Q: How can I reduce waste and buy great gifts this holiday season?
A: We will generate an additional 7 million pounds of waste between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. To reduce waste, give gifts of time and gifts that are sure to be used. Here are some suggestions.
Certificates
Baby-sitting, taking out the garbage, doing the dishes, cleaning the house, or cleaning the car.
Trips/Outings
Museums, parks, beaches, hikes, full moon walks, or winter picnics.
Hand Made Gifts
Fill a basket with baked goods, assemble a collection of favorite family recipes, make a holiday bouquet from fresh greens, holly, etc. and tie with bow, make Christmas ornaments from family photos, or video tape family members telling favorite family stories/memories.
Tickets
Movie, concert or sports tickets.
Gift Certificates
Restaurants, record stores, book stores, video rental stores, department stores, or grocery stores.
Memberships
Health spas, swim clubs, museums, zoos, or amusement parks.
Subscriptions
Magazines, newspapers, book clubs, or flower of the month club.
Financial Accounts
Savings accounts, mutual fund shares, or stocks or bonds.
Gifts for Children
"Dress Up Box" filled with costume jewelry, scarves, hats, aprons, and ties, cooking equipment and a recipe with ingredients, blank journal or diary, blank scrapbook with scissors and tape, flower seeds and pots, or tool box and supplies to build a simple bird house.
Gifts to the Environment
Send e-greetings to family and friends who are on-line, buy a living Christmas tree and replant after the holidays, buy live plants, gardening tools, bird seed, battery charger with rechargeable batteries, bus/light rail/train passes, bicycles or walking shoes.
Thanks to Stanford University for these great ideas.
