[Imc-newsroom] SEGMENT IDEA: Alternatives to Holiday Spending Craze (fwd)

[Danielle Chynoweth]

I figure this is a response to our call for stories.  Anyone want to
follow up with this?  It could be a book review.

danielle

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Thu, 06 Dec 2001 14:34:17 EST
From: Justine Johnson <newsalert at mailunique.com>
Reply-To: johnsonlorenz at charter.net
To: chyn at onthejob.net
Subject: SEGMENT IDEA: Alternatives to Holiday Spending Craze


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Justine Johnson
Media Relations, New Society Publishers
413-527-1920 / johnsonlorenz at charter.net

SICK OF SHOPPING?
Authors offer alternative gift-giving ideas

'Tis the season to fight the crowds at the mall, right? Not necessarily,
according to Ellis Jones, Ross Haenfler, and Brett Johnson. In their new
book, THE BETTER WORLD HANDBOOK (New Society Publishers, 2001), the trio
offers tips for finding meaningful ways to express your love that also take
into account the well-being of the planet and others around you:

Give of yourself: Instead of buying a ready-made card and present, show
gift recipients they are worthy of your time and energy, not just your
money. Try writing a song or poem, cleaning the house for them, or giving
them a "coupon" for a back rub or a fun afternoon spent together.

Buy socially responsible gifts: Keep your shopping choices in line with
your values. If you value non-violence, buy your nephew a toy that
encourages cooperation rather than competition. If you are an
environmentalist, consider buying someone a gift that will help them lessen
their environmental impact. It's tempting to get all our gifts at a
superstore, but your shopping dollars are extremely important to locally
owned shops and craftspeople.

Simplify the holidays: This year, take time to fully appreciate the meaning
of the holidays by slowing down, focusing on what's important, and cutting
back on the amount of money and time you and your family spend in shopping
malls. Some ways to do this include picking names out of a hat so that each
person buys just one extra-special gift; donating some of the money saved
on gifts to a favorite charity; and asking each person to share a treasured
family memory.

Ellis Jones, Ross Haenfler, and Brett Johnson would love to help your
listeners give holiday gifts that make a difference. To set up a phone
interview or request a review copy of THE BETTER WORLD HANDBOOK, call
Justine Johnson at 413-527-1920 or send e-mail to
johnsonlorenz at charter.net.

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