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Every Christmas season many of us get ready to entertain loved ones<br />
and to show our love for them through meals and presents. The choices<br />
made when gift-giving and hosting parties also impact the earth and<br />
future generations. What can you do to lessen your negative impact?<br />
GIFT-GIVING<br />
As much as I love to find the perfect gift for all those around me, I realize<br />
that more things aren’t what most people want. My favorite gifts are<br />
those that allow me to spend time or make memories with those I love.<br />
• A shared meal<br />
• A shared activity<br />
• Activities that can be done with my daughter<br />
• Consumables, such as food and drink<br />
• Purchase wanted items (such as electronics) from eBay or other resale<br />
places. It may seem tacky to buy items second-hand, but I’ve found<br />
second-hand items that were brand-new.<br />
• Instead of purchasing wrapping every year, consider using what<br />
you already have, including newspapers and magazines or using items<br />
that can be also be part of the gift. I’ve wrapped candles and soups in<br />
washcloths or bath scrubs or put into a reusable bag or pouch. I wrap<br />
nearly all of my gifts in gift bags that I’ve collected over the years. I<br />
haven’t purchased a gift bag or tissue paper in a very long time, I just<br />
keep passing them on.<br />
• Trade in the paper gift tags, find reusable tags. Years ago, I bought<br />
a new of small wood tags from Michaels and then painted them with<br />
chalkboard paint and strung twine through the holes. I have been<br />
reusing them ever since.<br />
HOSTING GET TOGETHERS<br />
I love hosting parties, but dislike all the waste it can produce. I’ve listed<br />
EDUCATION & CULTURE<br />
a few easy ways to cut down on waste without a lot of effort.<br />
• Use reusable table wear and utensils. If you use disposable, which is<br />
sometimes necessary for large gatherings, use paper plates that do not<br />
contain any plastic, as paper will eventually biodegrade, but plastic will not.<br />
• Replace paper towels/napkins with cloth napkins or towels, then toss<br />
in with your regular laundry.<br />
• Purchase produce from the farmers’ market to ensure that it is grown<br />
locally than trucked a long distance.<br />
• Send leftovers home with guests by using the dishes they brought<br />
rather than using plastic bags.<br />
HEALTHY KIDS from page 55<br />
Their Kids Art Smart program<br />
is at the heart and soul<br />
of their effort to show kids the<br />
creative process which builds<br />
social, emotional and intellectual<br />
strength and development<br />
in the children of the community.<br />
Promoting such creativity<br />
is all part of the effort to reinforce<br />
the children’s ability to<br />
be “Healthy Happy and Fit for<br />
Life” – the mantra of the Real<br />
Santas United who are now<br />
both men and women.<br />
Find out more at studiosonthepark.org,<br />
or call 238-9800.<br />
December <strong>2017</strong>, <strong>PASO</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong> 57
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