Give the gift that won’t cost the earth or your vitality

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HOW much?

how much did I spend?

Americans spend $450 billion dollars each year on Christmas! [1]  That is a lot of money by any standards.  I was astounded how it could be that much but I suppose once you have a tree, oodles of food, endless decorations and vast quantities of presents for family and friends, then all adds up.

Yet are we missing the point?

What exactly is in all these presents being given to your loved ones?

There is no denying that presents are wonderful to receive but as scrooge-like as I may sound I have to say there are some presents I really would not want!

Much of what I have seen in the shops or catalogues seems more like needless plastic rubbish, toxins, pollutants and general wanton consumption.  I am not alone in this view either, David Suzuki also feels that our consumption is a serious issue for us and our planet.

Scented candles

The vast majority of scented candles are far from the pretty pictures on the box.  Most are paraffin candles with synthetic chemical fragrances, which bear in mind are being burnt in winter with no windows open!  I am not sure these are presents but maybe more closely related to hazards?

Paraffin candles tested by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) [2] emitted above excess cancer risk levels for formaldehyde, as well as dioxins, polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and harmful particulates.  I am not sure that I want to be given scented candles.

There are some fabulous alternatives; beeswax candles, that are the more traditional candle, which are naturally negative ion producing- they clean the air.  Beeswax candles smell good but without the toxin synthetic chemicals.

Perfumes & bath oils

I would not give a perfume or bath oil as many in the mainstream shops are scented with parfum or fragrance.  This is a red flag on the toxin front, fragrance can be a hiding place for many hundreds of synthetic chemical substances that by law do not have to be listed on the label.  [3] The perfume industry says just listing ‘fragrance’, on the label, is to protect their secret formulas but I would rather have certified organic or organic essential oils in my bath, wouldn’t you?

Some other present ideas, for under $30!

What's in your make up bag?

Detox the make up bag – There are some great brands of non-toxic, synthetic chemical free lotions and potions, I have a list on my products page.

What is the big TOXIN fuss anyway?  Why do you need to watch what you use on your skin, learn more with my latest CD

Beeswax candles – they burn nicely, smell good and are toxin free.  Soy candles also work well but I’d avoid paraffin candles!

A day trip somewhere.  You likely have more ‘stuff’ than you want in your home, so what about a present that is an experience rather than something to put in a drawer or hide until you feel better about later giving it away?

Make your own balms – they are very easy; a little shea butter, a little coconut oil and some beeswax & essential oils.  If you can’t face making your own thankfully Kirstin from Be Clean Naturally has made a great belly balm that I use on my cuticles.

The gift of traditional health knowledge- A subscription to the Weston A Price Foundation, an organisation dedicated to sharing the voice of traditional health and real food.  For $40US or $50US if you live anywhere else in the world you’ll get four journals a year packed full of food information and research much of which might surprise you.

What presents are you giving this Christmas holidays and why?

References

[1] http://www.Adventconspiracy.org

[2] http://www.epa.gov/

[3] http://environmentaldefence.ca/campaigns/just-beautiful/glossary/fragrance