Saturday, December 17, 2016

Last minute ways to make a difference this Holiday

Here at What You Can Do, we love this time of year.

The holidays are a great time to remind loved ones how important they are to you. You can also use your spending power as a way to show your support for companies and vendors who are doing their best to make a difference in the world.

As the holidays quickly approach, here are just a few last minute ideas to help make your season a little bit brighter and a bit more greener!

1.  Gift Wrap Exchange:  If you are like me than you might buy your wrapping paper in bulk and than end up using it for multi holidays or even multiple years.  This season consider doing a wrapping paper exchange with your friends who might also have an overload of gift wrapping paper or bows. By trading old rolls  with friends, you will both get something new to use without having to go out and buy an entire new costco size roll!  It is always fun to trade with friends, so why not consider helping each others wallets and the environment out by exchanging wrapping products instead of buying new.


2.  Give The Gift of Donation:  Consider stuffing your stockings this year with a donation in someone's honor to their favorite charity. Or you can do as my mother did every year, and give your children an envelope with some money in it.  Tell them that they must use that money as a donation for the charity of their choice.  My mother did this for each one of my family members when I was growing up.  It was a great way to give and to also get her kids involved in helping others.  I was always exciting to choose where my red envelope of money was going to go each year.  It always made me feel proud to help give back to those you needed it.



3.  Give The Gift of Warmth:  Often during this time of year, the weather outside is cold, and there are lots of people who are not fortunate enough to always have a warm place to live.  These individuals are also often in need of warm clothing items such as hats, coats and gloves.  Consider going through your closets and donating gently used winter wear that you are no longer using to organizations that hand them out during the winter months.  An unused coat hanging in your closet could mean a lot to someone in need.


4.  Skip Those Cards:  Holiday cards are lots of fun to receive and send.  However, most of these cards just get thrown away immediately after arrival.  This year consider going digital and sending out your holiday cards via email or social media.  You can also still print your cards but consider using eco friendly paper and/or printing.  Also do your best to make sure all those paper products are recycled at the end of the holiday.

Have ideas about how to make your holiday greener?  Comment below and tell us what you do.  We always want to hear from our fans.

From all of us here at What You Can Do, we hope that you have a very safe and happy holiday. Wherever you are, whatever you celebrate we hope you have a wonderful holiday season. 




No comments:

Post a Comment