I hate s*#t Christmas presents. It’s embarrassing to receive them and even more embarrassing to be the one dishing them out. Just the thought of another fuzzy photo frame, a flammable nightgown or a space-hogging kitchen gadget makes me cringe.

‘Items’ and ‘stuff’ are a burden on the environment. It takes material, resources, energy and human-power to get physical objects from their source to under your Christmas tree. Imagine the waste involved in the entire life cycle of a piece of junk. It was dug or mined, manufactured and transported, often across long distances.

Thinking on a moral, ethical and environmental level, we want to know that ‘stuff’ benefit their creators, communities and the recipients. Chances are, that cheap, mass-produced item do not do any of these things.

And where does the ‘stuff’ go once it’s outlived its usefulness or it no longer works? Landfills, waterways and oceans are the most likely destinations for these items.

So instead of polluting the ocean, could we do something to help it?

Good news! You don’t have to give or receive crap for Christmas

• Giving a donation or volunteering your time and efforts on behalf of a loved one. Which will they appreciate more: a thoughtless gift object or a donation of money or time given on their behalf to a cause they support?
• Give an IOU for your recipients to fill out and give back to you with instructions of giving to their favourite conservation campaign or charity
• Let someone learn to dive, sail, kayak or any of the numerous ocean-centred activities. They’re exciting, healthy and bring the participant closer to the marine environment. Just make sure you choose an outfit with responsible environmental practices

Good news number 2! You can give meaningful and responsible ‘stuff’

Support an environmental campaign or charity. Many are selling gift items with proceeds going to conservation projects.

Make sure your purchases benefit a community. People rely on the ocean environment for their livelihood and existence. Fair traded goods and those carrying certification will give you some assurance. Environmental groups are in the market for selling items and you’ll find everything from small gifts, greeting cards and food items.

Tell everyone about your eco-friendly gifts, encourage others to do likewise

Social media has made it easier than ever to not only contribute but to let your friends and family know what you’re supporting. Send out a tweet promoting your favourite causes or talk about it in your Facebook status updates.

It’s two weeks to Christmas. Spare yourself the crowded malls and tacky stores. Purchase a ‘good’ product or do a deed to help the oceans. You’re doubling your good deeds by furthering positive efforts and not adding to the already massive landfills.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.