More Joy, Less Stuff
With the holiday season well underway, you’ve probably had enough of the constant Buy, Buy, Buy messaging. Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Blowout and Door Busting sales all to convince you to buy as much as possible. However every product has an environmental and labor cost from before it is sold to long after it’s tossed in a bin.
We all know shopping til you drop isn’t really what this time of year is about. SZW supports you in getting to the heart of the season this year and focusing on spending time with loved ones, doing things you enjoy, rest and renewal and creating memories.
Of course some experiences or gifts do require buying things, and that’s okay. We're encouraging you to be mindful of your purchases and do your best to consider how long will it last, is it made well, and when it’s no longer functional can it be repurposed?
Consumable items like food and locally made soaps are generally welcomed gifts that are low impact waste. There are also many local options for pre-owned or upcycled jewelry, specialty clothing and even decorations.
Patagonia is creating a system for reuse that benefits the original buyer, the new buyer and the planet through their Worn Wear program.
If you’re in search of seasonal outdoor gear, quality, name-brand, used clothing and sporting goods can be found at Rambleraven in Spokane.
Although not local, two outdoor clothing companies that sell their high quality, gently used clothes are North Face and Patagonia Worn Wear. These items are also backed by a guarantee.
If you’re need is a little more upscale for holiday gatherings Spokane has a diverse range of consignment shops including Echo Boutique, Fringe & Fray, Buffalo Exchange, Do It With Soul, Collective Threads, Reclothery and more, just search upcycled clothing Spokane and you'll find loads of options.
Perhaps the colder weather is enticing you to bake? Thrift stores are full of tools to help such as mixers, blenders, mixing bowls, and more. Many of these are lightly used and much cheaper than buying new. Thrift stores are also great places to find holiday decorations, gift wrap, and unique items from the past.
This holiday season buy less, or buy nothing. If you must buy, buy quality.
The environment is where we all meet; where all have a mutual interest; it is the one thing all of us share.” —Lady Bird Johnson
Meet Livia,
SZW’s Youth Environmental Leadership Intern.
Livia Reesa is a student at Lewis and Clark High School. She is currently helping SZW with outreach and education to youth on our legislative priorities.
Livia is gaining valuable skills that will help her be a lifelong advocate for the environment. Her goal is to become a physician and work to make the medical field less wasteful.
People like Livia are the future of our planet. We are inspired by her and hope you are too!
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
SZW: Share your story and what drew you to join the Lewis and Clark Environmental Club
Livia: I grew up traveling to National Parks and loving nature. I first became passionate about protecting our beautiful world when I discovered we are polluting our planet so much that it could become uninhabitable. This discovery rocked my world and inspired me to become more active.
SZW: Why do you believe in the work SZW is doing?
Livia: Spokane Zero Waste is taking action, something I do not see many people doing. I have always believed in working hard for what you believe in and working for the environment is no exception. From writing letters to our representatives, to working on getting an Extended Producer Responsibility bill passed, I love the work SZW is doing.
SZW: What do you hope to learn during your time with SZW?
Livia: I hope to learn how to be a better resident of our planet. We have such a gorgeous and extraordinary world that I want to learn how to do my part to save it. I also want to learn how we can hold big corporations responsible for the damage they are doing.
SZW: What do you see as the most pressing environmental issue of today?
Livia: I think plastic pollution is our most pressing environmental issue. In today’s world it’s impossible to escape plastic. Plastic is everywhere, from grocery bags to Amazon packages and it consumes our lives. Big corporations are at the root of this problem but as citizens we have the power and ability to change things. By insisting on better packages and products, companies must comply with public demand or they won’t have customers to buy their products. We have the power to change the world if we put in the work.
SZW: On a lighter note, what do you do for fun?
Livia: I enjoy hiking and being in nature. I also enjoy being with friends and family.
SZW E.D. on Mayor elects transition team
We’re delighted to announce that SZW Executive Director Elyse Hochstadt will serve on incoming Mayor Lisa Brown’s transition team. Elyse is part of the “Building a Resilient Future” team along with Kara Odegard, former head of Sustainability Initiatives for City Council through which she led the creation of the Sustainability Action Plan, Jerry White, former director of Spokane Riverkeeper, Brian Henning director of the Gonzaga Institute for Climate, Water, and the Environment, Margo Hill, urban planning professor for Eastern Washington University and many others. Read more here.
