LAST MINUTE HOLIDAY RUSH

I have to admit it’s a little frustrating shopping this year because of all the information about the carbon footprint contained in each purchase or caused by holiday travel to the store or to see relatives. Everyone is writing about buying green or giving practical green items, but where is the sparkle in cloth kitchen towels, compact fluorescent bulbs, or organic cleaners. I challenge you to remember that perfect gift you received or gave last year. Do you know where it is? Has it been stashed away in the closet, recycled or thrown away? Do I sound like a “Green Grinch?”

I guess one easy way out of this consumer mess is to ask friends and relatives what gifts they really want. Maybe it’s nothing. Maybe it is a basket of products that would make their lives more green. Maybe it’s something for someone less fortunate. On December 1, I attended the tenth annual ecumenical Global Holiday Faire sponsored by churches in Vallejo, Benicia, and American Canyon. Their event gave the public an opportunity to support local nonprofit organizations such as the Amador Street Hope Center and Milestones of Development or international ones such as Heifer International and Concern America. You can log onto www.globalholidayfaire.org and contribute to these groups. The Global Faire was greener this year as food was served on biodegradable plates, cups and cutlery that was later composted.

Which is a reminder for you to make your holiday parties green. Instead of buying (and throwing away) fancy paper plates, buy reusable plates at a thrift store. You will also find holiday dishes looking for a second home. Don’t forget to stock up on reusable containers for you to pack up leftovers for your guests to take home. If you have not sent out your holiday cards, you may be surprised to learn that 206 billion holiday cards are sold each year in the United States. These cards would fill a landfill the size of a football field ten stories high.

Start a new tradition with a holiday E-newsletter. A simple word document is easy to personalize with your favorite photos and you can send them instantly. If you are still at a loss for last minute gifts, consider these seven suggestions.

Give Time
This may be your most expensive green gift but spending time with a family member or friend is always appreciated.

Shop local
Small businesses have made the commitment to our local economy. Antique and thrift stores are the ultimate in reuse. Shop at Saturday’s farmers market or purchase ferry tickets and spend a day in the city with your family and friends. It’s a lovely energizing ride.

Give Energy
Purchase programable thermostats, motion sensors, energy efficient lighting and solar garden lamps. Don’t forget rechargeable Ni-MH (Nickel metal Hydride) batteries.

Give Warmth
A feather or wool comforter will allow you to lower your thermostat during the night. Sweaters, [recycled] fleece clothing, and lap robes will keep you warm during the day.

Give Homemade Goodies
Place cookies and candy in reusable boxes inside a cloth shopping bag that will be used year-round.

Give Landscape Gifts
Give California native plants, or a compost bin, or a book. Gardening books are available at the Vallejo Naval Museum book store. Give an older friend a day of your skills as a pruner or weeder.

Re-gift
We all have a stash of unused presents or toys to share. Wrap up your gifts with reusable or recyclable coverings. Sit back and enjoy the holidays.

VALCORE Recycling Board Secretary Jane Bogner's "A Sorted Affair" is published every other week in the Times-Herald, Community Outlook Section. For recycling information call her at 645-8258 or visit www.VALCORErecycling.org.