Here is an updated version of this post I wrote last year.
Do you need ideas for a last minute, low stuff, low impact Christmas? As we transition not all our choices may be 100% green but with some awareness we can still minimize our Xmas impact! It is a bit late but there are many things you can buy online to speed things up. Here are some ideas and links.
(Scroll down for giveaways: Story Tree colouring in page to download and a sweet and quirky, nature-loving Xmas story.)
LAST MINUTE ETHICAL, GREEN IDEAS
If like me, you have been so busy with work that your Xmas shopping got behind and you’d rather not go hunting the shops for junk no-one really needs or wants, here are some last minute ideas.
Buy digital downloads- you can email them tracks or print details and put into a card for the day. Story Tree downloads are here.
Buy idevice audiobook subscription Does your family love stories and also use idevices- ie ipod, ipad, iphone? Here is an idea to boost literacy and enjoyment for whole family with a free trial to test it out first. StoryTree tales are on there. Search catalogue for Jenni Cargill-Strong here.
Buy experiences, not things: eg tickets to a concert, buy a gift certificate for a massage or workshop voucher from a local OR check out Red Balloon. Hand them a voucher on Xmas day.
Buy donation certificates from charities- especially good for the person who has everything. I love Kiva, a microloan system; Greenpeace and Orangutans. However Peter Singer wrote about a new organisation, ‘Give Well’ https://www.givewell.org/, which attempts to rate the effectiveness of charities, in his book ‘The Most Good You Can Do’. Which is your favourite?
Story Tree CD’s: Environmentally friendly gifts You won’t be harming the environment by buying my album. All Story Tree album covers are printed in Australia, on recycled cardboard and printed with soy-based ink in a cover which uses no plastic or wrapping. The disc is the only plastic involved. This means the CD’s are very thin and extremely cheap to post, if you are looking for a quality present to send. If you buy digital downloads there will be no plastic involved and your download will last a lifetime also. CD BUNDLE: ANY 4 CD’s for the price of 3, STILL only $65, including FREE postage! Order soon to receive for Xmas: dates on the my story shop page. ORDER NOW
My favourite online sites:
Stories and songs from Australian teller Annie Bryant
Natures Child for babies and young kids
Planet Corroboree Aboriginal and local art, craft, books, clothes
DIY Xmas presents with Epsom salts
Learn more:
Australian Ethical Xmas Shopping Guide
Great Article with ideas Help! I Don’t Want More Stuff for Christmas
1 Million Women– Australian organisation mobilizing against climate change.
Minimalist movement video Australia
General Ethical Buying Principles
Buy local: reduces carbon footprint from transport and supports local economy, driving the ‘multiplier effect’- the more money you spend locally, the more jobs you create locally, so the more the money there is in the economy which if spent locally creates more jobs and income etc).
Buy from artisans, independent artists and small businesses: with multinational corporations responsible for huge impacts on the planet and society, spread the love to smaller businesses.
Buy fair trade and local goods: avoid Made in China where workers conditions are poor and carbon footprint very high.
Buy long lasting, quality goods: Ask yourself how long will this last? Will it biodegrade?
Buy local and/or organic food and minimise food waste by catering conservatively, rather than extravagantly.
Buy recycled stuff
Use recyclable wrapping: eg fabric
OR Buy NOTHING: the most radical of all!
As my US environmental storytelling colleague Fran Stallings likes to say, “There is no ‘away’ to throw things to.” It will all end up in our overflowing landfills.
Story Tree Colouring in Sheet
Would like to download and print out a blank version of my Story Tree backdrop for your children to colour in? Follow this link to my Resources page and see it under heading “Colouring in Sheet”.
“The Fairy at the Top of the Xmas Tree”
If you haven’t gotten it from me yet, read and listen to this tale here. YOU could tell by your Christmas Tree this year.