TOXICS INFORMATION PROJECT (TIP)

P.O. Box 40572, Providence, RI 02940

Tel. 401-351-9193, E-Mail: TIP@toxicsinfo.org

Website:  www.toxicsinfo.org

(Sharing Information on Toxics in Everyday Life

& Providing Healthier Alternatives)

 

WHAT’S A LESS TOXIC HOLIDAY?

 

A less-toxic holiday is one which enhances health, your quality of life and the environment on which we all depend for sustenance.  It’s one in which you are not rushing around, harried and anxious because of the overload of chores and the many decisions needed –about entertaining, family visits or gift giving.  Give yourself this year the gift of a more relaxed holiday, and one in which you have the satisfaction of doing things in a responsible, earth and people-friendly way.  Points to consider, if you are entertaining:  Clean your home – but do it with natural, non-toxic cleaners.  Use less-toxic cookware and tableware – Stainless steel, ceramic, cast iron or glass instead of aluminum or non-stick pans and plastic dishes and drinkware.  Avoid “air fresheners”, which only cover odors with artificial scents laced with toxic chemicals that offend or even sicken many people.  Serve healthy natural food, and don’t feel you need to overload your guests with rich foods and sweets.  Moderation, along with creative cooking and seasoning, will leave them happier than excesses that lead to indigestion!  If you are going somewhere as a guest, don’t douse yourself with perfume.  A few drops of totally natural essential oil is more likely to prove attractive.

 

THOUGHTS ON LESS TOXIC GIFT GIVING

 

GENERAL STRATEGY

 

People are besieged with piles of THINGS at holidays, and many homes become junk heaps of seldom used items.  Less is more.  Better gifts are action gifts, service gifts, practical gifts, attractive gifts that are less toxic and don’t take up too much space.  Better gifts are fitted to the life-style and needs of the giftee, sometimes helping them toward a healthier modus vivendi, but not aggressively or obnoxiously.  The ideal gift should be a combination of something the giver would like the giftee to have with something the giftee would really appreciate.  Some concern is appropriate, too, for the reduction in sheer trash from wrapping paper and boxes used for a brief moment of glory.

 

SOME IDEAS

 

1.  God bless gift certificates!  They can be very appropriate less-toxic gifts as long as the issuer is a basically non-toxic and natural type retailer, or at least neutral.  Examples:  Garden Grille or Whole Foods Market.  Besides local retailers, there are lots of on-line stores selling natural products, who will be happy to provide such a certificate. 

 

2.  Think choosing a gift on line or through catalogues.  A better selection of less-toxic gifts is available thus, and it saves you hours of tromping through stores and crowds.  They’ll also do the wrapping and shipping for you.  A few clicks, and you’re set.  Especially good for stuff like DVDs, books, etc.

3.  Think of giving a non-material gift such as a trip to Bermuda, or a weekend at a country inn.  You can give a boat ride or a theatre ticket.  You can give a membership to AAA or some other organization – one in which the giftee is interested.  How about some time at a gym, a bowling alley; a course at a local college?  One other often appreciated gift is a restaurant discount book – not totally non-toxic, but environmentally friendly – no piles of wrapping or stuff to clutter the house!

 

4.  Think books, which can be educative on the joys of natural living, on health or environmental concerns; entertaining or informative on other subjects.  Think magazine subscriptions to alternative publications such as Utne, Mother Jones, Natural Health. 

If that’s too far out for your giftee, seek those that address their interests and are at least not promoting toxic stuff or violence  Think videos –good and positive ones through which you would expect one to be warmed and uplifted – and maybe to laugh or learn!

 

5. Think of giving services – we have several times given in-laws an evening of baby sitting as a gift.  If you are really dedicated, you could go in and give a thorough house cleaning (using natural cleaners).  Think of what services your giftee could really use, that you can either do for them yourself or pay someone else to do.  One of our sons greatly enjoyed a neck massage we gave him while visiting Newport.

 

6.  Think of things made of natural materials that are a bit different, or fun, or beautiful, to buy.  Think of solar garden lights and solar radios.  Think of string hammocks. 

 

7.  Think of gift baskets, either assembled yourself or put together by a retailer.  Whole Foods Market, for example, will provide a gift basket of selected unscented personal care products (or other items).

 

8.  Think of odor-eating plants such as those described in the book, “How to Grow Fresh Air” – Areca palms, etc.  Think chlorine and chemical-removing faucet or shower filters, electronic air cleaners, maybe a Sani-Mate plug in for the bathroom.

 

9.  Think of gifts of healthy housewares, such as Corning Ware, glass and ceramic casseroles, stainless steel or cast iron cookware.

 

TO AVOID

 

1.  Fragranced items – as in cosmetics & candles and “air fresheners”.

2.  Toxic art materials, including petroleum-based permanent markers.

3.  Plastic items containing toxic chemicals such as phthalates.

4.  Gifts that will give a one-time pleased reaction – then never get used, or played with more than once or twice.

5.  Gifts that will encourage unhealthy or non-life enhancing habits, like sitting all day in front of the TV or computer playing games, or overeating piles of fatty and sweet foods. 

6.  Any gift that will pollute the environment expose the recipient to unhealthy chemicals.