I saw eggnog for sale in the store the other day and the trees
outside my window are exploding with Fall colors.
I saw eggnog for sale in the store the other day and the trees outside my window are exploding with Fall colors.
The Halloween merchandise has been shoved off local store shelves and replaced with snowmen, holly, and Santas. I guess that there is no denying it ….. the holiday shopping season is here.
I wanted to take a moment to invite you to think a bit different this year about your holiday shopping. Rather than rushing through your shopping in an effort to get “something” regardless of its environmental impacts, take a moment to think about how your purchases can both make the recipient feel loved and minimize environmental impacts. Here are some ideas:
Food, Sweets, and Spirits: I’m a big fan of edible gifts. Who doesn’t like getting a basket full of yummy treats, special cheeses, or excellent wines? You can use your creativity to pick out just the right mixture of edibles from our local stores, orchards, and wineries. Give a taste of Morgan Hill this year and your gift will be a hit.
Tickets: Purchasing tickets for entertainment and recreational amenities is another great way to give a “waste-less” gift. The South County abounds with opportunities including movie passes, Playhouse tickets, Bonfante Gardens passes, and Aquatics Center memberships. If you widen your search to the entire South Bay, the ticketing opportunities multiply rapidly.
Farm Shares: Most of us desire to eat healthier by eating more fruits and vegetables. How does getting a bag of fresh organic fruits and vegetables weekly sound?
Many local farms participate in “Community Supported Agriculture” programs in which a “share” of a local farms harvest is provided weekly on a subscription basis.
Buying someone a trial share in a local farm’s harvest would make a very thoughtful gift.
Go to www.lighthousewoods.com /organic_farms.html for more information.
Health Club Membership: Many of us also would like to become more fit. A membership to one of our local gyms is another way to support your loved ones’ health.
Charity: What do you buy for the person who has everything? Buy them absolutely nothing – but let them know that you care about them by making a donation in their name.
The past year has certainly provided us with many national and international tragedies that we can contribute to. If you’d like to keep your donations local, consider contributing to our major local nonprofit social services organization, Community Solutions.
Remember that where you shop also matters. The closer you are to home when you make your purchases, the less gas you used to get there. Shop Morgan Hill and you’ll help our local economy and our local environment.
Eco-Fact of the Week: You, yes you, have the power to gift creatively.
Eco-Web Site of the Week: Like the old shopping dilemma, paper or plastic, when it comes to shopping bags.
Those of us in green circles this time of year may be asked if it is better to have a real Christmas tree or a fake one. I’m not sure myself. I never felt eco-conflicted about buying a real tree in the past – though we have a fake one now. If you go to the web site at www.mitrees.com/ecological_choice.html , you’ll see one tree farm’s view on why a real tree is ecologically superior. Caution: this is not an unbiased neutral site!
