The Gift of Giving

Four ways to increase the green in your scene.

by Mattie Kahn

Teens all over the world take note— the holiday season is again upon us. Though in theory the holidays are a time for giving thanks and being with family, for many, they have evolved into the most stressful and hectic period of the year!

There’s always at least a two-week scramble to find the perfect gifts for friends and loved ones, and household preparations seem endless. As each year goes by, the list of things that we want and “need” exponentially grows.
Try something a little different this year. Rather than simply getting gifts, give back to your community. Anything that you can do to enhance your world and your community is important, but the causes that are closest to my own heart are animals and the environment.

I’m very connected to organizations that champion environmental and animal-activism causes, and you can be, too. Here are four great types of organizations that would adore your help over the holidays:

  1. Love animals? Find your local animal shelter and offer to walk dogs a few times a week or play with cats for a couple of hours. These animals are desperate for a little holiday cheer, and you are the perfect person to give it to them!
  2. Want to grow your green thumb? Green your world, literally. Call up your nearest community park or botanical garden. It may feel like a winter frost has crept up on us, but there are plenty of indoor hot houses that could use some dedicated teen help. Plus, beautiful evergreens bloom year-round! Find out if the nearest park needs help pruning or planting.
  3. Are politics your passion? The holiday season is a great time to draft a letter or e-mail to your mayor, senator, congressman or even governor! All states have Web sites on which you can often find mailing addresses to major offices. Grab your post-consumer recycled paper, and send a message to your representative. Tell your rep why being eco-conscious is important to you, and let him or her know about any ideas you have to reduce the carbon footprint of your state. Whether or not you get a direct response, know that your opinions are being taken into account, and that your voice matters!
  4. Want to make your school cool? During break, outline some steps that your school can take to make it greener. Start by suggesting that your school decrease the thermostat by a few degrees. That choice alone can save tons of money and reduce your school’s carbon footprint. Not too eager to approach your administration? Try penning an article for your school’s newspaper summarizing some basic steps that every person can take to make the world a greener and greater place.

Mattie Kahn is co-president of the New York City chapter of Teens Turning Green, a coalition of dynamic and passionate young people who are dedicated to educating and advocating for “eco-awareness,” as well as a member of teen-led, eco-friendly group Teens for Safe Cosmetics.