Green Tip #21

“Make Everyone and Everything Merry”

This year, make every cent count and make everyone and everything merry (even the animals and plants!) as you shop for Christmas in a more sustainable fashion.  Last week’s green tip mentioned ideas for earth-friendly Christmas shopping.   Most of the gift ideas were material in nature.  This week’s topic will cover what to do for the person who doesn’t need or want gifts. 

Believe it or not, there really are some people who don’t want or need gifts.  In our largely consumer driven society, this is truly difficult for many people to understand.  Perhaps these types are reaching their wise years and have all of the material goods to satisfy them.  Another person in this category might be the “Old Soul” who has never really valued material goods.  Still another person might be really picky and want a very specific type and quality gift that someone is not apt to purchase for them.  In any of these cases, we need to come to terms with and respect the fact that some people are more cheerful when not presented with physical gifts.  For many of these people, what can make them jump for joy is seeing someone else benefit and be lifted up.

Below is a list of things that you can do for people this Christmas who are all set with their stuff.

1. Donate blood on someone’s behalf.  Contact your local American Red Cross.  Also, consider making a donation.  The American Red Cross has been strained due to major disasters such as hurricanes.
2. With the rising costs of everything and high job losses, food banks are in dire need of donations.  Contact your local food bank to see what items they need.  Another idea is to volunteer to work at the food bank on someone’s behalf.  Southeastern Ohio Regional Food Center (Hocking, Athens, Perry) at 740-385-6813 or 1-800-385-6813.
3. Make a donation to your local Humane Society and/or Dog Pound.  Call to see what donations they need (food, litter, treats, towels, etc.).  Also, consider making a donation.  Make a lasting impression by bringing your children or grandchildren to the pound to visit the animals when dropping off your donations.  Discuss the need to value all living things and what it takes to care for a domestic pet.
4. Donate women and children’s clothing and toys to a church organization, battered women’s shelter or other organization accepting these types of donations.
5. For those who are really having tough financial times, send or drop off an anonymous gift card/certificate for their local grocery store.
6. Purchase a gift membership to an environmental organization such as Green America, Water Keeper Alliance, Friends of The Earth, NRDC (The National Resources Defense Council), The Trust For Public Land, National Wildlife Federation, Audubon or The Wilderness Society.  All of these organizations provide very informative/educational newsletters on the environment.
7. Make a monetary donation to their favorite local, national or international charity or foundation.  Here are just a couple of my international favorites:

--Heifer International—basically, you donate money and animals are purchased and given to needy people around the world.  The recipients will be trained on how to care for their animal(s).  These animals will provide food, milk, wool, and etc. for their family.  Eventually the family is able to make money on the sale of products such as milk, cheese or wool.  Visit:  www.catalog.heifer.org or call (800) 698-2511.

--Oxfam International—13 organizations around the world fighting to end poverty and injustice.  There are so many ways to help. Visit:  www.oxfam.org or call (800) 77-OXFAM (Oxfam America).

A great idea for these two organizations is to have extended family or friends each pitch in $5 or $10.  In no time, with little money, you will have purchased an amazing useful gift for someone in need.  Your money, in a third world country, goes a long way.

The non-gifts mentioned above in this week’s tip will make the recipient merry, you merry and the person on whose behalf you donate merry.  Plus, these gifts are all easy on the earth.  It’s a win-win.