Before you go holiday shopping...

Before you go shopping for the holidays consider these:
1. What am I buying?
2. How were they produced?
3. What is the effect of the consumption of these things?
4. Am I putting the world at risk by buying these things?
5. How ethical is the production of what I am buying?
6. Would I  put the future of my kids at risk by buying certain things?
7. How can I be charitable in my purchase?
8. Do I really need all I have written on my list or am I about to be wasteful?
9. Are there any sustainable alternatives I could settle for?
10. Would my purchase ensure that someone somewhere has a happy holiday or am I by my inadvertence standing in the way of a joyous holiday for someone else?

As global citizens, we must consider these questions critically as we are aware of the fact that globalization has shrunken the world and by a purchase in Canada the life of another in Eritea may be endangered. The question hence is, what can we do to ensure that our grocery and holiday shopping are in consonance with sustainable practices?




You may ask why this is important? Actions we take today have the capacity to put the world at risk even in a thousand years to come, in fact our actions today have the capacity to determine to some extent the prospects of a happy holiday next year, in 5, 10 or even 100 years, to this extent we areencouraged to do the following;


1. The nature of the holiday may propel us to use energy excessively especially with the lights please be cautious with your use of energy ( I found this link very helpful.
http://www.everbluetraining.com/blog/20-ways-save-energy-holiday-season ).

2. It's easy to get too excited and buy more than we need, we must be cautious in our shopping in order to avoid waste.
3. Producers all over the world are under pressure to double their production especially consumables, be nice to ensure that you purchase only products that have been ethically produced as consumption of unethically produced goods have far reaching effects than you can imagine.
4. Many stores will have boxes for charity by their doors be kind enough to put something in the box.
5. Purchase goods that enhance sustainability , avoid goods that put the world at risk such as plastic, paper cups or disposable products. Go for the alternatives (imagine how interesting it would be washing plates and bonding with your family while at it).
6. Do not endanger the lives of plants and animals while satisfying your holiday cravings ,be cautious and forward thinking.
7. Show love this holiday season, share and not toss your excess food or drinks.
8. Take long walks and reduce your use of automobiles. It is also important to think of the impact of our actions on the environment. (you can refer to this post;  https://thenineteeninitiative.blogspot.com.ng/2016/10/what-do-i-owe-my-environment.html?1)
9. Spread the news on the need to engage in sustainable practices with someone this season.


10. Eat, drink, and enjoy your holiday while taking steps to guarantee the holidays to come.
From all of us at The Nineteen Initiative, we wish you and yours Happy Holidays!!!.

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