GIFT GIVING
THAT IS SOULFUL
NOT WASTEFUL
GIFT GIVING
THAT IS SOULFUL
NOT WASTEFUL
The week between Christmas and New Year's Eve is traditionally the biggest trash collection week of the year. And, let's face it - how many over packaged, over-priced gift sets can you give and receive? This year, stop and think about what you're giving and what you're contributing to the planet. Having an eco-friendly holiday season is easier and more enjoyable than you think.
Valerie Reddemann, President of greenfeet.com and greenfeet Natural Home Store suggests "giving a gift that has a soul, tells a story and is one that you can feel truly good about giving. Many gifts are things that are not material - dance lessons, planting a tree in honor of a loved one, or the promise of a new experience such as train or cable car ride. If a material gift is wanted, consider one that is made from sustainable, ecological or recycled materials."
For instance, candlesticks or frames made from reclaimed, sterilized and recycled bike and auto parts (they're ultra cool), or glasses made from reclaimed water and wine bottles. These are gifts that have history and a story to tell - not just your average glass from the trendy store chains. And there are many other ways to enjoy an eco-friendly holiday season -
1. Consider a living tree instead of one from a tree lot. Once the holiday is over, plant in your yard or donate to a local organization or park.
2. Discover creative ways to wrap presents- choose scrap materials, reusable containers, or recycled gift-wrap. Have family contests for the most creatively eco-friendly wrapped gift.
3. Create recycled, earth friendly ornaments from items such as recycled milk cartons, cardboard or soda cans.
4. Create a beautifully scented home the natural, healthy way: burning paraffin-based candles scented with fragrance oils is one of the leading causes of indoor air pollution.Choose healthy options such as clean burning vegetable based candles or beeswax candles that have the added benefit of producing negative ions.
The list goes on and on..
Being eco-friendly is much easier than you think not to mention easy on the budget.
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