The Holiday Season is upon us, and the close of 2008 is fast approaching.

Wow, It’s been a year of change.  With record high gas prices, financial market roller coaster rides, and now a new President. We just went threw an amazing election cycle, with a very successful campaign to get out the vote.  The importance of the right to vote was a call to action across the country.  There is another vote we must cast every day, and that is the vote of how our dollars work for us.  If we decide to spend money in our communities, with local merchants and by purchasing locally made things, our dollar votes are cast to our neighbors and friends.  Dollars spent locally amplify in power, doing the work of creating jobs and local prosperity.  By consciously making a deliberate effort to buy local, we can collectively insulate our local economy from any recession that happens elsewhere.

To help in this endeavor, this Holiday issue of Ecolocal presents the Ecolocal Gift Guide – a list of things locally made, eco-friendly or fair trade oriented to consider as gifts for your friends and family…or for yourself.  The purveyors of these goods and services are passionate people – living the dream of doing what they love.  This love is manifest in their gifts options presented herein.   By purchasing this and other gifts of local intention this season, you are giving that love to others, and like the dollars you spend, it will multiply.  And after all, this is the season of love, isn’t it?

That love start’s with your choice of Christmas Tree.  Instead of opting for a lifeless thing made of plastic and metal, consider a natural tree from one of our local Christmas Tree farms.  Talk about love – these passionate people have nurtured your Christmas tree for the past 7-10 years, so that you can have a natural beauty as the centerpiece for your Holiday gatherings.

You may also want to consider a Consignment Shop to find the unique gift.  Consignment Shops are where you can find quality clothing and accessories at a fraction of original retail prices. All the money you spend there stays local, spreading the wealth better than any government program ever will.  And it’s where you can fine vintage and rare items that will help you show your old-school chic!

Speaking of old school, all you winter sports enthusiasts better check out West Mountain this season.  One of the last old-school ski areas in the country has got some new digs to show off!   Another example of local love.  So get out there, cast your vote for local change, buy local, be local – get eco-local!

IN THIS ISSUE

Dreaming of a LOCALLY MADE Holiday

ARGYLE Goes Green

Winds of Change Blow ont WEST MOUNTAIN

GET REAL This Christmas

Consignment Craze