For many of us, summer means vacation time. Vacations, particularly ones taken with an eco friendly consciousness, can be a great way to re-energize, spend time with family and loved ones and experience new cultures and areas. However, they can also be a time when, in the name of having things to “remember” the trip by, we purchase unnecessary “stuff” that we’ll later purge and add to a land fill. Here are some tips from Postconsumers on how to maintain the memories from your trip without making unnecessary purchases.
The Best Souvenir is a Photo
Beyond anything else, the best way to capture and hold a memory is with a photograph. When you look back at the photograph, you’ll always remember not only the location but also the feeling that you had. Better than any mug or t-shirt, a photograph can last for years digitally or in print format long after you’ve cleaned out your junk drawer or donated the t-shirt to a thrift store.
Keep a Travel Journal
Memories in any form other than words eventually fade. Take the time to keep a travel journal with your locations, feelings, responses to things that you’ve seen or done and favorite quotes from the day. Years from now, your words will transport you back to the trip long after anything you purchased will.
Make Found Objects Your Souvenir
You’d be surprised how many cool found objects you might uncover on a vacation. Look for brochures, interesting rocks or plants and other non-produced items that can be your memories. One of our favorites is to save the beer bottles from a relaxing night of drinking a local microbrew unique to the area. However, even an interesting branch or twig can later be a great memory souvenir.
Take a Moment Before You Buy
As you’re standing in the souvenir store considering buying that teddy bear wearing a t-shirt with the name of the city that you’ve visited, pause and collect yourself. Try to envision what you’ll be doing with that stuffed animal five years down the road, and you’ll most likely envision that stuffed animal in a box in the garage. This should stop you from making the purchase (after all, who wants to be responsible for a sad teddy bear sent to live in the cold garage!).
Support Local Artisans
Another great solution is to seek out and buy souvenirs made by unique local artisans. In most cases, not only will your souvenir be more memorable, but it will also support local economies instead of large corporations and will be made with more sustainable practices.
Ask About the Supply Chain
If you are going to purchase souvenirs, try to be responsible about questioning the supply chain and materials and looking for sustainable alternatives. Many locations are now offering “more” sustainable souvenir options. Look for “made in” tags and materials.
Buy Food!
Finally, you’ll easily be able to relive your vacation memories if you bring the flavors of your vacation home with you. Purchase food and edible items and drinks that you experienced on your trip. We all need to eat, why not make your meal or snack a sensory souvenir?
Summer vacations are amazing, and having items that remind you of those special moments is important. Just remember that you can make cool decisions about what those items are and where they come from.
Do you have an idea for a way to beat the summer vacation souvenir bug? If so, like us on Facebook and tell us about it!
Need more assistance in learning to let go of the consumer media’s impact on your life, take control of your finances and find the satisfaction of enough for today? The Get Satisfied Interactive Handbook is a 30-minute web course that walks you through a series of specific questions and then presents a personalized how-to plan for becoming a postconsumer. Launch your evaluation for free right now.
Image via Flickr Creative Commons: Trishhhh
