By Crys Zinkiewicz
Giving gifts is one of the five love languages. But, culturally, it has been enshrined as the premiere way to celebrate Christmas. As Christians, followers of the Christ, we live counter-culturally, keeping God’s gift of love central as best we can; but the cultural pressure to give presents is heavy.
One way to keep love at the center and to strike a balance with our giving is to shop first for those companies and gifts that fit our values—and show love to the recipients. Fortunately, you can visit a company’s website and have information both about their products and their practices.
Many of the newer entries in the market include on their website their mission and often a brief video about their commitment to caring for creation. Not only do these help you choose the gift to give, but also the information will help you talk to the recipients and others about your commitment to the Earth and why you chose the specific gift for them. Talking to others about creation justice is one of the most helpful things we can do as individuals, according to Dr. Katherine Hayhoe.
As West End UMC (Nashville, TN), our Creation Care Committee has published a Green Giving Guide both this year and last which is an example of how we’ve paid attention to our values in selecting gift ideas. In addition to the entries listed here, we also lifted up some local businesses, including two refill companies, the listing for nearby CSA’s (community agriculture shares), area composting options, and a creative reuse organization. Check your area for similar opportunities.
As you read through the entries, look for the values that make giving a present to a loved one from that company a gift that also cares for creation and centers our action in love. Here are some:
- Fair trade
- Zero waste
- No plastic
- Long lasting—perhaps passed along to another generation
- Sustainable ingredients and practices
- Organic and/or regenerative agricultural practices
- Creative reuse
- Contributions to additional environmental care efforts
- Love language of service or presence
- Carbon-neutral
- Support for vulnerable neighbors
Here is the link to the UMCJM Green Giving Guide. You are welcome to use this material in any way that is helpful to you. And we’d love to hear suggestions from you about other companies that help us live and give our values.