Have a Sustainable Holiday Season
The headline in the Plattsburgh Press Republican this morning:
Report: Black Friday store spending edges up
This news is a relief to some, but it dismays others. The great American economic engine, fueled by the almighty consumer, seems to be awakening from its long slumber. One can almost hear the ships from China unloading, the box manufacturers gearing up and the trucks starting to roll. Therein lies the dilemma: why must economic success equate with the making and consumption of things? If most of us look around our homes, we have everything we need. Our cellars and attics are crammed with things we just had to have in days past. Pots, pans, small appliances, clothes, electronics. How much of this stuff do we really need? Can we learn to give one another gifts that aren't things? How about a nice jar of homemade jelly? How about a gift certificate to a local restaurant? How about a piece of local artwork? How about an article of gently used clothing from a local consignment shop? If you're detecting a theme of "Buy Local" here, you're absolutely onto something. We have many, many local producers and merchants who don't buy in to the whole import, ship and throw-away culture that characterizes our economy. They make things at home or in small shops, ship them locally and make treasures that last. Sure, a locally-made piece of art or a serving dish made locally may cost more, but it will come with a huge amount of character and a story of its own. In other words, it will last, and the consumer will not have the impulse to replace it with another next year. That pretty much sums up a sustainable holiday season. Buy things that last, or buy consumables like local foods and restaurant gift certificates. These things don't pollute the planet to get to your front door, and they will be remembered long after the holiday season ends. If you decorate your house, use items that can be reused, and use natural items that can be recycled or composted. Enjoy the holidays, and Buy Local! Keep Plattsburgh green!
