Stop the sellebration! Sustainable holidays are within our reach��and our budgets�� - consumer goods require resources, energy and create pollution - tips for gift buying in an environmentally and socially conscious way

The holiday season is upon us! The season of "giving" puts a lot of emphasis on "consuming" by taking resources from the environment and giving them back to nature in the form of pollution and waste. Critics claim that asking people not to buy anything threatens the current economic system. Advocates assert that over-consumption threatens the ecosystems that we all depend on and the hope for quality of life for the majority of the world's people, other species, and future generations (your grandchildren!).

It is estimated that people in the industrialized countries, who make up just 20 percent of the world population, consume 80 percent of the world's resources and produce 80 percent of the toxic wastes--much of which is deposited in the Global South.

Now that you have made your list and are checking it twice, keep in mind that every new product uses the earth's resources, in the form of extracted raw materials and energy consumed to produce and transport it. Before you buy, ask yourself these simple questions: what are the resources and energy that went into producing these "goods," where did they come from, and how are the people who made them treated?

The hope for ecosocial justice is the transformation of human consciousness through an appreciation of simple living, so that others may simply live. Here is a list of some ways to reduce the burden on workers, the environment and your wallet:

[check] Simplify family gift-giving by putting the names of family members on separate slips of paper and into a hat. Take turns picking one name and keep it a secret for an element of surprise. Set a spending limit.

[check] Make a donation to a charity in someone's name that matches their interest: food (Food Bank), fitness (TransCanada Trail), the plight of prisoners of conscience (Amnesty International).

[check] Give gift certificates of service such as babysitting, housecleaning, a nice meal or massage.

[check] Express your creativity by making gifts and cards--especially out of recycled products.

[check] Purchase a gift that the whole family can enjoy together.

[check] Give your family and friends your presence, rather than presents!

[check] Pass on a favorite book--books rarely end up in the landfill.

[check] Avoid items made of plastic as they are generally not durable and they are either here forever (in the growing landfills) or they emit toxins into our air if incinerated.

[check] Give away something that you own but don't use, or give away a valued possession.

[check] Support local independent artisans, small local businesses, workers' cooperatives and non-profit organizations.

[check] Buy locally produced goods that minimize the transportation energy that was used.

[check] Buy fair trade goods to ensure workers were paid a fair wage.

[check] Avoid consumer items that are designed to last only a certain length of time and then they must be replaced (the contemporary disgrace known as "planned obsolescence"). Consider purchasing only those items that are durable and long-lasting. Products of superior quality usually cost more, but are well worth the extra money.

[check] Consider the environmental and social record of a product's manufacturer.

[check] Be conscious of environmentally friendly packaging.

[check] Save a tree and use recycled materials instead of gift wrap, such as last years calendar, old maps, or fabric gift bags.

[check] Buy a skidoo suit from a thrift store and go for a walk in the snow (good exercise!), breathe in the fresh air and look up at the stars and moon, and revel in the beauty of nature.

[check] Give gifts to kids that encourage creativity, cooperation and critical thinking instead of war toys or violent video games.

[check] Teach children the spirit of giving (and simplifying) during the holidays by asking them to pick three toys that they don't play with very much, and donate them to a shelter.

[check] Write a letter to the editor promoting sustainability, or participate in boycotts and let manufacturers know why you won't be buying their products.

[check Consume moderately (all the time) so people, other species and the earth will remain healthy, while leaving more to go around.

Know that spending money is voting with our dollars and that we can vote for more sweatshops or for better wages and working conditions; for corporate domination of the economy or for more independent artisans, workers' cooperatives, small local businesses and non-profits.

Know that globalization is a reality, and that we are all interconnected. From this day forward, challenge consumerism, celebrate responsibly and live justly. Ask yourself what the consequences of your actions will be, and see if they match your values. What do you value?

Denise MacDonald is a Briarpatch board member and hopes to share with all the sisters and brothers and other creatures all over the globe.

COPYRIGHT 2003 Briarpatch, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group