Today is “Black Friday,” the busiest shopping day of the year in America. Many folks don’t have much money to spend on gifts this year, and unbridled consumerism isn’t good for the environment anyhow. But with some careful planning, you can make your holidays frugal, Earth-friendly, and joyful.
Visit the Center for Biological Diversity
Recently this notice popped up in my mailbox, and I thought you might find it helpful in holiday shopping.
Forget Black Friday — Give Greenly With the Center
Yes, it’s almost Black Friday, the day millions of people nationwide dive head first into holiday consumption — with dark consequences for the Earth, from the greenhouse gases emitted in driving to stores, manufacturing products, and shipping gifts to the trees cut down and the landfills filled for the sake of wrapping paper and packaging. But you don’t have to hop in a car and head for the mall to get started on your holiday shopping right away. All you have to do is shop with the Center for Biological Diversity online from your home — and help us save species at the same time. That way, instead of contributing to the holidays’ environmental havoc, you’ll be helping to counteract it.
We don’t sell polar bear and wolf plush toys made in China, but the Center baseball cap is pretty cool. Get gifts for your loved ones and Mother Earth at the same time through our Green Giving Guide now.
Go Green at Amazon.com
Amazon.com is holding some special Black Friday sales, along with ongoing sweepstakes throughout the holiday season. Remember that hardcopy CDs are made of plastic, while MP3s are made only of music for a much smaller footprint. Similarly, ebooks have a smaller footprint than paper books. You can also shop for books printed on recycled paper with eco-friendly ink, such as those from Chelsea Green Publishing
Do It Yourself
Another excellent way to go green for Black Friday is to spend the time making gifts yourself, or searching for the kind of gifts that are not material objects.
There are lots of resources for making gifts. Here are some personalized gifts under $10. You can also make eco gifts. Kids can make gifts too. Most crafts are suitable; check out the free patterns on All Crafts, Free Patterns, and All Free Crafts. Find thematic crafts on Holiday Crafter.
Many institutions have a “family membership” option that can be bought annually, which not only supports something valuable but often grants perks such as discounts or donor gifts. Try searching for museums, botanical gardens, zoos, or other places of interest near you.
If you are financially stable, but have friends who are not, the holiday season is a good time to sneak in some long-term support. Consider buying them a membership in a Community Supported Agriculture farm or a natural food co-op.
What are some of your ideas for going green this holiday season?
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