Sunday 27 November 2011

Sustainable Gift Giving

What are you giving your friends and family for gifts this holiday season? With any luck it will involve something homemade, made by a local artisan, or grown in your backyard. Not only will you be supporting a more sustainable and decentralized economic system, you will be reducing the amount of energy spent on packaging and transport. As I am thinking about different items I can make that my friends and family would like, here are a few of my ideas:
  • jam, jelly, or other preserves
  • assorted dried fruit
  • infused olive oil and vinegar
  • relaxing eye pillow filled with flax seeds, buckwheat, or rice and lavender
  • dried and crushed rose hips--it is a good time to collect them any time after the first frost
  • locally grown seeds for planting in spring--Harmonic Herbs is my new favourite local company
  • organic sugar and olive oil body scrub--super easy to make
  • cookie jars
  • local herbs for tea and honey
  • make and freeze muffins for an quick morning meal for busy families
  • make and freeze your favourite soup, lasagna, pie, etc.
  • coupon for a free night of babysitting for a couple who could use a night out
  • make a donation in a friends' name to their favourite charity
  • Here are some ideas of charities that need food and monetary donations:
  • Mustard Seed, Inn From the Cold, Women In Need Society, United Way, Inter-faith Food Bank
  • shop for needed items for the above charities with a friend and donate at the end of your day together
If you are not inclined to make something yourself, consider shopping at the next Calgary Dollars Market on December 12th at Bow Cliff Senior Center. If you are not yet a member of Calgary Dollars, sign up at the market and receive $20 to spend!

I will be at the next Calgary Dollars market selling toothpaste, tooth powder, deodorant, face cream with sea buckthorn infused oil, ache out creamy oil, and some other surprises. As a strong supporter of the program, I accept 50% Calgary Dollars for my healthy hygiene products. Email me ahead of time to pick up your order at the market.

Leave a comment of your favourite homemade gift to make, local vendor, or charity to donate to!

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