Holiday shopping is getting down to the wire.
There’s not much time left to get in your car, drive somewhere, buy stuff, wrap it, deliver it, and hope that the recipient enjoys it.
Or, alternatively, to shop online, and hope that — thanks to our complex delivery system — someone else will deliver it wherever it needs to go, while you hope the recipient enjoys it.
Sustainable Westport says: No! Stop it! Enough is enough!
Our town’s non-profit environmental education and advocacy organization notes that the holidays are a time of “joy, togetherness — and a lot of waste.”
The average household generates 25% more trash between Thanksgiving and the New Year than at other times of the year. (And as we all know, Westport households are far from “average.”)
Many people feel forced to choose between holiday cheer and sustainable practices, Sustainable Westport says.
But there are alternatives.
They share some ideas to reduce waste, and make the holidays more eco-friendly.
Susatainable Westport’s first recommendation is: “Stop buying more stuff!”
It’s important not only for the planet, they say, but for our own mental health.
Instead, they suggest, share or give “experiences. Meaningful moments and connections are what the holidays are truly about. Plus, by keeping gifts local, you can reduce your environmental impact and help promote our local economy.”
In the spirit of giving, Sustainable Westport shares a few “experiential ideas”:
- Go ice skating at the Westport PAL Rink at Longshore
- Explore the trails of and support Aspetuck Land Trust or Earthplace
- Take advantage of our arts and cultural scene. Give a MoCA CT membership, and check out an exhibit there. Or catch a show at the Westport Country Playhouse
- Sign up for a cooking class or attend a gourmet dinner at Wakeman Town Farm
- Make a donation in a friend’s or family member’s name to the Westport Library
- Purchase a gift certificate to one of Westport’s great restaurants.
This winter, give the gift of entertainment at the Westporot Country Playhouse.
“The holidays are a time to come together, not consume more,” Sustainable Westport says.
“We hope these ideas help you celebrate the season in a way that’s kinder to the planet — and your spirit.”
Their New Year’s resolution: Offering more tips in 2025.
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Sustainable Westport advocates for a more walkable downtown. Just don’t buy anything there, please.
LOL – Sustainable Westport must be a lot of fun at holiday parties.
Save the environment. Hold your breath to consume less precious oxygen. The planet will love you for it (and so will your fellow Westporters).
In other local news, Westport officials plan to propose something they call “consumption pricing”. Special parking meters outfitted with wireless weight sensors will be installed in all town owned lots. Using a sliding scale, hourly parking fees will be assessed based on the vehicle’s weight. Larger and therefore heavier vehicles will obviously pay more than smaller vehicles which consume fewer resources. Given Westport’s well known affection for huge SUVs, sources say this latest sustainability initiative may run into trouble. Still, local leaders remain optimistic. Next on their list of climate measures: a mansion tax.
“Consumption Pricing”!!! I like it!!!! (as long as it’s conspicuous consumption). In addition, let’s install virtue signals at all major intersections to replace traffic lights. It’s more energy efficient. Virtue signals were developed by the TIS (Thunberg Institute of Sanctimony) to cut down on hot air in downtown Westport. You don’t need to stop at intersections (How DARE you!!!!).
Loved these ideas! Our family went to the Playhouse on Friday night & loved a Sherlock Christmas Carol! Another year-round idea is to shop at a local consignment store. Around the Rosy has wonderful items for kids from newborn to older teens! Clothing, winter coats/boots, toys/books, gear & more. I bought several gifts there this season & it made me feel good to know I was reusing & reducing waste!
That’s a good idea! (And thanks for the non-snark reply. 😎)