Hello,

I wanted to let you know about a waste prevention campaign (Simplify the Holidays) and tool (SoKind Alternative Gift Registry) that are now being managed by the Center for Biological Diversity but were previously managed by New Dream.

The holidays will be different this year for many – maybe because of a sick loved one from COVID, the inability to travel to see family or smaller budgets for gift purchases. This is the year to remind people to create a new tradition and one that supports the community and building back better.

The Center’s updated Simplify the Holidays website helps gift-givers think outside the (big) box with gifts and traditions that encourage creativity, increase connection, ease stress, save money, reduce waste and help the environment. The SoKind registry can be used to create wish lists for gifts people actually want. Both the website and registry include alternative gift idea lists with categories such as homemade gifts, charitable donations, experiences, time and more.

COVID showed us that supporting our local economy is of the utmost importance to build resiliency. And supporting locally owned BIPOC businesses allows all to fight against systemic racism and support anti-racism work. Read more in our press release here.

Please share information about this campaign and tool via our social media toolkit here. Interested in hosting a Simplify the Holidays webinar where someone from our team speaks or looking for a guest blogger on this topic? Contact me at https://simplifytheholidays.org/contact.

Happy holidays, stay healthy and thanks for sharing,

Kelley