so yeah, i'm already thinking about what i want for xmas. why? bc i like presents. i like giving presents and i like getting presents. so, i'm thinking about what i really want this year.
i will admit: i am usually spoiled with a TON of nice things. i'm a very fortunate girl.
but lately i've been cleaning and clearing and realizing how much STUFF i have that i simply do not need. not only does this effect the amount of space i have in my room (not much) but it makes me think about the effect my consumption has on the environment. i recycle like a fiend and i donate all my unwanted things to goodwill, so they can be reused and not thrown away.
>>>what if i just started out with less?<<<
now, those who know me know that this is not something i am usually a fan of... i'm a MORE IS MORE kind of girl. especially when it comes to clothes, shoes, accessories, EVERYTHING. but i am trying to be a more mindful consumer. not only is this beneficial to my pocketbook (ugh! recession! hate it!) but this also makes for more interesting purchases, really.
so, what i suggest this year, is for people to make more interesting purchases. no more abercrombie or bebe or whoever the kids are in to these days. try supporting small or local designers. these ppl are working their asses off to try and get their vision out to the world. it is NOT EASY if you're not a huge conglomerate company with millions upon millions of dollars in backing. plus the designs are soooooooo much cooler and will last longer than one season. these will become permanent wardrobe pieces.
you will look much more chic and original.
secondly, maybe you love to shop and want to buy lots of gifts. that's cool too! i'm not hating!
why don't you try buying gifts that will in turn make contributions to charitable efforts? there are so many products that will donate a percentage of the cost, so do a google search!
want to support breast cancer? clothe the homeless? feed the needy?
all doable AS YOU SHOP for awesome things! isn't that beautiful? i love multi-tasking...
a third idea is to try and be as earth friendly as possible. this starts with the gifts themselves and go all the way to the wrappings. there are plenty of designers and companies that create things that won't hurt mama earth in the process and that's super awesome!
who wants to hurt mama earth?! certainly not me...
on the earth friendly vibe, you can create your own gifts. what if you repurposed an old stretched out sweater in to an awesome cardigan for a friend? find an old shirt and specially embellish it.
you can even go to goodwill to get your materials!
REDUCE REUSE RECYCLE PPL!!!
plus it's fun being creative! and generally speaking--->CHEAPER!
ppl love getting homemade things. you know how your mom still has your finger paintings from the first grade? it's like that. ppl will love seeing that you took the time and effort to make something
especially for them.
maybe you're learning how to knit. what's nicer for a friend than a snuggly scarf in their favorite color? warm and thoughtful.
maybe you aren't so creative with your hands... a framed poem or note will touch a person's heart more than a pair of khakis from the gap...
it's about appreciating what you have, both materially and emotionally. i think that's kinda like the spirit of christmas or something? let's de-commercialize xmas, k?
so, in order to be helpful, i will be posting things that i find and like (a lot of which is already on my xmas list!) in order to help you make conscientious purchases this holiday season.
remember, it's not how much you buy someone (unless you have multiple kids, then the rule generally is to buy even amounts of presents for each kid. we count...) it's the thought you put in to the present, considering the person for whom you are buying and the product itself.
please enjoy my suggestions and if you have some of your own, let me know!
No comments:
Post a Comment