Issue 6 | December 2022 | Shop Green With Your Green!
By Jen Aiken, ClearShark H2O Environmental Educator
We often don’t think about what happens to our money after it’s spent . . . and a lot of us think that our voice doesn’t matter as consumers. Well, I’m here to tell you that it does MATTER! Consumer spending drives what is made; and research has proven that, when consumers speak up and take collective action about a company’s damaging environmental practices or questionable work conditions, big changes can happen. This season is known for A LOT of spending; but did you know that, from Thanksgiving to New Year’s, Americans will generate 25% more waste due to all of the shopping, parties, decorations, wrapping, giving, receiving and feasting.
With the holiday season in full swing, are you looking for the “perfect” gifts for those on your list? This year, try to really think about what would be sustainable and meaningful to give your loved ones. Think about your family and friends with appreciation for who they are. Consider giving them a gift card to a special experience that you know would be fun and memorable. Other ideas include tickets to a show, a gift certificate for cooking classes, a fitness 
membership, art classes, music lessons, wine club memberships or a gift certificate to their favorite restaurant. There really are so many options that aren’t “stuff”! I love these great suggestions by Treehugger too! Or perhaps you’ve overheard a loved one mention that they’d like a compost barrel, a bird feeder or that they’d like to make the switch to more eco-friendly and reusable products. Of course, there’s always the gift of a plant or tree, having a tree planted in someone’s honor, carbon offsets or making a donation to an environmental conservation organization, like CSH2O.
Your gift choices mean that you have spent the time thinking about what the gift recipient would really love, but it is also a reflection of your consumer values. Are all of your gifts from Amazon or have you sought out environmentally friendly, ethical, organic and local business for their “green” practices and the unique nature of a product? Remember, your money is your voice! In addition, shopping locally keeps your hard earned money in the community where you live, work and play! You’ve all heard the phrase “Shop Local”, but do you really know what it means and the impact it can have?
Your community is full of the hopes and dreams of your neighbors, friends and family members who have invested their passion into their business. Research and seek out these businesses as most tend to have more environmentally friendly practices that not only care for the Earth, but also truly care about their employees and the consumers too.
This is also a good time of year to evaluate your finances and research 
where your money is and where it is spent. Align your bank and credit card choices with your values using these helpful resources. Make this holiday season the year that you focus on using your financial power as a consumer for environmental sustainability, social justice, and a future that is healthy for generations to come.
The goal is to give a gift that leaves your loved ones feeling cared about and understood, not just buying “junk” that will end up 
breaking and heading to the landfill within months. By giving with intention, thoughtfulness, and mindfulness about treading lightly on the Earth, along with what is meaningful to your loved ones, everyone benefits. Mindful gift giving leads to healthier and happier holidays. It is such a joy to give with love and care for your loved ones. It is in giving, that we receive. Happy Green Shopping . . . and remember to bring your reusable bags!
Websites to reference:
My favorite LOCAL, Eco-Friendly Business, Women-owned & Co-founded by Pasadena resident, Jenny Vedrani