2011 HEALTHY HOLIDAY HINTS

A TIP Less Toxic Living Guide

© 2011, Liberty Goodwin

TABLE OF CONTENTS

P. 2. IT’S A LAUGH – HUMOR IS HEALTHY

P. 3. CUTTING TO THE CHASE – WHAT IS A GREAT HOLIDAY GIFT?

P. 4. THE BASICS OF HEALTHY GIVING

P. 5. CONTRARIAN HOLIDAY IDEAS

P. 6. WEBSITES TO SIMPLIFY YOUR CHOICE

P.7 to P.15 HELPFUL LOCAL RESOURCES: THINGS TO DO, PLACES TO GO, SHOP & EAT

P.16 HEALTHY HOLIDAY HOUSEHOLD CARE

MOTTO TO MUSE ON: A Holiday Hug is a Handy, Healthy, Humorous Happening, with a Huge Hint of Happiness. Hurry up & Have Hearty Hundreds!

Note: This statement proves the point that if you are going to have an addiction, alliteration is a Funny Favorite. - or you could just be addicted to Hugs!

TELL THEM YOU SAW IT IN HEALTHY HOLIDAY HINTS

LAUGHTER IS LOVELIER THAN LUCRE!

A new category in this booklet is the wonderful gift of laughter. Far more than an expensive purchase of “stuff”, something that brings forth a laugh, or even a smile, is one of the most valuable things you can provide a loved one.

The means could be as simple as a humorous magazine or book, or a funny cartoon calendar. “Close to Home” is one favorite, with versions available from $5.28 to $16.99 at: www.amazon.com/Close-Home-Day-Day-Calendar/dp/0740782452

Or, it could be the phenomenon called “Laughter Yoga”.

We have a warm, friendly practitioner offering this unique option here in RI. For details and gift possibilities, call Mary or go to: www.laughterhours.com! Try it yourself!

CUTTING TO THE CHASE – WHAT MAKES FOR A GREAT HOLIDAY GIFT?

By Liberty Goodwin,

TIP Director

BACK TO BASICS – LISTENING, LEARNING, LOVING

You have plenty of sources that are barraging you with “gift ideas” – translation, stuff to buy. Our previous 2008, 2009 & 2010 Healthy Holiday Handbooks included many of the healthier such suggestions. You can still find these by accessing previous HHH booklets online at: http://toxicsinfo.org/thoughts.htm .

What is more important, however, than just figuring out how you can spend money in an attempt to please someone on “the day”, is to think about what is really the most valuable – and personal - kind of giving. What would most enhance the life of the giftee? What will continue to provide healthy happiness months or years after the holiday is long past? (As opposed to the pile of stuff that gets played with once or twice and then inhabits the overpopulated toy box or closet, mostly ignored).

So, rather than give you a bunch more specific gifts to think about this year, our aim is to guide you toward more simple & satisfying & creative ways to decide. This should begin with really listening to the dreams and observing the abilities and interests of your loved one. It should involve a real picture of how your gift could make a positive difference for them –both now and in future.

We will still provide some resources to assist you in your quest for specifics: General categories and examples of good gifts. Websites with guidance on finding the healthier products, local shops that provide good quality offerings.

And, if you still have questions about how to handle the holiday maze, we’d be pleased to help you with that, by E-Mail or phone:

TIP@toxicsinfo.org or 401-351-9193.

TAKE US SHOPPING/SURFING WITH YOU. SEE BACK COVER FOR WAYS TO SUPPORT TIP AT NO EXTRA COST TO YOU.

A QUICK REVIEW – THE RULES OF GREAT GIVING

1. Thinking Outside the Box. Most important - don’t get caught up in the holiday ads & routine. Be creative & independent, not an obedient, easily led, “shopper”.

2. Listening, Loving & Participatory Giving/Shopping “Surprise!” is a gamble. Consulting the giftee can help you find a great gift fit!

3. Gift Certificates from Healthy Venues. These provide quality – and choice! For bowling, mini-golf, indoor tennis, gym. For music, dance & other lessons. For museums, activities, travel. Encourage them to use the GC – join them!

3. Active & Interactive Gifts for Children and/or Adults

Active toys such as model airplanes, bicycles, kites, balls. Doing things together, family games. Time & attention can bring people together and stimulate mind & body.

5. Charity Can Be a Buzz. Donations generate Xmas glow.

Even better, doing things to help others – and bringing the kids along - can teach them the joy of giving unselfishly.

6. Lessons Can be Lovely: What would they like to learn? Playing music, art, other skills? Learning “laughter yoga”?

7. Introduce Them to Less Toxic Alternatives. Buying with attention to advice from objective researchers can improve people’s lives and get them into healthier habits. See P.6 for helpful resources.

8. Group Gifting. Combining with others can make an expensive, but especially wonderful gift –– affordable.

9. Gifts of Services. By you or someone you pay to help. Repairs, cleaning, lessons, accounting work, massage – whatever service will be a boon to their busy lives.

10. Gifts of Appreciation. More than any “thing”, listening to, understanding and valuing people (especially kids) for who they are is the greatest gift of all.

 
TELL THEM YOU SAW IT IN HEALTHY HOLIDAY HINTS!

SOME CONTRARIAN IDEAS ABOUT HOLIDAYS

**For Some, the Whole Thing is a Big Burden!: Too much work, shopping, worry about the “right” gift. Free yourself – make deals with loved one to lessen the stress. Example: Agreeing to give gifts only to the kids – and just one each.

**Is It Selfish to Gift Yourself for the Holiday? Maybe, but the Good Book says “Love thy neighbor as thyself” – not “instead of”. Give yourself some time, relaxation, something healthy and rewarding.

**Rid Yourself of Toxics That Are Not “Chemical”!

Hate, anger, fear, grudges, impatience – isn’t there something called the “holiday spirit”? Get with it! J

Gifting Loved Ones At A Distance? Don’t! Wait till you can be together. Celebrating doesn’t need to be “on the day”!

**Are Advertisers Just Greedy Money-Grubbers?

Not ours! We choose those featured in TIP booklets with care - as examples of honest sources for healthy, less toxic options. We’ve turned down those not up to our standards.

BREAKING THE “PREVIOUSLY OWNED” BARRIER

What Kind Of Gift Can Be Purchased “Used”?

Any that’s usable, works well, looks good, & is sanitary. .Wood, metal, glass, ceramic, small appliances, sports equipment. Avoid: clothing & stuffed furniture.

TIPS ON HOW TO IDENTIFY SAFER ALTERNATIVES

AND AVOID THE “BAD GUYS” (Also see more on P. 12)

SAFE MAMA :www.safemama.com/toyguide2010

CENTER FOR HEALTH, ENVIRONMENT & JUSTICE: www.chej.org & the Be Safe PVC Campaign: www.besafenet.com/pvc/

CONSUMERS UNION: Buy Safe, Eat Well, Actions on safe products & food. http://buysafeeatwell.org

TOY RESULTS AT HEALTHYSTUFF.ORG: 87 products were tested - & some violated CPSC standards & contained illegal phthalates: www.healthystuff.org/departments/toys/product.tmtresults.php

HEALTHY CHILD HEALTHY WORLD. Shop healthy guides.

http://healthychild.org/live-healthy/shop-healthy

ORGANIC CONSUMERS ASSOCIATION (OCA) BUYING GUIDE:

Find Green Products and Services in Your Area

http://organicconsumers.org/btc/BuyingGuide.cfm

SIMPLE GIFTS – JOY ON A BUDGET!

Presents & More Presents (Combining With Others to Give) http://blog.washingtonpost.com/holiday911/2006/11/presents_and_more_presents.html . Yankee Swap, etc.

Holiday Gifting: 14 Ways To Give More Meaning & Less Stuff

http://moneyandvalues.blogspot.com/2007/12/holiday-gifting-14-ways-to-give-more.html

 
Suggestion From a Tip Contact: Find a ton of great ideas for low impact gifts & meaningful ways to celebrate the season in the book, “Unplug the Christmas Machine”, recommended by Kathy S. http://www.amazon.com/Unplug-Christmas-Machine-Complete-Putting/dp/0688109616 

CHECK OUT RECYCLING SYMBOLS:

On the bottom of plastic items is a triangle with a number indicating type & toxicity of the plastic.

DON’T BUY PLASTIC WITH RECYCLING NUMBERS 3, 6 OR 7.

DO BUY TOYS & CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS WITH THE SYMBOL, “CE” ONTHE BOX OR ITEM. These comply with tougher European Union standards restricting phthalates & other chemicals.

CHARITABLE & EDUCATIONAL GIFT-GIVING IDEAS

SOME RHODE ISLAND OPTIONS

**AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION IN RHODE ISLAND
Fight for healthy air (see www.lungne.org or email mclark@lungne.org) Give a gift of life--register someone for Freedom From Smoking® premium on-line class & interactive support ($15 for 3 months, $40/yr) at ffsonline.org.  Radon test kit (including analysis)  $12.00. Registration fee for Stair Climb event (in Providence on Feb. 25 or elsewhere in New England) and/or promise of pledge for Stair Climb event—For details, see: www.Climbofyourlife.org.**

**SOUTH SIDE COMMUNITY LAND TRUST

109 Somerset Street, Providence, RI 02907, 401-273-9419

Give the gift of a yearly membership to SCLT, which helps people grow their own food in community gardens around Providence. Cost: $35 for individuals & $50 for families Includes:

10% discount at annual May plant sale & admission to special

pre-sale preview hour. See: www.southsideclt.org

**KREATELIER
804 Hope Street Providence RI 02906
Tel. 401 432 7995 E-Mail: bonjour@kreatelier.com
There is no better way than to get together and be crafty!
Kreatelier offers sewing classes for adults and children.

Check out the brochure at: www.kreatelier.com

GIVE E-THE ENVIRONMENT MAGAZINE!

SPECIAL OFFER – GET SOMEONE A GIFT SUBSCRIPTION

TO A GREAT MAGAZINE & BENEFIT TIP!

JUST DONATE $18 OR MORE TO TIP, AND TELL US WHO SHOULD GET THE SUBSCRIPTION!

Give it to a bunch of people, and finish your holiday shopping in a few minutes!

AS220,

115 Empire St/95 Mathewson St / 131 Washington St, Providence, RI This holiday season, give an AS220 Membership or gift certificate for classes & studio time in the Printshop (non-toxic solvents), Fab Lab, or the Photo Digital or B&W Darkroom.  Support RI artists with unique gifts from the AS220 on-line store & not-for-profit galleries.  Or, give a gift certificate for AS220 Foo(d),serving delicious, local, seasonal produce and of course -- love!  Learn more at: www.as220.org or call: 401.831.9327.

KEEPING ACTIVE – GIFTS & ACTIVITIES

Bicycling, Dancing, Fitness, Sports

THE GIFT OF BICYCLING!

Nothing says Holiday fun like hubs and handlebars!

Here are several local resources that can help you

enjoy and share the enjoyment with loved ones!

**YOUR BIKE SHOP

51 Cole St, Warren, RI 02885, Tel. 401-245-9755

AND 459 Willett Ave, Riverside, RI 02915,

Tel. 401-433-4491. Just off East Bay Bike Path.

Both shops have a large selection of road and mountain bikes, helmets, lights, bike bags, bicycle parts, and bike repair services. Call for hours – they change seasonally.

THINK BOWLING, GOLF, ICE SKATING, TABLE TENNIS!

Gift certificates are usually available in any amount. Check with lanes, rinks, mini-golf, table tennis centers near your giftee for rates.

CELEBRATE! GIVE THE GIFT OF MAKING MUSIC

TAKE THEM DANCING! (ALL AGES)

In every age, music and dance have been recognized as wonderful ways to enjoy life – alone and with others. You can find many places and people to provide opportunities for this. Below are two available locally - & more are out there! 
 
The first is just one example of that fine tradition – the supportive teacher of how to play a musical instrument.
 

zenyente@gmail.com

The second is a unique opportunity to share pot luck – and dancing – at no cost! What a blessing!

O

HEALTHY HOLIDAY FOOD AT HOME & AWAY

EWG’S SHOPPER’S GUIDE TO PESTICIDES IN PRODUCE:

What to buy organic? Find out at: www.ewg.org/foodnews

BUY FRESH OR FROZEN – NOT BPA-LACED CANNED FOOD

EDEN FOODS OFFERS OCA CUSTOMERS 15% DISCOUNT

Offer in the Oct. 6, 2011 Organic Bytes, the Organic Consumers Association (OCA) free E-Mail newsletter: Eden Foods is one of the few national organic food producers going beyond USDA Organic Standards. Receive a 15% discount on Eden Foods products at:

www.edenfoods.com/store/welcome.php?welcome=oca&ref_src=oca&ref_id=oca

LOCAL OPTIONS FOR HEALTHY DINING

**LOCAL 121

121 Washington Street, Providence, RI Tel. (401) 274-2121

Lunch: Tuesday- Saturday, Dinner served nightly from 5pm.

A restaurant that strives to be ecologically, culturally, and

agriculturally sustainable. Working with small New England family farms and food artisans to provide seasonally inspired menus in the elegantly restored dining room of the historic Dreyfus Hotel in downtown Providence. www.local121.com

**SPRUCE POND CREAMERY

370 King Street, Franklin, MA 02038.

(508) 520-7900 www.organicflatbread.com

Organic Thin-Crust Wood-Oven Pizza, using a special mix of organic whole grain, unbleached and semolina flour.

Lasagna & Pasta Dishes, all organic including meat, cheese, & sauce. Sausage, pepperoni and cheese from Organic Valley.

All Natural Homemade Ice Cream, formerly at Maxmillian’s,

no hormones or antibiotics, & more! Worth a hop over the state line - only 22 minutes from Providence, Exit 16 off Rte. 495.

PERSONAL CARE & CLOTHING

WARNING - WHEN BUYING NEW CLOTHING & LINENS: New garments & sheets come treated with chemicals for permanent press wrinkle resistance. To limit exposure to these chemicals, WASH NEW CLOTHES BEFORE WEARING. (100 per cent cotton flannel sheets are naturally wrinkle-resistant, so are less likely to have toxic residues in them).

CHECK INGREDIENTS OF ANY PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS YOU BUY: Whether as a gift or for self, get the facts at the Environmental Working Group (EWG) “Safe Cosmetics” database: www.safecosmetics.org

KIDS USE COSMETICS TOO: There is even a special Parents’ Guide to Kids’ Personal Care Products at :www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/special/parentsguide

MOST “FRAGRANCE” IS A CHEMICAL PUZZLE: Learn what’s inside & the healthiest alternatives in the TIP booklet, “DON’T BE FOOLED ABOUT FRAGRANCE!: Fragrance Fallacies & Fakery”, at: http://toxicsinfo.org/TIPS_personal.htm

Check out the remarkable company founded by a local teenager – who meets the standards set by EWG!

!

FLORAL & GARDENING GIFTS

If you know someone who loves to garden, there are scads of great gifts to encourage this healthy activity – & help them keep it free of toxic pesticide exposures. Books on organic methods are always a boon. Find some on our website at http://toxicsinfo.org/tipstore.htm For Less Toxic Landscaping info, go to: http://toxicsinfo.org/lesstoxic.htm

And, for the kids, you can provide some fun and learning via a unique resource - the Worm Ladies:

**THE WORM LADIES OF CHARLESTOWN,

161 East Beach Road, Charlestown, RI, www.wormladies.com
Nancy Warner, 401-322-7675 E-Mail: wormladies@cox.net. Children's bins; Starter Kits, worms, castings, books & gift certificates. Go Green this holiday season. 
Purchase handmade Angora gifts & wool.

We mail year round. Pick-up & farm visit by appointment

(Also see Manna Farm listing on the TIP website, at: http://toxicsinfo.org/thoughts.htm)

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OR, VISIT FREY, AN ECOLOGICALLY AWARE "GREEN" FLORIST IN PROVIDENCE, WHERE THEY NEVER TREAT THE FLOWERS WITH CHEMICALS.

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A COUPLE OF SOUTH COUNTY, RI,

HEALTHY SHOPPING TREASURES

Why? Organic & natural, gifts for people and pets…

24A Pier Marketplace, Narragansett, RI 02882

401-788-9077 www.mostnaturally.com

•Bamboo and Organic Cotton Clothing for Babies,

Children, & Adults •Organic Cotton Linens

•Natural Skincare •Recycled Jewelry •Soy Candles

•Natural Pet Products •Organic Tea •Recycled Glassware

Most Naturally supports products made in the U.S.A.,

as well as Fair Trade Certified merchandise.

TWO OUT OF THE BOX GIFT OPTIONS FOR

YOUR FRIEND WITH 2 DOGS & 2 CATS

How about a really useful gift certificate for veterinary

services

from a real holistic

pet Doc like:

Liz Hassinger DVM,

Wolf Rock Animal

Health Center

www.wolfrockanimals.com

OR ANOTHER HOLISTIC VET IN RI?

**SHARON R. DOOLITTLE, DVM

357 Putnam Pike #6, Smithfield, RI 02917.

Website: www.holisticanimalvet.com Tel. (401) 349-2668

E-Mail: vetinfo@holisticanimalvet.com Alternative health care for dogs, cats & horses. Nutritional & Herbal Therapies, Applied Kinesiology, Chiropractic, Autonomic Response Testing, Acupuncture. Get a Gift Certificate for a pet lover!

PROTECTING PETS: Find info on home & other pet hazards, on the TIP website at: http://toxicsinfo.org/protectpets.htm

(Note: Updating is on the way, with more good pet tips)

TELL THEM YOU SAW IT IN HEALTHY HOLIDAY HINTS!

HEALTHY HOLIDAY HOUSEHOLD CARE

IF IT IS NEW, IT STINKS! - Paint, carpets, etc., need time to “outgas” before entertaining! (Also, seek low-VOC options).

UNFORTUNATELY, IF IT SAYS “AIR FRESHENER”, IT LIES!

See our “Don’t Be Fooled About Fragrance” Booklet for facts on what’s in this stuff, dubbed an “air pollutant“ by the EPA:

http://toxicsinfo.org/TIPS_personal.htm

CLEANING UP FOR HOSTING: Vinegar & baking soda can do most cleaning. Try steam for floors, carpeting, upholstery.

COOKWARE & TABLEWARE: Use (and give) cast iron or steel pots pans (No Teflon), & glass or ceramic casseroles.

Don’t Microwave In Plastic!

For more good info on keeping a healthy, less toxic household, see: http://toxicsinfo.org/TIPS_house.htm

PREVENTING PESTS & SENDING THEM PACKING:

Keep food (and food waste) tightly covered or refrigerated. Liberty G once foiled cockroaches in NYC this way. Also, traps & baits work without poisoning people as well as pests.

If you see a mouse, don’t go “Eek!”. Call David & Joy Jones at Bio Tech. They are truly “green”. They have helped TIP Director Liberty Goodwin with carpenter ants & termite problems – with no toxic residues.