Boycott "Black Friday" and "Cyber Monday"

“Help turn Cyber Monday green
Next Monday, November 28 — the Monday after American Thanksgiving — is widely known as “Cyber Monday,” the year’s biggest online spending day. Last year’s Cyber Monday saw consumers spend some $1.03 billion from the comfort of their own desks — the biggest online shopping day ever (source: Fastcompany.com).
As a reader of Unconsumption, it probably comes as no surprise to you that we encourage the mindful giving of gifts that are good for the planet. This year, like last year, Unconsumption, along with other organizations and bloggers, joins The Nature Conservancy in promoting the idea of “Green Gift Monday” in lieu of Cyber Monday.
The idea is pretty straight-forward: Consider making handmade gifts; or giving gift certificates redeemable for food or experiences or services; or buying items that are vintage; or donating to a charity in a gift recipient’s honor (e.g., “adopt” a coral reef and announce the gift via an e-card), instead of buying new (and perhaps less-meaningful) merchandise for family members, friends, business associates, and others this holiday season. That’s the general idea.
For other green-giving ideas and information, visit The Nature Conservancy’s Green Gift Monday – Gift Responsibly site here.”

This year I am only giving people things they have expressed a need for, things of sentimental value, and homemade goodies. Why give someone something they don’t need or won’t use much? Gifts should be about cherishing the people in your life and showing them you care. I think cookies and other homemade items say it better than anything I could find in a store. 


What are you making this year?