SEASON's BEST PERSONAL REMINDERS

Wouldn't it be nice to see a garbage free , clean and less smoke filled Christmas and New Year ?

Realizing the number of gifts again this year, the tons of paper wrappers and boxes, and also the number of food to be wasted, and thrown into the garbage, i assume people is still not ready to accept that during the holiday season, we really go beyond the limit on gifts , and food. That's Philippine tradition, and knowing full well that we celebrate it the longest, we expect this.

But if we try to consider several things ,actually many, many things, I suggest for the holidays is to temper ourselves and do away with so many habits and be environmentally conscious, and green. Let us rethink our ways in gift giving and holiday food preparation. Let us focus on NEED and not on WANT.

Maybe i can give some pointers or suggestions, not only good for the earth but also for our families too.

1. Re use boxes and wrappers and gift bags....Instead of throwing them away , keep them and use them again, and again....

2. Give gifts which you believe they can use. If you don't know the person well, maybe there are hints which he or she likes. or give a gift certificate .

3. Lessen preparing food which are easily spoiled.
If you cannot finish the food on the table and there are leftovers, why not share with the neighbors, friends, or maybe the security guards in your community. Another is to give to the Barangay tanods or Barangay employees for their parties.

4. Instead of giving a gift, have a fun time and bond together with your friends for a snack or coffee. Friendship bonding is the best way to share the holidays, including jokes and laughter. Street , trivia and board games are also good ways to bond. Share your best games and play with your group of friends.

5. Do not use too many electric lights. Use just enough to illuminate the tree , the garden, and the living room. Turn off other electronics, and appliances when not in use. When lighting candles, make sure you check them out once in a while, to prevent fires. Check all your electric outlets every now and then.

6. Refrain from using pyrotechnics in the neighborhood, join the community in going to the
common area for fireworks. Report people using guns during the holidays.

7. Do not drink and drive.

8. Share what you have with the less fortunate .
Attend spiritual services. We should remember that Christmas is the birth of the savior, it does not hurt to visit him in Church.
It would be nice to remember your Priest or Pastor and send him a card or a little token for the year that has passed.

9. Keep the neighborhood clean and your home free from unwanted debris and garbage.
Place all recyclables in one area and turn it over to the sanitary group of your village. Reduce, re use and recycle.

10. Use water sparingly. Water is precious.

HUG YOUR LOVED ONES...FAMILY WILL ALWAYS BE THERE FOR YOU. ITS THE SEASON OF LOVE AND MEMORIES. ^ - ^

THIS IS JUST A SHORT LIST OF WHAT ONE CAN DO THIS HOLIDAY SEASON. THERE ARE OTHER IDEAS, SUGGESTIONS , AND TO- DO LIST FOR EACH ONE OF US. WE HAVE
A ROLE TO PLAY IN MAKING THE EARTH A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE. DO IT, AND DO IT NOW.

HAVE A GOOD HOLIDAY AND BE SAFE.