In less than two weeks, the busiest retail spending time of the year is upon us. First, Black Friday followed by Small Business Saturday and onward. How can we keep our responsibility to protect the earth and our duty for the well-being of the poor at the forefront of our minds as we embark on the busy buying seasons of Advent and Christmas?
Let’s begin by trying to avoid increasing demand for fossil fuels (plastic, polyester, gas) and being aware of how our choices impact the common good. By buying locally we reduce transportation emissions, and support entrepreneurship. By buying fair trade, we support a stable life for small independent producers ensuring their ability to prosper in their home countries. By buying natural and compostable materials, we reduce the causes of climate change.
Changing habits takes thought and planning, I must ask, do my buying habits reflect my values? Investing in gifts that cause no harm may seem expensive, but what is the true cost? What happens to each item at the end of its useful life? Does it become a hazard by contributing to air and water degradation? Will it decompose and return to the environment? How would I feel about buying less but more intentionally instead of letting price be the sole driver?
For a motivational and educational look at consumerism, the Documentary “Buy Now. The Shopping Conspiracy” may spark your desire to change purchasing habits. The film explores the corporate tactics and strategies that keep us in an endless cycle of buying. Watching “Buy Now. The Shopping Conspiracy” may be a good 1½ hour time investment before a holiday shopping frenzy kicks in! (available on NetFlix)
Meanwhile, a convenient way to chose gifts that support people rather than corporations is to come to the Fair Trade Market right here in Flaherty Hall after all Masses November 22 and 23.
Let us pray for mindful preparation for the seasons of Advent and Christmas so we will re-awaken “our feeling of gratitude for the gifts of creation;….acknowledge those who by their labours provide us with these goods and reaffirm our solidarity with those in greatest need.” (LS 227)
Let’s begin by trying to avoid increasing demand for fossil fuels (plastic, polyester, gas) and being aware of how our choices impact the common good. By buying locally we reduce transportation emissions, and support entrepreneurship. By buying fair trade, we support a stable life for small independent producers ensuring their ability to prosper in their home countries. By buying natural and compostable materials, we reduce the causes of climate change.
Changing habits takes thought and planning, I must ask, do my buying habits reflect my values? Investing in gifts that cause no harm may seem expensive, but what is the true cost? What happens to each item at the end of its useful life? Does it become a hazard by contributing to air and water degradation? Will it decompose and return to the environment? How would I feel about buying less but more intentionally instead of letting price be the sole driver?
For a motivational and educational look at consumerism, the Documentary “Buy Now. The Shopping Conspiracy” may spark your desire to change purchasing habits. The film explores the corporate tactics and strategies that keep us in an endless cycle of buying. Watching “Buy Now. The Shopping Conspiracy” may be a good 1½ hour time investment before a holiday shopping frenzy kicks in! (available on NetFlix)
Meanwhile, a convenient way to chose gifts that support people rather than corporations is to come to the Fair Trade Market right here in Flaherty Hall after all Masses November 22 and 23.
Let us pray for mindful preparation for the seasons of Advent and Christmas so we will re-awaken “our feeling of gratitude for the gifts of creation;….acknowledge those who by their labours provide us with these goods and reaffirm our solidarity with those in greatest need.” (LS 227)