Terra Talks
Advent has begun! As the often busy, hectic season starts to consume us, consider how you are honoring this time of preparation, while still caring for God’s creation. Are you making your lists and checking them twice? Is Amazon delivering daily? Gift giving is synonymous with Christmas in our culture, but there are ways to still be eco-focused, too.
Have you or your children ever suffered from “gift opening fatigue”? We have at Terra’s house! Choose a smaller number of meaningful gifts and cut out the many novelty items and stocking stuffers, since they are often plastic, cheaply made and not truly special.
-Is it well made and will last beyond this season? Avoid things that will break or be tired of soon.
-Is it made from sustainable materials? Even natural materials like wood or cotton vary in how they are grown, harvested, or processed. Educate yourself about what “sustainable” means.
-Can it be found locally or shipped from the closest location that is practicable?
-Consider shopping at a fair-trade store or site, or even thrift stores!
-Think about passing on family heirlooms as gifts instead of buying new things. Grandma’s ring may have far greater importance than the latest fashion piece.
-Given a choice, choose the least amount of packaging as often as possible.
Savor these days leading to Christmas, focusing on ways to prepare our hearts and nourish our souls.
Terra