Three Ways to Shop Responsibly This Holiday Season

For many people, Christmas has become a commercial holiday.  The season that was once known as the season of giving has turned into a season of greed and excess.  Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could go back to our simple ways and relive the true spirit of sharing? 

This year try to be a bit more responsible when purchasing items.  Shopping responsibly goes beyond frugality; it is also a matter of global awareness.  This means that you have to look at the people behind the products that you invest your money into.

Our everyday decisions as consumers contribute to global events that affect all of us in varying degrees.  For example, you might be thinking about buying an expensive brand of cosmetics for yourself.  There are many good brands being sold in big stores, but which one is made of safe and natural ingredients?  Does the company that sells this brand support local and sustainable farming?  By patronizing that company, you are condoning the practices by which they produce their merchandise.

Shopping responsibly this holiday season makes a lot of positive difference.  Billions of dollars are spent on gifts, decorations, and other things.  Make these purchases more meaningful to someone other than just the recipient.  Here’s how you can do it:

Choose Green Items

Shopping responsibly leads to helping the environment.  Purchase recycled gift wrappers, energy efficient Christmas lighting, fabrics made from organic cotton, and recycled ornaments and decorations.  This supports the recycling industry and helps reduce waste.  Recycled paper can be made into Christmas cards, gift tags, and wrapping paper.

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Support Fundraising or Advocacy Projects

Visit fair trade merchants that support cooperatives and groups working in favor of oppressed and impoverished people in all countries of the world.  These artisans use recycled goods and natural products like stone and coal to create ornaments, decorations, baskets, utensils, and sell these at the open market. 

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In the United States, several stores offer fair trade merchandise.  You can get a list of stores at www.transfairusa.org.  Look for merchants in your area who are fair trade certified.

Buy Local Products

Local merchants need your help and your patronage.  If you support local products, you also support sustainable livelihood projects in your area.  Visit local farmers markets, flea markets, and trade shows for unique gifts and decorations made by local artisans.

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This whole business of buying and selling has a reached a level that requires knowledge and consciousness. Becoming a responsible shopper is not a complicated process.  It only requires you to value human rights and to not let your wants overshadow your concern toward low-income workers or the environment.  Once you are able to shift to this paradigm, you will discover a world of new products that are worth spending, worth giving and totally guilt-free.