Reduce Your Consumerism at Christmass | Use Celsias.co.nz - New Zealand's guide to sustainable business

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As most people on the planet aren't Christian this probably won't mean something to everybody. However, if you live in the western world it's hard not to get caught up in the consumerism that surrounds Christmas, no matter what your beliefs are. As we in the west are responsible for most of the worlds pollution, due largely to our appetite for things we don't need, which we buy more of at Christmas than any other time of the year, why not try something different this year?

Buy fewer presents or even none at all. If you must buy presents do Chris Kringle amongst your family and friends and buy one inexpensive present (under $20) each for someone else.

Also, if you do buy presents buy ones that have less impact on the environment.

Buy less food for Christmas dinner. Have a simple Christmas meal and don't pig out on the Christmas pud.

4 comments about this action

Allan Grogan

Oxfam (http://www.oxfamunwrapped.org.nz/shopping.asp) and other aid organisations have schemes where you can buy a gota, pig, chicken, schoolbooks, etc, etc, etc, for a developing community on behalf of your loved one. People whoo need help. Your loved one gets a message to say you're thinking of them, and that you've done this thing on their behalf - and you don't contribute more crap that they don't want or need to their lives.

in November 2008

Lauren E.

Instead of gifts for birthdays and Christmas (we already have too much stuff!) I donate the equivalent spend to a charity of the recipients choice. So far it's up to $500 per year that has gone to good causes instead of over packaged, un-wanted and un-useful stuff being presented in copious amounts of gift wrap, that ends up int he rubbish. And this action is getting easier with the launch of on-line donation hubs like www.givealittle.co.nz

in November 2008

Chris Tobias

Instead of buying people material things, Oxfam has a great programme they run around the world called "Oxfam Unwrapped". Each gift is delivered to a person in a developing country. You get a gift card indicating the gift you can then pass along to relatives. Buy goats for the mother-in-law, composting toilets for a pesky little brother, or condoms for an... erm... loose friend. I've been doing these for the last few years, and the relatives now expect them. :) Give it a go on Oxfam.org.

Another suggestion I would have is Kiva.org for donating to a micro finance scheme in developing nations around the world. You can lend $$$ so someone can buy a sewing machine and work their way out of poverty. This site has a great reputation and they offer gift vouchers you can send to other people.

Have some safe and happy holidays people!

in November 2008

Charles M.

We've been slowly reducing our holiday consumption over the years. Each year we've realised that there's less and less crap you need in your life.

Now we're down to just having a normal day off work. We no longer link gift giving to Christmas. We no longer have heavy meals, decorations or such trimmings. Instead we just go outside and enjoy the bounty of nature. Of course it helps that I live in the SOuthern Hemisphere so Christmas is in summer!

in December 2008

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