We've found the easiest way for people to do what they think is a good idea is through practical help and the support of their friends and family.
If you want to make sustainable giving easy in your community, a great way to start is with an Inspiration Swap: the last one we held in September was so useful we can highly recommend doing something similar. Here are detailed instructions on how:
1) invite some friends to bring a bottle/herbal tea/home made raspberry vodka/nibbles.
2) spend the evening pleasantly swapping ideas.
(We like to keep things simple!)
-----------------------------------
Ask! – give people permission to give you and your family second-hand gifts and gifts in kind. For example, add "Please feel free to give a present which isn't brand new" to children's party invitations.
------------------------------------
Have a look at "The Story of Stuff" video – simple & easy to watch 20 minutes long, American bias but universal application
------------------------------------
Next time you're in a shop, have a good look round and just ask yourself, is it all just landfill waiting to happen? And who wants to be outlived by their rubbish?!
------------------------------------
Understand the implications of plastic: the original and admirable plastic-bag-free town Modbury has collated a wide range of information and videos on all aspects of plastic on its website www.plasticbagfree.com
Top Tips for Giving
Take pride in giving green: what you're doing is good for the recipient and us all. You've nothing to hide!
Encourage your kids to give and receive sustainably: it's their future and besides, anti-consumerist children are cheaper!
Give secondhand, vintage, antique, anything that already exists: making the maximum use of the minimum resources values what we already have.
Buy from charity shops: double whammy - recipient and charity benefit
Give your time: it's the most valuable thing you have, what better way to show your love?
Think outside the box: the creativity of the unusual can be a gift in itself
Give your talent or skills: it's giving part of yourself
Buy home crafts and produce and from local businesses: support your local, sustainable economy
Buy Fair Trade or recycled new things: may have more miles on them but ethical
When all else fails: do what needs to be done - there's enough guilt around already – we don't intend to add to it!