With the holiday season quickly approaching, we are all looking to survive the busy season while not breaking the bank. Black Friday is relatively new to Canada, but it is hard to miss these days.

Of course, the retail response to Black Friday is Buy Nothing Day, which happens on the same day. Buy Nothing Day is a protest against consumerism, participation through NOT participating in this annual promotion of consumption.

In addition, Black Friday has given rise to Giving Tuesday, an event to build support for charities and their communities. Tuesday, November 28 is a day where charities, companies and individuals join together to share commitments, rally for causes and think about others. We see this as a welcome addition to the dialogue on what the holidays are really about. If this resonates with you, you can also donate to the Green Action Centre in this way, among other worthy charities. We appreciate your support, and work hard to earn it!

Check out our suggestions on how to survive the holiday season in a sustainable way and some sustainable gift ideas. If you are going to brave the crowds this Friday, November 24 (or anytime this holiday season) consider making your gift-giving a little easier with a donation in someone’s name. Charitable tax receipts will be issued for donations over $10 and it is easier than ever to donate online!

By making a donation, becoming a monthly donor or a Green Action Centre member you help ensure environmental resources are available and action is taken in your province. Green Action Centre focuses on the achievable things Manitobans can do to green their lives. With your help we have been able to accomplish a lot, remaining a powerful voice for the development of composting infrastructure, developing a first-of-its-kind bike safety education program, and the delivering of hundreds of environmental presentations across Manitoba each and every year.

Green Action Centre is just one organization participating in Giving Tuesday, and we are excited to be part of a movement that gives people many opportunities to give back and support their communities.

This holiday season, you have the choice to get caught up in consumption, or refocus on other priorities. If you need some creative ideas for how to spend the holidays, we’ve got a few suggestions for you, some advice on avoiding holiday waste, and some good reading to reflect on in your free time.