<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:st1="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"> <head> <meta http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=us-ascii"> <meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 11 (filtered medium)"> <o:SmartTagType namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="PersonName" downloadurl="http://www.microsoft.com"/>  <style>  </style>  </head> <body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple> <div class=Section1> <img width=360 height=105 id="_x0000_i1038" src="cid:image002.jpg@01C71AE3.2427B970"><o:p></o:p> To subscribe or unsubscribe to this listserve, go to <a href="http://www.weconserve.ca/" title="http://www.weconserve.ca/">www.weconserve.ca</a><o:p></o:p> An E.N.D. to Waste This Christmas <a href="http://www.weconserve.ca/articles/">http://www.weconserve.ca/articles/</a> <o:p></o:p> Ever had that feeling when shopping for Christmas gifts, that the whole store is just a garbage dump in the making? Or that it will take a whole new power plant to keep all the electronics running?<o:p></o:p> Christmas shopping can be depressing enough, especially as you get down to the wire, so my suggestion is that you start with a values check, and then shop proactively.<o:p></o:p> Our recommendation this year is that we all put an E.N.D to waste, by shopping for gifts that are ENERGY EFFICIENT, NATURAL, and DURABLE.<o:p></o:p> Before you hit the stores, here's three key questions to ask yourself:<o:p></o:p> <ol start=1 type=1> <li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3'>Are there gifts that reflect conservation values?<o:p></o:p></li> <li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3'>Are there options that better reflect conservation values?<o:p></o:p></li> <li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3'>Can I offset the environmental impact of a gift?<o:p></o:p></li> </ol> We've set up a special page on our website as a guide to conservation gifts. Take a peek at <a href="http://www.weconserve.ca/lightenup/gizmos.html" title="Conservation Gizmos" mce_href="http://www.weconserve.ca/lightenup/gizmos.html">www.weconserve.ca/lightenup/gizmos.html.</a>  You can check out the radio ad with <st1:PersonName w:st="on">Colin Mochrie</st1:PersonName> as well.<o:p></o:p> Ideally, we are all shopping locally, buying locally-made or fair-trade products, and focussing on quality, long-lasting gifts that will have special meaning. The reality is, we all have wish lists to fill. My son wants LEGO, my daughter wants a sled. Not much choice in the LEGO, but with the sled we are shopping around for an alternative to the cheap plastic toboggans that wear out in a couple of months and wind up in the garbage.<o:p></o:p> You have to admit, Christmas is the toughest time of year to be a conserver. All those tensions between consumerism and conservation come in to play in the worst way. Do your best, relax, and if you still feel guilty remember that <a href="http://www.canadahelps.org/public/content/Donate/DispCharityProfile.asp?cid=16902&#038;lang=e" target="_blank" mce_href="http://www.canadahelps.org/public/content/Donate/DispCharityProfile.asp?cid=16902&#038;lang=e">we do accept donations.</a> and we will give you a whole year of great conservation campaigns.<o:p></o:p> Seasons best to everyone,<o:p></o:p> Chris Winter <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <a href="http://www.lightenupontario.ca"><img border=0 width=195 height=91 id="_x0000_i1025" src="cid:image003.gif@01C71AE3.2427B970" align=baseline></a>             <a href="http://www.lightenupontario.ca">www.lightenupontario.ca</a> <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> </div> </body> </html>