Friday, December 7, 2007

In the Holiday spirit....

The green practices team gives a special holiday gift for the season...

The Story of Stuff.

It is an excellent 20-minute video that explains in simple terms what the consequences of a conventional system of consumption are -- and shares an alternative vision. If you haven't seen it and have a bit of time in your day (and even if you don't!) we encourage you to watch.

- GPT

It's Christmas time in the Ciudad...

There are a plethora of alternatives to the traditional consumption-heavy gift-giving practices of the holidays! Alternative gift giving falls into six basic categories
1. charitable donations (examples: nonprofit donations, memberships, tree dedications)
2. experience gifts (examples: concert tickets, scuba lessons, cooking classes)
3. give of yourself (examples: offer your cooking skills, babysitting services, fitness training expertise, whatever your skills might be)
4. recycled gifts (examples: regifting, shopping vintage, antique and junk stores)
5. homemade gifts (examples: crafts, baked goods)
6. green products (examples: sustainably produced clothing, jewelry, home accents; you name it, and a green company out there probably produces it)
Once you have your alternative gift, keep the gift wrapping green as well: cloth; scarves; magazine pages, paper grocery bags colored, stamped, tied with bright ribbon
Here's more information on specific gift ideas for the holidays:

Alternative Gift Fairs:

December 8
SAJE: 152 W. 32nd Street

10 AM-4PM
On December 8th, SAJE will host our 2nd Annual "Just Holiday Marketplace" here at the SAJE space. We'll be open from 10AM to 4PM with gifts, food and music for all. We've got some unique and talented crafters from around the LA area so come on down and shop for the holidays so you can ensure that you give your loved ones gifts made with the very best in handmade gifts and wares. VENDOR SPACES STILL AVAILABLE!
Visit the Marketplace website for more information or to download the registration form.


December 9
Alternative Christmas Market
Diamond Bar United Church of Christ
2335 S. Diamond Bar Blvd, Diamond Bar, CA 91765
11:30am -1:30pm.
Handarts from Third World Gifts and Arts, Centro Santa Catalina, and Fair Trade coffee, tea and chocolates will be available. We will also be serving a simple soup luncheon. 909-861-4735 Visit our website for directions, www.dbucc.org.

December 16
The Anti-Mall
La Culebra, Highland Park (Avenue 57, crossing Figueroa)
Be a Conscious Consumer at this Winter's AntiMall.
Come and Celebrate 5 years of commitment to Recycling our Money and putting People over Profit. We have a great group of committed Artivist/AntiMallers with one-of-a-kind art work. We will be featuring an array of performers and great food. Come and put your dollars to work into our local economies!