Green Celebrations

Green CelebrationsA program of Reclaim Your Holidays,

an initiative to help Iowans create more meaningful celebrations and reduce ecological

footprints

Susan Salterbergwith Kristi Cooper

Green CelebrationsSession 1:

Rethinking Holiday Celebrations Session 2:

Simplifying Gift-Giving, Food & Gatherings Session 3:

Taking Green Celebrations/RYHs to Your Community

Simplifying Gift-Giving, Food & GatheringsGoal: Use resources to help audiences consume in more sustainable ways and create more meaningful lives.

Simplifying Gift-Giving, Food & Gatherings What do you love about holidays or other celebrations?

Review of First Session1) Ecological impact of

consumption 2) Relationship between

satisfaction & “stuff”

What the research saysfer alternatives that: • emphasize family

life & relationships, • encourage learning

new skills, • reduce consumption

We need to of

In addition…We find our audiences want to:• Relax more/reduce stress• Give to others/volunteer/service• Focus on spirituality/religion

Gifts of Experience

1. Give tickets.2. Use a skill, or give skill-building experiences.3. Build talents. Give a present of lessons.

Gifts of Experience

Scavenger Hunt

Gifts of Experience

Singing

Gifts of Experience

Egg hunts

Gratitude Letter

Examine the pleasure and meaning you get from a relationship, and share that with a significant person in your life.

Simplifying GiftsFarmer’s Market gift ideas• Cheeses• Wines• Baked goods• Jams, jellies

Simplifying Food & GatheringsPlan an easy menu. The more items you make, the more likely leftovers will get thrown out.

Simplifying Food & Gatherings

Lights Out Party

Resources 1) Pick 5 exercise2) PBS Happiness video3) “Gift” handouts4) Gratitude letter as a gift5) “Green entertaining” handouts6) Powerpoint slides7) Audience

Simplifying Gift-Giving, Food & GatheringsGoal: Use resources to help audiences consume in more sustainable ways and create more meaningful lives.

Special thanks for funding…The Resource Enhancement and

Protection Conservation Education Program & The Iowa Department of Natural Resources Solid Waste Alternatives Program

Green Celebrations A program of Reclaim Your HolidaysSusan Salterberg, salterberg@uni.eduCenter for Energy & Environmental Education, University of Northern Iowa

In partnership with

Kristi Cooper, kcoop@iastate.edu Iowa State University Extension