This holiday season I will go and visit my neighbors and wish them Happy Holidays in person instead of mailing cards. I will bring my kids with me so they can get to know their neighbors better.
Instead of the normal gift exchange at our Holiday Party, we asked everyone to bring Food Bank Donations instead-we got plenty! We also bought toys and books for a little boy whose name we got off the tree at the Queens Shops. It feels good to help people have a beautiful Christmas-especially the keiki.
How can local Christmas tree farms on neighbor islands (Maui for now) get access to the Oahu Christmas tree market when Executive Order #07-10 (page 8, #5) bans all cut trees, cut logs, and tree limbs from transport on the Superferry. Though, you can send a cut tree, log, or tree limb via Hawaiian Airlines Air Cargo or on Young Brothers. Where's the logic here? Another example of not walking the talk in supporting our local agriculture businesses. Defined species generically known as Christmas trees should be exempt from this ban list so that the Oahu market does not have to pay exorbitant prices for trees being imported from Oregon & Washington and the Maui Christmas tree farms have a viable means of competing with imports. One of the founding arguements of the Superferry was that it was to provide an economical alternative for neighbor island farmers to access the Oahu market. Call your legislator today
During the month of Dec. for every dollar I spend on food (shop local) or hygiene products (great gifts; shop local) I give away a like amount to a shelter, food bank, or alternative housing program. Not only does it require that I watch the amounts I spend, but that I spend them carefully.
Thinking about simplifying next year's holiday season, I'd like to talk with my daughter's elementary school's fundraising committee to see if our popular and financially successful holiday wrapping paper fundraiser can be done through a catalog company that sells recyclable paper. Our school likes the particular company that we use for other important reasons, like good sales reps, other quality products (food items, etc., and there are only a few who do it well for schools. As such, it might not be an option to switch the company, but we could try to convince the company to change its paper or at least put out a line of recycled paper as a start. Perhaps we could get the students involved in a class project, first to understand the issue and then, if they decide it's important, to ask the company themselves to make the change.
This catalog company did not have an online website, requiring everyone to use paper forms. Another suggestion to them might be to go paperless if possible.
Of course, these issues don't quite get to the root issue of changing our appetite for wrapping paper! The whole notion of buying paper, using it to wrap something up, only to then throw away (or in my case, try to smooth out the paper to use again, but not always easy) is somewhat mind boggling to me! I imagine if I floated the idea to some of the parents of the school not promoting the purchase of wrapping paper, I might be looked at like I was the Christmas Grinch with two heads.
So, how do we move these perceived "radical" thoughts to the mainstream and to impact those we interact with in our worlds -- our workplaces, families, friends - who may not necessarily subscribe to this way of thinking? For starters, I know I'll have to find an equally if not more profitable substitute fundraiser to make my points more compelling.
n.
Dec 20, 2008
We've been increasingly using gift bags instead of wrapping paper, which have the benefit of being reusable, especially if handled carefully. We've seen a lot of others using these bags as well, and reuse seems to becoming increasingly socially acceptable.
You might consider trying to get the vendor for your fundraiser to add gift bags to their selections.
Just got our LED lights on sale at Sears... their cool.
n.
Dec 04, 2008
Tell us more about your LED lights--colors, cost, power consumption, brightness, etc.
I'm wondering if these lights have practical, year-round applications replacing other, more energy hungry, technologies.
Andrew
Dec 05, 2008
Well, it says it uses 70% less energy (which I assume is under ideal conditions). They look and act exactly like any other strand of indoor/outdoor Christmas lights (and there's all kinds: nets, icicles, multi-colored, etc.), so I wouldn't think it would be too styling to, like, line your kitchen with them during the off-season. To me, they are a lot brighter at a point than incandescents but dimmer overall, and the white ones I bought are kind of a pale blue rather than the yellowish light we might be more used to. LED light bulbs for more standard usage exist but I'm not sure if you can find much selection locally. They cost a lot more, but they last way longer than incandescents and even CFLs. Still, the lighting effect is different so you should try it out first. For tree lights, I must say they have a pretty cool look about them. And my kids can't tell the difference.
This year my grandchildren, children, and friends will get a book from my own collection. I'll select a book that I know each will use and be interested in. And I'll give more than one cash gift to a struggling non-profit effort.
Some of us decided to spend time together and go out to dinner/drinks, instead of giving gifts. In picking restaurants, i'm committed to support local businesses that set examples, with good green/socially conscious business practices. Town (for greenness) and Big City Diner (for participating in programs such as "Hiring the Homeless") are models, and they sell gift certificates for those who have to give gifts.
Every year my family does a Secret Santa gift exchange. This past year I have been committed to significantly reducing our carbon footprint, so I decided to twist up our tradition a little bit. None of our Secret Santa gifts are going to be bought first-hand. They have to be either home-made, bought from a thrift shop, or use time, not materials. I'm way amped to get my entire family in on what I've been trying to incorporate into my life and others around me. It's exciting that I'm only 18 and making a difference, as small as it is. Merry Christmas!
n.
Dec 02, 2008
White elephant Secret Santa can be a lot of fun, in addition to being true to the Kanu spirit.
there is this great new magazine out called Boho, great gift idea to get someone a subscription. It is magazine on recycled paper devoted to living a green lifestyle by reusing and recycling and great ideas from fashion to home decor that is environmentally friendly.I love this new magazine! bohmag.com
I've always been a supporter of buying a live tree then a cut down tree, trees cut down just for a holiday just seems silly to me! In fact, I usually use some sort of tree that will grow good in hawaii and I can replant, like a palm tree or fruit tree!
I'm trying to give gifts that are consistent with the Kanu philosophy.
Some possibilities:
Reusable, easily washable water bottles or jugs (the type many kids take to their sports practices, a great habit that should be encouraged).
Water filters (e.g., PUR, Brita) to make tap water palatable for those who don't like its taste straight from the tap.
Rechargeable batteries and chargers, especially for kids who'll be getting a lot of electronic toys. I've already gotten these for all my nephews for past Christmas gifts.
CFL bulbs--the gifts that keep giving.
Reusable shopping bags. I've heard that you can buy plain bags at craft stores, and decorate them--custom decorated bags could be a great gift from young kids to their adult relatives and friends.
For Christmas I really like to use reusable christmas boxes and then I also like to put the 'Santa' gifts in a reusable cloth bag... Ours say HO HO HO and have Santa on them and the kids really seem to enjoy that! (The kids cannot figure out why Santa forgets them every year!) What works good is when you can save the different sizes of boxes inside eachother so you dont have boxes year round that you don't use. And you can get crafty and have kids decorate them and then you don't really need any paper or wrapping, maybe just some curly ribbon for kids who might peek! Also I get the same tins back every year for 'refills' on Christmas cookies. I never really thought of myself as a green person, just not wasteful, and this is all fun for the holidays anyway!
One of my best Christmas' ever was the time I told everyone to expect alternative gifts (recycled treasures, homemade, gifts of my time, food/plants, etc.). On that day I handed my mother my very favorite poetry book beautifully wrapped in my hand made wrapping (from decorated newspaper). I had written a note in the book and marked a poem for her. She opened it, grinned and the gave me a teary smile. She handed me her present with her beautiful handmade card for me; it was *her* favorite book -- with a marked page and special message. Yes, the poem she chose for me was by the same poet I had chosen for her!
Will be reusing an artificial tree (purchased 12 years ago) -- or maybe none at all. :) Using electronic mail / ecards to send holiday greetings and news (to cut down on waste & save $$ too). :)
What a great time of year to focus on the deeper meaning of the holidays - whether its makahiki, christ's birthday or winter solstice.. these are traditional seasonal times for making time to gathering with our community, connect with people we love, live with, work with, honor the elders and play with the children. Be creative, decorate, light candles and sharing rituals of connection, celebration of spirit, of replenishment and gratitude. I love this time for gathering together and reigniting eachother's spirit, singing, eating, dancing, praying, celebrating life in the shorter days. Nothing greater then the gift of generously giving love, attention, affection, encouragement and inspiration, nourishment, - and the time for inner reflection and peace..these gifts don't even need recycled wrapping paper. All the best holidays to all!
We will be making redeemable coupons in my family this year (the kids can do the same thing for the adults) and give a gift of a massage, a night out on the town, a day at the beach that they can "cash in" when they want. We also want to volunteer our time to people/animals who are in need.
Make it a Green Christmas in Haleiwa with green artists, crafters, massage, yoga, music, and film @ The Haleiwa Shopping Center next to Rosies Cantina and Kai Ku Hale: 11/29/08 11am-10pm
Slow Food Hawai`i invites to its Culinary Swapmeet at the Church of the Crossroads annual Green Faire, December 6th. Donate your underused kitchen tools, dishes, glasses, linens, cookbooks, etc. 11/20 and 12/4 at Kailua Farmers' Market 5-7pm and 11/22 and 11/29 at KCC Farmer's Market 8-10am. Then come to Church of the Crossroads 12/6 and find new/used treasures. For more info, call Karen @ 239-7296 or Laurie @ 261-1172. Monies raised support local agriculture
Years ago I stopped using wrapping paper--instead, I re-use gift bags, fabric scraps, scarves, dish towels, napkins, calendar pages... It cleans out my cupboards and makes a unique statement. Rike
I'm cutting up last years Christmas cards to make new ones for this year...the kids love to make them. I've made shopping bags out of recycled fabric to give to my friends and family that are still using plastic bags. I'm wrapping smaller items in re-usable items like kitchen towels, cloth napkins and even t-shirts.
I'm having a Holiday Art Sale at my house that includes local art that is affordable and encourages all to purchase locally for our families this season.
My Brownie Girl Scout Troop in Kailua has been learning all about Ecology. We are now focusing on "Simplifying the Holidays". They decided to have a gently used book gift exchange for our Christmas party, wrapped in recycled paper!
I am trying desperately to simplify the holidays. I’m all about minimizing clicks, growing two trees with one sun, and putting all my worms in one bin. Here’s the plan:
1. “This holiday season I will make at least one donation to a local non-profit on behalf of friends and family.” Just mailed in my order for holiday cards from IHS. For each $10 donation, you get a card which they will hand-address and personalize for you. Or, you can ask them to send the cards to you so you can write a note and send them yourself. I chose to do that since I believe a thoughtful note is a rarity these days, and I have always appreciated the time and care that goes into a hand-written note.
In the spirit of simplifying, I chose the message (there are 4 to choose from): “Wishing you a quiet moment to reflect and ponder peace during this busy holiday season. A gift of aloha has been made in your name so that a man, woman, or child who is homeless will enjoy a hot meal and sleep safely tonight.”
If you want them to mail the cards for you, they need the orders by December 5th. http://www.ihshawaii.org/HolidayCards.html
At school our students also run an Alternative Gift Giving booth and encourage students to give to a charity (there are 10 to choose from) in their friend's name instead of a tangible gift. I'll buy my Advisory students AGG donations this year.
2. “This holiday season I will start an eco-friendly holiday tradition.” For some other friends, I am donating to Kanu. I’ll write on a card or gift tag, “A donation has been made on your behalf to Kanu Hawaii, an organization dedicated to preserving our island values. Please login to join kanuhawaii.org and make commitments from changing lightbulbs to living aloha. Happy Holidays!”
3. “This holiday season, I will give gifts of plants or food instead of buying other items.” If I’m hand-delivering the cards mentioned above, I’ll tie it to a jar of mango chutney (made by local students to support their scholarship fund) or local honey or salsa from the farmers’ market, which I brought home in my reusable bag. =)
4. I always buy books for kids. Not only does it encourage the value of reading and education in general, I hope that it supports family time and reading before bed. While I definitely support local authors, I’ve already ordered my new favorite book, “One Hen” (by Katie Smith Milway) which teaches young children about microloans and how one child started a business with one hen, and eventually became someone who lent money to others just like him. I ordered multiple copies, for all of my friends’ kids. “I will package gifts in reusable bags” and encourage the children to then be responsible for bringing that bag with them when they go shopping. When I go to the bookstore, I will make sure I “combine errands to use less fuel” and bring my own “reusable bag for all shopping purposes.”
5. One of my friends isn’t quite buying into this sustainable lifestyle, so I bought her a locally designed Swarovski crystal emblazoned Hello Kitty water bottle…she can still have her bling but she won’t be drinking bottled water anymore! It’s so pretty I don’t even have to wrap it. But I will tie on a “Kanu gift” tag…gotta keep trying!
Locally grown gifts, less waste, thoughtful messages, and charitable donations. My new holiday tradition.
Love this, thank you. Some of the other thing I'm planning to do don't quite appear on your list but others may want to think about. I do an articifial tree each year, which gets away from the whole recycling/potted tree issue. Because I have cats, an artificial tree is also easier and healthier for them. I hang a wreath inside my front door for the scent, and recycle it later. And I'm giving fewer gifts this year but taking the time to send cards to connect with people, thank them, etc. With the money I save on fewer/smaller gifts, I'm supporting nonprofits, such as Lokahi and Foodbank.
This year my wife and I had already planned to give gifts through Heifer International to all the families on our list - maybe not a local non-profit but a good cause I was introduced to by my brother-in-law for his gift last year.
Just found a great way to complete 2 Simplify the Holiday commitments at ONE time: GOOD CHEER! Buy a locally-grown Christmas tree -AND- support KAHEA: The Hawaiian-Environmental Alliance.
ONLY $40 for a BEAUTIFUL, LOCAL 6-ft. tall CHRISTMAS TREE! Spread the word to all your family, friends & office, and help KAHEA fundraise this holiday season! KAHEA will get $7 for each tree they sell! And Earth Friends Wildlife Fund will match every dollar raised! Mahalo piha to the Helemano 'ohana for sharing the holiday cheer with KAHEA!
HOW TO ORDER: Credit Card- orders accepted by phone, call KAHEA toll free at 1-888-528-6288 Check- made out to "KAHEA", with "Christmas Tree" in the memo section. Address: KAHEA/Christmas Tree 1149 Bethel St, #415 Honolulu, HI 96813 In-person- at KAHEA's Chinatown offices on Bethel St.- just call ahead to be sure someone's in!
- For all orders KAHEA will give you a ticket that you redeem at the farm whenever you are ready to pick out your tree. - Helemano Farms will be open for tree selection starting Nov. 26. You can order your tree from KAHEA now! - Wreaths may be available too, call/email KAHEA if interested. - Please note: KAHEA is only selling tree orders, you get to pick out your own tree at Helemano Farms in Wahiawa. KAHEA cannot deliver the trees or sell them direct.
A Do-It-Yourself Christmas: 34 Great Gifts You Can Make Yourself - http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/11/13/a-do-it-yourself-christmas-34-great-gifts-you-can-make-yourself/
Aloha everyone! Just want to thank Kim Johnson, Katie Pere, and all the good people of the Kokua Hawaii Foundation for their leadership and partnership in building momentum to change our approach to the holidays for the better. This will be a fun campaign.
Dania Katz - This holiday season I will go and visit my neighbors and wish them Happy Holidays in person instead ...
