The holidays are here. And so is the warmest year on record by a long shot, bringing with it more threats of unprecedented storms and other weather-related disasters. To ensure plenty of Holidays Yet to Come for ourselves, our children and future generations, we need to make merry in ways that are friendly to our Tiny Tim of a planet. Don’t worry – it’s not that hard to do. Come along; let me show you….
Celebrating: You can have a rip-roaring celebration without trashing the planet. And it’ll likely be cheaper, too. Here’s how:
Gifts: With gifts, it’s the thought that counts -- but not just a thought about the recipient, or meeting a social obligation. The thought that counts is a thought about the recipient’s children and grandchildren, and the planet we will leave to them. Physical gifts can be fabulous if they’re something the recipient really wanted and will use for many years. But usually they’re not. And if you need scissors or power tools to rescue the gift from the bomb-proof casing around it, that’s a sign it has too much packaging. We live on a finite planet. Here are some downsides of physical gifts and the packaging they come in. Such gifts usually involve:
And a lot of atmosphere-warming carbon dioxide is emitted in:
You’re probably thinking, “But we live in a capitalist society. It’s my obligation as a good capitalist to support the economy by buying stuff – especially stuff that doesn’t last long. Viva la stuff!” The good news is, you don’t have to choose between the economy and the environment. Two options that will continue to fuel the fire of the economy:
As Tiny Tim would say, “God bless us every one!” |
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