My mother used to say "Waste Not, Want Not" to me when I was growing up, and all these years later it is one of those things that stays with me and is wired into who I am. I think about using every last drop even if I don't do it, the thought is in the back of my mind always. And it is what comes to my mind during this holiday season as I try to moderate the overflowing of excess that comes at us from all sides.

 

My Mom was probably very eco-conscious more out of need to save a buck than a desire to save the world, but it taught me from an early age that things can be useful all the way until the end, and beyond. She inspired my sustainable attitude that has driven much of my passion for a holistic & sustainable design approach that is a bit unusal when I started this path 20 years ago. If you don't know about my story, check it out HERE. https://changeyourspace.info/lees-story/

 

 

 

My wish for YOU is to have a new family tradition started this year and going forward. I suggest a few ideas below and maybe you can pick one and try it out.  

 

 

 

Challenges that do not take a break during the holiday season, but I do send my warmest wishes for you to have a very Sustainably Happy Holiday Season and may the positive vibes bring in the New Year with a loving glow to keep you warm with the love that surrounds you. 

 

And from the words and melody of Billie Holiday this holiday season...

 

 

 

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Wrapping gifts with old scarves, old paper, brown craft paper or simply being creative with nature and all her abundance with branches, pinecones, twigs. Plus saving old ribbons is not being a weirdo, it is indeed a sustainable path for reusing what can be saved and used again. 

 

Repurposing old gifts or gently used things in your household or closet that are no longer being used or useful in your home. If you were given something that either was the wrong size, or color or simply you do not need it, think about gifting it to someone else. Somebody's trash is another's treasure. But do not give away trash, or damaged things just for the sake of getting rid of it. Thoughtful consideration is required here. 

 

Give the gift of an adventure, or shared experience rather than something materialistic. Sharing our time with people we love is key here. It is our most precious and limited gift and it costs us just that - our time. Taking a darling friend of mine to a nice meal and the theatre together was a special treat for us both. It was something I knew she would not do herself, so doing this was extra special. 

 

Give the gift of service. For someone that needs help, the idea of giving something that could be useful, and doing it youself is one of the greatest gifts of all. Shoveling a driveway for an elderly family member. Changing the faucet for your sister, teaching your newphew a class in a new language. These are simply sharing your knowledge & time.

 

Baking or cooking for someone you love is always a great way to show your love to those around you. This takes time and effort so it is something you can really personalize for each person. Years ago we baked christmas cookies and gave them to our friends. This tradition is one that I feel could be revived and renewed as it would benefit us all - both with the slowing down and the meditative healing that comes with working with our hands and putting love into the food we feed others. My family always were giving love through feeding us and I used to bake Banana Breads when I was a student because it was all I could afford. This year I am teaching some other young ones this powerful gift of love. 

 

 

Be creative and know that Less is More. The thoughtful gift will last in the heart more than the manically purchased item out of the need to give something. 

 

 

 

 

Give yourself the gift of loving yourself.

 

 

If you want to know more of what it is that I do, check out my Blog HERE: Change Your Space