As Kwanzaa descends upon us its seven principles, or Nguzo Saba, are brought to mind. Each of the seven days of Kwanzaa is dedicated to improving ourselves and the larger community through good deeds, collective work, responsibility, creativity and purpose. Occasionally fruits or hand made gifts are exchanged, but the holiday is primarily a time of self-reflection, unity and personal growth.

Today as I was cleaning out my closet I was especially struck by the second Kwanzaa principle of Kujichagulia, or self-determination. It encourages us to forge our own path, to define, name and speak for ourselves through creativity. I thought of Muntadhar al-Zaidi, whose passionate shoe throwing spoke such volumes. I looked at my sad worn out shoes and was immediately inspired to create a personal Kwanzaa gift for him; and I will send them both to him, if he is ever released from prison.

Read more of this story »

The winter holidays are almost upon us, and whether you’re celebrating Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, or the holiday(s) of another tradition, you may still be stumped for gifts to give this year… especially gifts that fit your own (and the recipients’) values.

For the past few years, I’ve moved away from buying “stuff” as much as possible, and focused on giving the gift of giving (say that three times fast!). That is, I look for gifts that contribute to larger causes. After writing about ‘TisBest gift cards a couple of weeks ago, I started brainstorming on other good “gifts that keep on giving” for the “treehugger” on your list.

• Adopt an Animal: This has become my mainstay for my neice and nephews.  We don’t get them a pet; rather, we make a donation to the Missouri Humane Society’s Longmeadow Rescue Ranch “Barn Buddy” program. You can check with your local Humane Society or ASPCA chapter for similar programs. If wildlife is more your thing, Defenders of Wildlife has “adoption” gifts featuring wolves, penuins, polar bears, and other animals.

Read more of this story »

]]> http://sustainablog.org/2008/12/16/five-green-holiday-gifts-that-keep-on-giving/feed/