"Every Christmas, Canadians create an extra five million tonnes of garbage. Included in that figure are 8,000 tonnes of wrapping paper, 4,200 tonnes of aluminum foil, and a whopping 125,000 tonnes of plastic packaging." (filly.ca)
From choosing a real tree and make it organic by the way, to making our own cards, ornaments and presents, giving 'socially responsible' gifts is the choice of more and more Canadians.
Here are just five suggestions, from Highway 7 Online.
1. Buy Nova Scotian. The general rule of thumb is local first, then Nova Scotian, Atlantic Canadian and finally Canadian made products. China? Come on. Check the labels. It's not rocket science.
2. Nova Scotia is the Christmas tree capital of Canada, but this year, the US market is almost non-existent due to the rising dollar. Support NS Balsam Fir growers. And do recycle your tree!
3. Bay of Islands Sustainable Living Center in Moser River will ship a live evergreen seedling to anyone on your list for just $5 plus shipping and you can plant it in the spring. Better yet, plant a tree in someone's name at Bear Lake, Nova Scotia. Order at the Trail Stop.
4. Fancy a bamboo blouson or wood fibre wrap around for la femme in your life? It might sound prickly, but today's soft, silky, feminine fabrics go way beyond the baggy hemp styles of a couple of years ago. Nova Scotia's Anna Gilkerson has established an eco-chic clothing line called "deuxfm". Available at Plovers and Lost & Found, among others.
5. Recycled gifts? Why not? Especially if those gifts are quality vintage - someone on your list would love a 50's collectible, a (signed, first-edition) antiquarian book or an item of quality vintage clothing. This list of Halifax 'vintage' outlets was compiled by www.filly.ca :
Don't forget about the old standbys too - Frenchys, Salvation Army and Boutique VV (Value Village)!
Elsie's Used Clothing - 1530 Queen Street, Halifax, NS
The Clotheshorse - 1530 Queen Street, Halifax, NS
This and That Recycled Clothing - 6188 Quinpool Road, Halifax, NS
Dressed in Time - 5670 Spring Garden Road, Halifax, NS
Junk and Foibles - 1533 Barrington Street, Halifax, NS
re clothing - 1312 Queen Street, Halifax, NS
Lost and Found - 2383 Agricola Street, Halifax, NS
Want more? Here's a great list from the Ecology Action Center. If you have more sustainable gift ideas, your posts are welcome!
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You're reading The Eastern Shore Current, Highway 7 Online's latest BLOG feature!
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