Once the dinner chairs are pushed back on Thursday, the retail Olympics known as “Black Friday” and “Cyber Monday” will gear up full force, being the official start of shopper-mania for the holidays. It’s getting so frenetic in some circles, that the real reason for Thanksgiving seems to have taken a back seat in favor of spend, spend, spend.
Despite endless ads pushing crazy price slashes, and pre-dawn mall rushes, there is a welcome alternative. For the second year now, Cyber Monday is also known as
Green Gift Monday, sponsored by the Nature Conservancy, advocating gifts that make a difference, not just a high price.
With billions of dollars being spent over these next four days, this is an important reminder that all gifts aren’t under a tree, in a box, or sporting a mega-bucks price tag.
It’s not too late to sign the Pledge to incorporate at least one gift that’s good for the planet.
From DIY creations to charitable gift cards, you can make a difference that doesn’t end when the box is tossed out, and the ribbons thrown away. One of the most impactful gifts is one of service and/or time: baby-sitting hours, running errands for someone shut-in, or taking the time to read aloud to a child on a regular basis. It’s those small steps that create so much meaning.
Conscious, responsible giving is not only good for the planet, it’s great for the soul. ♥
