Re-gifting and Greening the World
Dear Reader,
There’s something I’ve been thinking about a lot as 190 countries gather in Bali for the UN Conference on Climate Change, re-gifting and making it a GREAT thing to do for your loved ones AND the planet.
I’ve just finished reading a wonderful book - THREE CUPS OF TEA, about Greg Mortensen, an American high peak climber who turned his efforts to building schools in Pakistan… building peace, one school at a time. A client had read it, didn’t plan to read it again, and enthusiastically passed it on to me.
It turns out that this book is on my mother-in-law’s AAUW book group reading list for 2008 and I drew her name for Christmas. I KNOW that in the “old days” giving her this well read copy might have been considered cheapskate - a lesser present than a brand new copy. BUT I propose rethinking this viewpoint. WHY is a brand new copy better?
I’ve now taken more time to look at http: http://www.storyofstuff.com . In my opinion it gets better with multiple viewings. The animation includes these statistics:The US has 5% of the world’s population but uses 30% of the world’s resources and produces 30% of the world’s waste. The video is worth watching as it gives easy to comprehend information about HOW we got here and what we can do. Perhaps watch it with your family and friends.
But in the meantime, how GREEN can you be this holiday? What in your space HAVE you cherished but no longer really see or use? Who in your life would love it? In what ways can you express your love by regifting or giving a gift of service or shared time instead of stuff?
Wishing you GREEN and loving holidays! Joanna
December 13th, 2007 at 6:06 pm
I just had to respond to your email! The Story of Stuff video is
great! Another gift giving idea we are using more and more in my
family, particularly for the adults, is to donate money to a charity
in their name. Great way to help those less fortunate and to alleviate the proliferation of stuff!
Happy Holidays!
December 13th, 2007 at 6:19 pm
Thanks so much for your response Marty. And bravo!
December 20th, 2007 at 5:35 am
Hi Joanna,
Knowing your mother-in-law she will be 100% behind you and your lovely gift!
I am one of your Keene State College “De-clutter” people and I think you have the best advice and methods of decluttering! I am working away at my filing system following your instructions and it is working just great (of course it works best when I ‘get in the groove’ and really toss!
There is one thing that breaks with what you advise but that works for me:
After working for an hour or two I take a break, usually walking the dog along our class 6 dirt road. I enjoy the peace and quiet, trees and wildlife and get to thinking about how ugly all my “stuff” is as compared to nature. When I return I am often more likely to get rid of things than I was when I started.
Thank you for being such a good mentor. Best to you and your family for a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!
Susan
December 25th, 2007 at 5:26 am
Dear Susan — Thank you SO much for your response!
Your idea of taking a break to be with the beauty of nature and what really feeds you is perfect and totally wise. Thank you so much for sharing it.
Today I will give my presents to Jeanne- I am also giving her four Breathing Space sessions to use as she wishes … so time and a
cherished book —
I also plan to ask her to watch the DVD “A Recycled Life” with me-
about the largest landfill in Central America and the work of Hanley Denning. http://www.recycledlifedoc.com. The human spirit is quite incredible. Thank you again, Joanna