I love the idea of honoring someone with a gift.  It’s such a special gesture on a holiday or celebration.  But that being said, I do also have so many mixed feelings around the topic of gift-giving and receiving.

My eco-heart doesn’t always see a gift in a simple, straightforward way.  I DO think about the packaging, the product, the transportation, the company that was supported, the afterlife of the product.  It feels complicated.  And while I recognize the pure absurdity of this next “problem” in the context of a world where some have so little, I also feel overwhelmed by the amount of “stuff” in our lives.  I know that even though my eco-issues with gift-giving aren’t shared by the majority, I’m definitely not alone in the feeling of having an excess of stuff.  So, what does all of this mean for gift-giving and receiving?

Honestly, I don’t know.  But I’m constantly on a quest to figure it out.  I love exploring new ways to reduce the waste that comes with gift wrapping and tags.  And I love the idea of gifts that support local artists or gifts that are unique and handmade.  I don’t think gifts have to be expensive or shiny to be special, and I also don’t think gifts always need to be material items either.  I know there are ways to remain eco-conscious and stuff-conscious while still showing the people we love them through the practice of gifting.  These videos are my explorations of that quest.