Ever-Green

You know that saying everything old is new again? I think this statement is most typically associated with fashion trends, fads and board games. Have you seen advertisements for the new editions of "Sorry", "Trouble" and even "Scrabble"? What was wrong with the first edition? These are now completely retooled and repackaged in order to attract the younger set. Is nothing safe from the over-arching reach of technology? I like the old versions of these games...or should I say "retro" or "vintage" editions.

Speaking of reviving fashion trends, have you noticed recently the subtle and insidious return of the shoulder pad? Oh yes, my dear friends, it's not your imaginations running amok...you're shirts ARE getting bigger. Not convinced? Well the next time you're in a retail store, cast a bold eye toward the hanging footwear merchandise dangling from the store walls. You guessed it! Leg warmers are everywhere. They began populating the shelves of Target and other such formidable fashion-forward, European-owned centers of commerce around spring time. Six-inch belts have also begun creeping onto the pages of my White House/Black Market catalogues lately. Skinny jeans have been in fashion all year. And, can we talk about the big hair populating the television screens in every living room lately?

They're Baaaaaack...

The 80's, of course! And just when I was starting to lose faith we'd ever see them again! (Note to girlfriends, if I loaned you my black lace fingerless Madonna gloves 20 years ago, may I have them back please?)

All of my memories of the 80's are not as warm and fuzzy as my long-retired leg warmers, there were many dynamic trends that served to redefine our very definition of happiness during that decade. The consequences of which are still being realized today. Families began spending less time together, the dual income household had become more widely accepted as the norm, many of my classmates were latch-key kids, and microwaved convenience foods took the place of freshly prepared dinners. It felt like the world shifted speeds from 1st to 4th gear, petal to the floor, and no brakes. Everyone was more excited about the destination than the journey, and the Joneses seemed closer than ever.

Our lives got busier, and everything competed for our time and attention. As we "simplified", we found more support from the food and beverage industry in the form of pre-packaged, ready-to-use, heat and eat conveniences. It was also around this time that take-out food began it's ascent from "if all else fails, there's always (groan) take out"...to having our top five favorite eateries on speed dial. This is where the folks in the packaging industry really began to have a field day. Sudden increase in the demand for modern conveniences resulted in greater reliance on industries that produced corrugated materials, styro foam, plastics and aluminum, among other items. At home, it seemed the kitchen trash barrel also evolved into a taller, wider, technologically advanced and ergonomically attractive piece of functional engineering that not only looked great, they held a lot more stuff. They had to! The five or eight gallon bucket that once graced the space underneath the sink or around the corner in a closet could no longer keep up with the amount of trash we were throwing away. Why? Packaging...that's why. And not much has changed since the 80's in that regard.

The only saving grace has been our recent (last 10 years) desire to embrace recycling on a full-scale residential and commercial level, though some progressive towns around Massachusetts had begun to practice the third of the three R's somewhere around the early 90's.

Reducing and reusing (the first two of the three aforementioned R's) are just as critical to slowing the increasing burden on our trash-laden landfills and oceans. I passionately support any company applying a minimalist approach to the design and development of eco-friendly packaging. There are companies, such as Apple, that have adopted a "less is more" attitude relative to packaging. Their sustainability programs are far ahead of the curve on almost every level. As are Nike and Stony Field Farms.

At Stony Field Farms, there seems to be a Wonka-ish philosophy toward packaging. While not exactly edible, their most recent innovation will likely spur comments about whether the stuff on the outside tastes as good as the stuff on the inside. At some point in the near future, when you purchase a container of Stony Field Farm's yogurt, you can rest easier throwing away the container in either the trash or the recycling bin. They recently implemented the use of a corn-based polylactic (or PLA) container that is 100% biodegradable and eco-friendly.

Think this is revolutionary? Do your research! There is all kinds of information online about how companies are adopting the latest trends and guidelines on eco-friendly packaging in almost every industry. Why buy from one manufacturer, when another is more conscientious and offers a similar product that is better for our planet? You can haggle over the cost if you want, but in the end, it's our kids who will be left paying the bigger price.

So, because we're on the subject, here's a hot R/R/R tip for you. The packaging of today's toys calls for a new level of thought, planning and strategy on Christmas morning. You literally need a Swiss army knife, wire cutters, a pry bar, multiple varieties and sizes of batteries, a hammer, a large bag, tweezers and loads of patience. Sometimes the folks in China or Taiwan remember to pack all of the instructions and pieces...and, sometimes not. Good luck with that part. Where I can lend some insight is on what to do with all the pieces that are not part of the toy...like the card board, the wires, the plastic doodads that come with the "easy to assemble" instructions, etc.

Obviously, recycle the cardboard. Cut the bend and form plastic coated wires in strips of about three to four inches and save them for hanging decorations on your tree next year. Use the small pieces of cardboard, thin styrofoam (yes, they STILL use it) sheets and other packing materials to use as insulation and dividers when repacking your decorations. If you haven't completely destroyed the box getting the toy out, you can also use the whole box or box sides to wrap Christmas lights and garland around them for storage. Some of the plastic doodads can be recycled. But I have seen my kids incorporate them into crafts, to make little inventions and robots. Their imaginations are better equipped for this level of re-use then mine, so I let them educate me on their many uses.

You can recycle most Christmas paper, or if you're as careful as my niece Grace when removing the paper, you can fold it neatly and keep it for next year. For me, the gift bag was a really great invention. They are usually durable and can be used/traded year over year with family and friends.

Speaking of packaging...here's what I'm drinking now (ok, packaging has nothing to do with this, unless you buy according to the label on the bottle, and not what's in the bottle):

This time of year is perfect for indulging in all of those big Italian and heavy French beauties ripe for plucking off the shelf in your basement or your local wine shop. Your 2005's have waited long enough...go grab that Brunello, that Nebbiollo (baby Barolo's from the Langhe region drink just as well and for a fraction of the price!), that "always a bridesmaid, never a bride, but way hotter" Barbaresco you've had stored for the perfect occasion...go get her, lose that ugly dress and have your way with her! She's ready!

For all my French fans, your Burgundy's, and Bordeaux's can now safely take over for your Beaujolais'. They need a rest now. If red is not your thing, go for your winter whites. Chardonnay's from California and France can break up the monotony, but don't drink alone. These are always best paired with cheeses and pate's. Or mix it up a little and try a white burgundy. For those who just can't wait for New Year's Eve, to you I say why wait? You've worked hard all year, you deserve a little indulgence. Go grab yourself a bottle of bubbly, kick back, sip and savor...'tis the season after all!

Jivoli!!! (that's cheers in Serbian)

Wishing all of you the sweetest, kindest, happiest and most peaceful Christmas ever.