We joined the rest of the nation in mourning
Sandy Hook School shooting in Newtown, CT yesterday.
I woke and I saw that life is all service.
I served and I saw that service is joy."
~Kahlil Gibran
With this in mind, I'd love to start with a few
ideas for gifts that truly give back,
sharing this list of
- Put your money to work helping others and the planet with a “life-changing gift”, such as Heifer International, or ChildFund International.
- Be socially conscious with gifts that promote fair trade.
- Use energy efficient LED holiday lights to add sparkle. (Install a timer!)
- Give locally made products, help reduce the impact of transportation.
- Purchase greeting cards printed on recycled materials with vegetable based non-toxic inks, or send email greetings.
- Give gifts such as gift certificates or theater tickets – they don’t require a lot of gift wrapping. Avoid wrapping with glossy or metallic paper. Colorful fabric or reusable gift bags are an environmentally friendly alternative.
- Choose toys that do not require batteries. Instead choose gifts that stimulate a child’s imagination without impacting the environment.
“It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.”
~Mother Teresa
When giving to charities, it's good to have concerns
about where and how your donations are being used. To be sure your donations are being spent as stated,
you can check your charity with
“As we work to create light for others,
~Mary Anne Radmacher
Do not concern yourself with how much you receive in return,
just know in your heart it will be returned.”
~ Steve Maraboli, from 'Life, the Truth, and Being Free'
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