Friday, November 27, 2009

Black Friday...and an Alternative Idea

Today is Black Friday, and regardless of the economic recession, retailers across the nation are expecting to do some major business.  In fact, for many retailers, the only way they move out of the red and into the black at the end of the year is all because of today. 

Remember that post I wrote earlier in the month?  Yes, I'm talking about the one where we learned that Americans spend an average of 450 billion dollars each year on Christmas- the one where we learned that lack of clean water kills more people every day than any other cause and that the estimated cost to make clean water available to everyone worldwide is 10 billion dollars.

Does that information shock you?  Concern you?  Convict you?  Now is your chance to do something about it; you don't have to commit to something major.  Start small.  Maybe buy one less gift- or just spend less on gifts in general- this year.   

I know many people feel pressured to buy presents for family and friends; especially if your family is expecting presents, it can be difficult for them to understand why you decided against purchasing Christmas gifts this year.  I also understand that many people simply love to give presents at Christmas; after all, I am one of those people.  I absolutely love purchasing gifts for loved ones and am positively obsessed with wrapping said presents (side note: if you live near me and want me to wrap your gifts, I would love to do so; just bring me the gifts and supplies and I will wrap to my little heart's content).  I enjoy watching my family and friends open their presents (at any time of the year).  I know about the pressure we all experience during the holiday season to shop, shop, shop and buy, buy, buy.  It's hard not to become a little cynical during this time that is supposed to be filled with joy and hope.  Often, we find ourselves rather materialistic instead.    

But there are still many ways through which you can make a difference.  Instead of purchasing yet another material present, consider donating to a non-profit or a cause in honor of someone; check out Heifer International, World Vision, and Global Giving for some ideas (after a lifetime of collecting stuff, parents and grandparents typically love this idea).  Visit your local fair trade store to buy unique gifts made by artisans and farmers around the globe who were offered a fair wage in return for their craftsmanship or food products; if your community does not have a fair trade store, you can shop at the Global Exchange, an online fair trade store. Purchase meaningful gifts through companies which support social and economic justice; my personal favorites are t-shirts from SpendYourself, beaded jewelry from Bead For Life, and all of the beautiful pieces available at Build A Nest.  Involve your family by purchasing food for a needy family or serving together at a local soup kitchen, homeless shelter, or other non-profit serving individuals in need.  There are so many chances for you and your family to make a difference.

I have found that when I purchase a gift from one of these stores, non-profits, or organizations and include a brief card with the gift explaining how the money earned from the selling of the gift will help people in need, the recipient of the gift is more touched and appreciative.  Remember, you don't have to do anything drastic; you can do something small.  Just realize that the something small you've done may make a drastic difference in the life of someone else. 

1 comment:

Jessica said...

good stuff :) And thanks for being such a great supporter. I've never seen that nest site... they have some reallly cute stuff!