As we are bombarded by holiday deals and specials, the pressure to BUY stuff becomes exponential! But why get into more debt when it is especially detrimental to the planet? This month is all about sustainable gift giving, and giving back to our amazing planet. We will also reflect on our 12-month initiative and the progress we've made together.
This month we provide tips on how to give sustainable gifts this holiday, reflect on our progress giving back to our planet as well as what may come next? Let's remember that OUR PLANET IS THE GREATEST GIFT!
As our 12-month period comes to an end it's only the beginning. We need to keep this going and growing. Let us know what was helpful, what wasn't, and what YOU plan to do over the next 12-months? We still have a lot of work to do - how can we support our community on the path to a sustainable future?
Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.
~ George Bernard Shaw
::: SUSTAINABLE GIFTING :::
Less than ONE PERCENT (!) of what you buy will actually be in use 6 months from now*
Ask yourself what gifting really means to you?
How can you gift something to the planet?
What you can gift to yourself to truly be happier?
STUFF doesn't make you better, smarter, or happier in the long-term, try not asking for anything.
Give gift experiences - memories that last a lifetime!
Buy gifts made from local artisans vs. ordering something cheap online, lower the carbon footprint + support your community
Go through your home and gather all the high quality things you never use and trade with friends for a more sustainable holiday!
No new STUFF means no spending beyond your means.
Pull out the bows and ornaments from last year.
Remember those old holiday cards - cut the covers off and use them for present labels.
Compost or chip your tree as well as your natural wreaths and decor.
"We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our Children"
::: REFLECT :::
AFTER A YEAR OF CLIMATE AWARENESS
"I stopped buying zip-lock bags, and started savings glass jars to reuse." Let us know what little changes you made?
Our New Motto:
RETHINK AND THEN
Refuse, Reduce, Replace,
Recover, Repair, Reuse and only after all those,
Recycle
1. Eat meatless for one or more days a week. The livestock sector generates as much emissions as cars and trucks combined!
2. Leave your own utensils and napkins in your bag or car. They'll be there when you eat on the run!
3. Buy products that have less packaging or better yet buy in bulk.
4. Reuse potters from last year or ask around if folks have some. Or give these back at the end of the season - Walkers and Duttons always take them back!
5. Make your own household products - recipes at WELLNESS MAMA.
6. Older toilets use a lot of water. You can reduce your usage by sinking a half gallon jug of water in the toilet tank.
7. Hosting a party - use disposable biodegradable serveware. Plastics are a fossil-fuel based material, if you do use plastic, wash and reuse!
8. When possible, eat the local food! Not only does it support the local economy, but your food will not have traveled too far to your plate.
9. Short or long-trip, bring your own reusable water bottle!
10. Re-use your pasta cooking liquid - drain into a large pot. Once cool, use it to water your plants or save for flushing when the power is out.
11. Decorate with nature. Forget the petroleum-based plastic decorations - adorn your home with natural and homemade festive decor!
:: STAY INFORMED::
a summary of 24 climate reports from 2019
Vermont Chapter https://350vermont.org/
An international movement of ordinary people working to end the age of fossil fuels and build a world of community-led renewable energy for all.
See their events here https://350vermont.org/calendar/