- Christmas is responsible for more waste and consumption
than any other holiday. North American's trash increases by
25% over Christmas - which equates to 25 million extra tons
of garbage going to the landfill. By recognizing the incredible
waste that is generated the urgency to do something
becomes apparent. A truly useful or environment friendly gift
is a better ecological choice. Here is a brief list of ideas to
inspire you.
- For the homeowner - thermostat control that automatically
turns the heat down at night. A low flow shower head
attachment. A draft cozy (placed in front of doors to prevent
drafts) and tubes of caulking or weather stripping. Dimmer
switches or compact fluorescent bulbs. Hot water tank and
hot water pipe insulation kits.
- For the gardener - subscription to an organic gardening
magazine or a membership to a seed organization. Bird, bat
and butterfly houses, baths and feeders ? or the patterns to
build them. A composting worm bin or a membership with
an environmental group.
- Tickets to a performance, restaurant gift certificates or
services such as lawn care, diaper, cleaning, music
lessons, exercise or dance classes, tune-up or tire rotation
services ? all support local business.
- Dehydrated, canned or preserved foods make excellent
gifts. Frozen dishes are treasured by those that find cooking
tasks cumbersome.
- Brazil or cashew nuts as they promote a living tropical
rainforest.
- Books (i.e. Trash Talk).
- A reusable coffee filter and whole organic coffee beans.
- If you choose to purchase electronics, consider those
powered by solar or rechargeable batteries.
- For holiday photo memories using a digital camera and
getting pictures put on CD's reduces chemicals, paper and
cost. Choosing 36 exposure film rolls reduces packaging
and waste.
- Consider a live tree. At the end of the season, donate it to
individuals, the city, schools or parks. Plant it in your own
yard for privacy, shade or erosion control.
-- Written by Dave and Lillian Brummet based on the
concept of their new book Trash Talk, a guide that offers
useful solutions to reduce waste and better manage
resources. http://www.sunshinecable.com/~drumit