Sustainable Holidays

This Christmas I am advocating the "Buy Nothing" this season. In a time of such economic upheaval it seems that while we want to do more to build the economy we are also doing more to simply support an economic platform that is not sustainable.

From the trade in balance with China to high levels of personal debt its a good idea to ask yourself what you really want, really need and can really do without.

With 1 out of 2 Americans at risk of being pushed into poverty and surveys saying 5 out of 6 Americans think they are "doing well" the math simply doesn't add up or the fact that "doing well" is a relative term with little substantive meaning.

Much like the poverty standard in this country set across the board and across the country at $22K for a family of four, a family of four living in Iowa vs California would find themselves quickly homeless on such a low standard of living.

Much like housing we have different needs for different "climates" be they weather or economic.

So what about "buy nothing" does it mean? Well if you want to buy something think about where it was made, the cost, the value, its long term payback period. Apply the same standards for investments in one's home as you would in determining gifts.


Recycle, Upcycle and yes Re-Gift. I am having a Eco gift exchange with an emphasis on household items. Everyone must bring things from their home for the home that they no longer need, use or want. They must be clean, functioning and useful. I need a new mixing bowl and I have a fondue set I no longer use or want. Sounds reasonable? There have been many such clothing exchanges in the past but many of us have more than what we need in our home - from bread makers to dinnerware there are many redundant, duplicate and ignored items filling our pantries and homes. Anything left from the party that goes unclaimed is to be donated to charity. Its a win-win.

If you buy electronics include rechargeable batteries to make less waste. And more importantly buy recycled electronics. They are as good if not better than new. Check out your local 3R Technology firm or similar in your area for great deals.

Use a living tree. Plant a tree in a Terra cotta pot and bring that indoors and later you can always donate it to the local parks or to groups looking to build parks and gardens.
Wrap in what you have. Use newspapers or brown paper sacks you can decorate and design yourself.

Spend time not money. That is the most valuable useful sustainable gift you can give to others.