gifts

  • Dreaming of a Green Christmas

    According to the Stanford University recycling center, Americans make 25% more trash between Thanksgiving and New Year’s than at any other time of the year. Much of it, of course, is caused by the waste produced by decorating and gift… Continue reading

  • Simple Christmas Gifts

    In my article from a couple of weeks ago, I championed the idea of a simpler Advent season that shifted the idea of giving Christmas gifts to the needy rather than those with plenty. That idea tops my gift-giving list,… Continue reading

  • A Simpler Advent to Prepare the Way

    The Advent season consists of the four weeks preceding Christmas. This is a time of renewal, a time to prepare for the coming of the Lord. A time to take stock of what is important in our lives and how… Continue reading

  • Don’t send flowers for Valentine’s Day; send trees

    From a blog post on earthday.org: Nothing is stronger than love — except maybe climate change. Did you know that a gift of flowers will often travel thousands of miles (often by jet plane) to your florist? Add the refrigerants… Continue reading

  • A Low-Carbon Christmas

    In Chapter Six of Laudato Si, our Holy Father speaks of consumerism: Since the market tends to promote extreme consumerism in an effort to sell its products, people can easily get caught up in a whirlwind of needless buying and… Continue reading