Throw a Reuse Party: Conserving Between Friends

When the holiday season approaches, I always feel the same sinking feeling. I don’t have a lot of money. I don’t know what gifts to give people that are meaningful. And, I don’t think anyone I know is really in need of anything. Why buy a useless trinket that will be regifted or will sit and collect dust?

This holiday season, why don’t you throw a party and trade used gifts with your friends? In the words of Jerry Garcia, “One man gathers what another man spills.”

Book swap party

Instead of driving to the store and buying a gift for the person that has everything, invite your friends over for a get-together. Have them bring a good book that they don’t need or want anymore. Tell them not to worry about wrapping the books, since you can play a fun holiday game with the books instead.

At my book club’s holiday meeting, we each brought a used book from our bookshelves, put them into a large bag, and drew numbers to see who got the first pick. We picked books blindly from the bag, and then the book that was chosen would be introduced by the person who brought it. From there, we played a Dirty Santa (or White Elephant)-type game.

Everyone goes home with a new (used) book without wasting wrapping paper, spending money, buying a new book or emitting greenhouse gases driving to the store to purchase a gift.

Clothing swap party

Trade that unwanted clothing for something you'll wear.

The clothing swap party works best with more people. Everyone should bring clothes they no longer want, including shoes, scarves, jewelry and belts. The host or hostess can facilitate the party by having everyone separate their items. Put shoes in one corner, tops in another corner, dresses all together, etc. The clothing swap is a great way to find a treasure and get rid of items you don’t wear.

Items that no one wants fall in the hands of the host. The host or hostess can them donate the remaining items to a charity or shelter of his or her choice. Your used clothing can be recycled and given to others in need.

Greener than before

Now sending electronic invitations for parties is quicker, cheaper and less wasteful than sending paper invites (and usually free!). Skip the disposable plates and utensils all together and use plates and silverware from your home. If you don’t have enough wine glasses or reusable napkins, ask friends to bring some to take the load off. In this case, less really is more.