Nature Connection: Gifts Of Nature

 It’s that time of year when everyone’s thoughts turn to gift-giving and creating at least a little bit of holiday magic. It’s easy to get caught up in all the spending and overindulgence, but if we all rein it in a little bit, it could make a big difference environmentally.

 The waste generated by both Halloween and Christmas is so enormous that the numbers seem unbelievable. Here in America, Halloween generates over 2,000 tons of waste just from costumes that are worn once and thrown out. Christmas waste adds up to over one million tons a week during the holiday season. One million tons! That includes 250,000 tons of plastic wrapping. These numbers come from several sources, including the New York Times, and are considered to be on the low side.

 We as consumers can help out the planet by being more conscious of what we buy or don’t buy, how and where we buy it, and how we dispose of whatever wrappings we might use.

 Nature has many gifts: some with wrapping and some without. Many wild foods come with shells or skins that must be removed to get to the juicy, edible parts. All of nature’s gifts are renewable and recyclable. There is no waste. Those things that are used up or die become part of the environment, nurturing the next generation. It’s a simple yet complex cycle, one that early people used as well. We need to reconsider our approaches to gift-giving, especially wrapping. If we could be a little more like nature, creating little or no waste, it could be helpful.

 We didn’t set out to destroy the planet with all our consumerism. We were told we were helping the economy, keeping people employed, building memories with our children. 

 Back in the day, a day not all that long ago, children each received one gift from Santa and maybe another from their family. Their stockings bulged with a juicy orange in the toe. Oranges were a special treat, as were the little sweets that filled the rest of the stocking. These days I hear some people put diamond rings in stockings, and oranges are so common and plentiful they are no longer considered special treats. And if TV advertising is to be believed, a fair percentage of people receive fancy cars and trucks from Santa. Times sure have changed.

 The squirrels and rabbits must think we’re nuts. Wild animals don’t carry extra stuff around. They may stash some food for later, but half the time they forget where, and some other animal eats it, or it simply becomes part of the earth. Those that stash nuts and seeds help forests and fields regenerate. Those that eat other animals leave behind bones that are in turn broken down by rodents that chew on them to keep their teeth from getting too long, and by insects and worms that return the calcium and other minerals to the soil where they will enrich the next generations of plants and trees.

 We’re a long way from living like wild animals. We gather and gather and gather until we have so much stuff that we are constantly sorting, giving away, or throwing away what we no longer want or need. And yet, we keep on seeing and buying that next new shiny thing.

 So, what are we to do if we don’t want to be complete spoilsports that look alarmingly like Scrooge or the Grinch? Small steps are all good. Imagine if we all slowed down our consumption by just one item. Multiply that by millions and there is an effect. Now, imagine if you searched for fun and innovative ways to wrap or present gifts. By using one less roll of wrapping paper multiplied across the country, across the world? Amazing. 

 Many wrapping paper companies are now using recycled paper and inks that are a little friendlier to the environment. Be like our grandparents and fold and save the wrapping paper that is salvageable to use the next time around. Make gift tags from old holiday cards. This is an easy and fun project to do with kids or by yourself while watching the Patriots struggle to get the ball down the field.

 As for gifts? Many older people make donations instead of giving gifts, at least to other older people. None of us want to take the fun out of the holidays for young people, but check in with the teens, many of whom are very concerned about the future of the planet. Maybe they’d like a membership to an environmental or nature organization. They might like products made by someone local, such as handmade hats, socks, soap or a shampoo bar. A lunch bag made from recyclable materials with a gift certificate to their favorite sandwich shop could be fun, too. Many children and teens would be happy to go with you to a show or on a nature walk. Some love museums and others love visits to a city. Shared experiences are something everyone can enjoy, no matter what their age.

 As for decorations? Nature supplies many raw materials for wreath or centerpiece creations. There are lots of different greens, berries, pinecones, seashells, driftwood, and pebbles that can be arranged in all sorts of creative and clever ways. Say no to the fake greens and baubles.

 As the holidays get ever closer, consider nature as you go about your preparations. It doesn’t take much to change a few things for the better. In fact, going outdoors to gather pinecones or seashells with family and friends can start a new tradition that is free and fun. It will also build lasting memories, one of our favorite parts of any holiday tradition.