So here we are at the launch of a season that led Katharine Whitehorn to say, "From a commercial point of view, if Christmas did not exist it would be necessary to invent it."
Well, with the scariest economy ever, the beginning of the end of oil, and a new
chapter in American history, hedging that gratuitous consumerism is probably our best move. Here's my top 3 gift choices for 2008.
1. Shop online or shop local.
If you are going to buy presents for people that would require you to go to the mall or WalMart...don't. Just type in the URL. But do it in the next week or you'll blow all those carbon emissions we collectively save when we shop online NOT at the last minute. Last year online shopping alone trimmed emissions of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere by nearly half a million metric tons.
Or, better yet, buy from a local small retailer or artist - one of those people that make your town or neighborhood a great place to live.
While on this topic, let's have a moment of silence for Jdimytai Damour, the WalMart employee who was trampled to death by 2,000 desperate shoppers at 5am on Black Friday. What a waste.
2. Rage-free packaging
Amazon has made a small stab at getting rid of the insane packaging issue.
So if one of these 19 items is on your holiday gift list, buy it at Amazon. Less rage and no extra junk.
3. Donate instead of buying more junk
Ask yourself. Do you really need more stuff? Does your friend of loved one really need more stuff? If the answer is no, why not use the money you would have spent on junk to help or change lives? You can even do it in the name of your gift-ee.
Top of my list:
First Aid:
- Local food banks - mounting job losses and failed mortgages lead to huge demand at food banks
- Local battered women's shelters - desperate times are even worse for those who are already desperate
Long term solutions:
- Habitat for Humanity
Not a giveaway program. Volunteers and donors are co-investors. The key? Pride. Of. Ownership.
In addition to a down payment and
the monthly mortgage payments, homeowners invest hundreds of hours of
their own sweat equity into building their Habitat house and the
houses of others.
- Central Asia Institute
Buy everyone you know the book 3 Cups of Tea, and donate to the Central Asia Institute. World change starts with educating children. Especially girls.
9/11. Mumbai. What happens in India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and the Middle East matters. We're all connected.
- Room to Read
Through the opportunities that only education can provide, Room to Read strives to break the cycle of poverty, one child at a time. For just $250 you can fund a year of
education for a girl - including tuition, uniforms, shoes, books, medical immunizations,
transportation, tutoring, and more.
Tell me - what are your thoughts on holiday gift giving this year?
