Christmas Faire

Annual Christmas Faire aims to reduce holiday stress on environment

Fair-trade chocolate and coffee, potted plants, washable fabric gift bags – even chicken and goat donations that will be the key to a family’s survival – will support gift giving with a clear conscience at the annual Christmas Faire in Redlands Nov. 16 and 17.

The Faire was started in the 1990s to reduce some of the environmentally harmful elements of Christmas.

"The originators of the Christmas Faire realized that when we make small changes collectively, it has a significant positive impact on the Earth and air we breathe," said Ginny Cruz, who is the organizer of the Faire for the third year. "While we enjoy the festivities of the holiday season, it is a difficult time for Mother Earth."

Americans produce an extra 1 million tons of waste each week of December, according to Waste Cost Solutions. Wrapping paper accounts for 4.6 million pounds of waste every December in the United States, according to Infinite Disposal, and every Christmas 38,000 miles of ribbon go into our landfills, according to Seaside Sustainability.

This is in addition to increased air and car travel, including from online and in-person shopping, and food waste, which increases during the holidays by 33%.

"At the Christmas Faire, artists/crafters are encouraged to reflect the 'reuse, repurpose, recycle' mantra in their creations," said Cruz. "Most goods at the Faire are an alternative to those whose manufacture harms the environment, depletes resources and are disposed into landfills. The goal of the Faire is threefold: Support environmentally conscious local artists/crafters, sell goods that reduce waste and environmental harm, and use proceeds to help those in need. Everyone wins at this unique Christmas Faire."

More than 20 vendors will participate.

Goods will include cards printed on recycled paper, bracelets made with garage-sale finds, horseshoes repurposed into wall art, linens, and gently used ornaments, decorations and books.

Shoppers may fund a goat for $120 or a flock of chicks for $20 from Heifer International, to be given to a family who will be able to eat and sell milk, cheese, butter or eggs, and also fertilize their crops, where otherwise they may have no chance for a sustainable livelihood. Fill out a card for a loved one that says, “In honor of you, I donated an animal to a family in need.”

The Faire also features a bake sale, which includes homemade jam in addition to traditional baked goods.

"And each year we get better at packaging items in biodegradable containers," Cruz said.

One hundred percent of the bake sale proceeds and vendor donations goes to an emergency fund to help individuals and families in need.

A children’s room run by the RUCC youth group will feature gently used toys and puzzles, most for under $5 each.

The Faire is put on by Redlands United Church of Christ and is open to the public. Parking and admission are free. Some vendors may accept cash only.

The Faire will be Nov. 16 10 a.m to 2 p.m. and Nov. 17 noon to 2 p.m. at the RUCC, 168 Bellevue Ave. in Redlands.