Tag Archives: Activism

See more photos at Pom Poms Not Bomb Bombs.

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Earlier I wrote on Holidays, Consumerism and Stress.
As we head into the frenzy of the season, consider the following:

Many of my students in school yesterday appeared a little on edge, displaying a higher level than normal of frustration and impatience with tasks in class. One student said to me “It’s because of the holiday tomorrow – everyone is stressed out.” I couldn’t help but think that if we got rid of holidays, this wouldn’t happen. But then I quickly diverted the message of that thought to If it weren’t for the corporate media message of “you’ve got to buy these gifts now and do all these things to prepare for the holidays” we could truly celebrate our cultural heritages without all the commercialism” (which might indeed actually get rid of some of these commerically created holidays!).

Years ago I made a conscious decision to live a more simple life. I still have a long way to go, but my lifestyle has changed dramatically from my early adulthood. I buy used clothing (or get it for free), hardly ever eat out, make my meals from scratch as much as possible, never watch TV, use mass transportation as much as I can, and hand create gifts or get them from locally owned businesses.

Most importantly, I attempt to provide that example in an open way so others may follow suit.
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….Buy and Sell! It’s Christmas time for conumers! Ring-a-ling….Cash Registers Ring! Must we spend Christmas this way?

No, we mustn’t and we don’t have to!

Jen’s Green Journal has a post on Gift Giving. She suggests that everything post things to their blog.

I have created a page of gift giving ideas. You can access it from my links to the left atHoliday Gift Giving Ideas.

I will add to it as the weeks go by. Please feel free to drop me suggestions!

Are you a shopaholic? Do you crave shopping on “Black Friday”? Well, here’s a solution:
Friday, November 25th, is Buy Nothing Day!

Yes, that’s right – Buy Nothing Day.

The Buy Nothing Day TV and Radio Spot is priceless. Share it with your friends.

Locally, the Salt Lake Radical Cheerleaders is organizing an afternoon of cheerful song in caroling fashion on the pitfalls of consumerism. There are lots of ideas and events descriptions at Adbusters.

Jen’s Green Journal has an article on alternative gifts to give this holiday season.

For several years now I have been giving things like Peace Calendars from the War Resisters League; CodePink herbal tea; handmade crocheted and sewn gifts; hand made and sewn items from my friends and their businesses and home grown food from my garden. It is satisfying to purchase things locally and to give gifts that do not come from sweatshops and that I did not purchase on typical shopping days. In fact, I ususally spend up to 6 months planning and making things for the holidays.

This holiday season, celebrate buying nothing. Give the gift of nothing but yourself.

Here is a taste of “out of the norm” gift giving ideas that are more friendly to our planet.
Many of these organizations have online stores. Those without stores can have donations made to them in a loved ones name.
Special Note: Ideas are happily accepted for this page. My criteria for listing is that the vendors/organizations are socially responsible and environmentally friendly – free from sweatshop labor; promoting reducing, reusing, recycling; advocating the community/people business concept as the alternative to corporate globalization; promoting and supporting fair trade products; promoting the use of organic materials where possible; and advocating peace, justice, human rights and living wages.)
DISCLAIMER: Listings of businesses and organizations here are endorsed as socially conscious businesses, for the convenience of shoppers who are seeking such businesses, in accordance with the criteria listed above.
The listings do not imply or insinuate endorsement of businesses,their philosophies or practices by the other businesses and organizations listed here.

Special Announcement for Christmas 2007
Please consider giving a tax-deductible donation to Blue Sky Institute for acquisition of property in Salt Lake for a Community Peace House. The property would be used for office space for peace and justice and education non-profits, common community meeting and event space and space for a garden and greenhouse. Contact Blue Sky Insitute or 801-502-8556.
Thanks to those who have generously donated!