - whatever you can find in your yard or on the
sidewalk. Going with friends to look for materials can be a fine adventure.
For celebration ideas, have a gift exchange
where everything must be handmade. Send 100 percent post-consumer recycled
holiday cards, email, or give phone greetings. Use reusable plates, flatware,
glasses, and linen for parties in your home, and away from home. Keep a
spare set of plates, flatware, and glasses in your car, in case your forget
to bring them. If you do remember, then you will have an extra set for a
friend
Recycling cans, glass, cardboard, paper and
plastic is especially important during this time since such a huge amount
of waste is generated. Purchase minimally packaged foods and bake goodies
from fresh ingredients. Compost your food scraps.
Try to minimize energy usage. Be sure to turn
off lights when rooms are not in use. Minimize holiday lighting by using
beeswax candles when you can. (They make a beautiful light source, smell
wonderful, and are longer lasting than paraffin candles.)
Purchase organic foods: they are an immense
benefit to the planet, they taste better and have a longer shelf life. Attend
farmers' markets for fun and discounts. Bring your own bags when shopping
at the mall or market. Use non-toxic household cleaners, detergents, furniture
polish, window cleaners, laundry products, drain openers, and non-aerosol
air sprays.
For gift ideas, you might want to consider
holiday clothes made from organically grown fabrics. Items include sleepwear,
bedding and towels. Hemp products are the strongest and most durable around.
Backpacks, hip-packs, hats, wallets, jewelry, jeans, shirts, coffee filters,
checkbook holders, luggage, paper and cards made from hemp all make excellent
gifts. Natural incense, sage and sweetgrass add a nice touch to the holiday
atmosphere.
Books are fabulous gifts - especially ones
on the environment, health, nature, and vegetarianism. A pre-paid registration
for an interesting class or workshop is a fine gift and a great surprise.
Organic and recycled children's toys, educational eco-toys, and organic
cotton children's clothes, as well as non-toxic body and bath products,
are great for the kids. An elegant hemp or organic cotton holiday dress
is a nice way to look great, and celebrate the earth. Membership in an environmental
organization, peaceful music, gift certificates for massage, reflexology,
chiropractic and related services, and membership to a gym are all healthy
gift alternatives. A book on macrame and a roll of hemp twine are great
gifts for teenagers.
Many of the products listed above can be purchased
at Earth Connections in Grossmont Center (589-7563), or Environgentle in
Encinitas (753-7420). The Magical Child in Carlsbad (729-7334) has organic
cotton children's clothes, as well as toys, maternity wear, and nursing
clothes. For organic foods, shop at OB People's Natural Foods Market in
Ocean Beach (224-1387), or have the Natural Gourmet (271-5329) prepare organic
foods for you. For bulk organic grains, nuts, and more, call Goldmine Natural
Foods (296-8536), and if you like breads, Christina's Daily Bread in Encinitas
(634-0057) offers organic ingredients. Premium organically produced wine
is available from Frey Vinyards (800-760-3739), and Earth's Choice (231-4040)
provides fine organically-grown coffee.
Remember that the holidays are not about giving
and receiving things, but about giving and receiving love. Gifts that are
beneficial for the earth increase the love, the true intent behind gift
giving. Love and blessings to everyone this holiday season, and to our dear,
sweet earth.
Rhonda Hill is the owner and proprietress of Earth Connections
and an active member of the Green party.
