Simple acts through out this holiday season can reduce our impact on the environment. Shopping locally is one easy way you can make a difference, drive less, have less stress, use less fuel and find unique gifts. Around the continent, communities will celebrate Shop Local week from December 3rd - 9th. Join in, and support Fernie's diverse and unique locally-owned stores, and don't forget to bring your reusable bag when you hit the shops.
5 steps towards a sustainable holiday season
Gifts
* Buy locally made products, fair-trade, recycled or organic gifts.
* Give an experience rather than a product, like a ski or movie ticket, gift certificates for a massage or restaurant.
* For those that already have everything...buy a crocodile or seeds for a family in need at www.oxfamamericaunwrapped.com, adopt an animal at www.wwf.ca, or support a small business in the developing world through www.kiva.org or help protect biodiversity with a wildsight membership at www.wildsight.ca
Wrapping
* Reuse last year's wrapping paper or gift bags.
* Use newspaper, old maps or even this issue of the Fix (after you've enjoyed every word of it)
* If you have to buy new - ensure it's recycled or tree-free.
Trees
* Fake - Yes, they can be reused, but are made of cancer causing PVC plastics, lead and other carcinogens, in China.
* Real - Are often grown with pesticides, but can be composted. Ask where your tree is grown to ensure it has the least impact possible.
* Consider decorating an outdoor tree or a house plant instead.
Lights & Decorations
* Reduce your energy consumption by 90% just by installing LED lights.
* Make your own decorations - collect pine cones, string popcorn or rose hips.
Food
* Shockingly, the average holiday dinner travels 24,000 miles to get to your plate.
* Try to Buy BC, or even better buy Fernie grown, even choose just two local ingredients to add to your menu!
If the holiday season is beginning to feel slightly overwhelming - consider celebrating a "Buy Nothing Christmas". Check out www.buynothingchristmas.org and www.adbusters.org for more info.
"Maybe Christmas, doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas... perhaps... means a little bit more!" - Dr. Seuss' The Grinch
Advocates for Local Living work to support and inspire a thriving sustainable community through exciting projects like Think Tank Cinema, Green Drinks, Think Local First campaign and Fernie Ride Board. Check it out at www.allfernie.ca.