Make your gifts out of things you already have

Make your gifts out of things you already have instead of buying new products

Shalom and welcome to a pre-Purim edition of Tikkun Tips!

On Purim it is customary to give gifts to the poor and food baskets to friends. As we prepare our costumes we are asked to take a moment and set aside some gifts for the needy as well as some yummy treats for our friends. I believe that this is to allow for celebration on the part of all Jews, not only those who are financially comfortable, and also to remind us how important community is and how that community was almost obliterated.

***Make your gifts out of things you already have instead of buying new products***

This year, as you put together some things to give to your friends and to the poor, keep in mind that the stone that the builder refused shall be the head cornerstone. Try to find things around your house that you don't need and give those away instead of buying new products.

Why is this important? Our country is one of mass consumption. We buy products only to replace them a few months later, often discarding the originals even when they are entirely functional. We often do not realize the environmental impact these purchases have because we are so far removed from the production process. As you make a purchase, take a few moments to consider how this product got to the store shelf. What is it made of, and where do these materials come from? How many resources were used in the growing, manufacturing, packaging and shipping of the product? Oftentimes we do not know all the answers as manufacturers hide the ugly facts to ensure sales.

Here is some food for thought regarding American's consumption patterns:

The US has 5% of the world's population but consumes nearly 33% of its resources.

In the US 95% of all ancient forests, 99% of native prairies, and 50% of all wetlands have been destroyed.

In the past sixty years, Americans have consumed as many resources as all previous humans put together.

So how do we work toward slowing the process, and how does this relate to giving gifts on Purim? There is a history of recycling within the Jewish tradition. It has not exactly been what we think of recycling today, but rather reusing products that were no longer needed for their original purpose. There is a concept of turning the waste products from one mitzvah into something useful for another mitzvah. For example, using the frayed fringes from a Talit as a bookmark for studying Torah.

So this year, as you look to fulfill the various gift giving mitzvoth of Purim, try to reuse the things you have lying around the house, especially those that were once used for another mitzvah. In doing so you will be helping the earth and paying homage to our long history of recycling.

Chag Sameach!

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