The current shipping crisis gives us the opportunity to see that the way we spend money creates multiple problems. Flimsy plastic toys, cheap clothing and excess electronics soon disappoint and trash our landfills, our air and our oceans. They require damaging processes to extract fossil source materials to create and deliver while exacerbating climate upheavals. They generate wealth and power for China while diminishing our own.

With Christmas approaching, it’s time to ask whether this is how Jesus wants people to celebrate his birthday.

People could begin to think creatively, favoring experience and local businesses over needless baubles from global behemoths. Consider buying a share for healthy, organic food from community-supported agriculture programs such as the one offered by Blackberry Meadow Farms in Fawn. Gift cards from local businesses and restaurants delight while supporting the community. A membership to the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh offers a year’s worth of exploring and spending time with family at the art and natural history museums, the Andy Warhol Museum or the Carnegie Science Center. Other options include the Pittsburgh Zoo, National Aviary, Pittsburgh Symphony, Phipps Conservatory, theater subscriptions,or any of the many world-class and quirky institutions that make Pittsburgh special.

Let’s hug our loved ones — not our stuff. Let’s nurture our wealth — not give it to China.

Arlene Mercurio

New Kensington

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