When Charlie Brown lamented in the 1965 Peanuts classic that Christmas had gone commercial, he was way ahead of his years. If you are planning to blitz out the Boxing Day sales this week, pause and consider this project by the art collective, Luzinterruptus.
According to an article in the Huffington Post, the colourful "Consumerist Christmas Tree"—erected in the Prince Bishops Shopping Centre plaza as part of the Lumiere festival in Durham, England—was constructed of around 3,000 shopping bags.
"We wanted to give a double edge to our complaint," said Luzinterruptus, whose display coincided with a garbage strike in the group's hometown of Madrid. "On the one hand, the massive use of plastic bags and the consequences this has on the environment, and on the other hand, the excessive and unnecessary consumption that occurs during the Christmas holidays."
Best of all, to make the tree and street lanterns Luzinterruptus cleverly sought plastic bag donations from residents, associations and local colleges. The bags were stuffed with yet more needless plastic packaging, through which lights shine through. The result is actually kind of stunning, until you look closely.
So if you really must venture out to the sales this week, do me a favour: BYOB (bring your own bag) and stop and consider whether you really NEED another thing.
What do you think of the tree?
Health Canada has recalled the above carrier with the model number 05306. The buckles on the hip hammock can break or crack, leading to a fall hazard for infants.
While no injuries were reported, Playtex received four reports of the breaking buckles in Canada. In the U.S., Playtex received 83 such reports, resulting in two infant injuries, one of which required emergency room care.
Customers are advised to stop using the carriers and contact Playtex to arrange for a full refund. Playtex can be reached at 1-800-522-8230 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST Monday through Friday or via the Playtex website.
From June 2004 to January 2010, approximately 36,000 of the carriers were sold in Canada at Walmart, Toys R Us, Big Lots and other retailers. From June 2004 to December 2008, around 305,000 were sold in the United States.
View the latest recalls.
Loblaw Companies Ltd. has voluntary recalled the Life at Home LED 70 count lights in the following models:
These lights may have loose or exposed wiring that could cause electrocution, electrical shock or fire.
While neither Health Canada nor Loblaw Companies Ltd. has received had any incidents reported in connection with the above lights, customers are advised to immediately remove the lights and return them to any Loblaw banner store for a full refund (with or without a receipt).
Please see full store listings by province below:
Ontario
Fortinos, Loblaws, Extra Foods, Freshmart, no frills, Real Canadian Wholesale Club, Real Canadian Superstore, Your Independent Grocer, Zehrs, Apex
Atlantic
Dominion (in Newfoundland only), Save Easy, Freshmart, Atlantic Superstore
Québec
Loblaws, Maxi & Cie, Maxi, Presto, Club Entrepot, Provig
West
Extra Foods, no frills, Shop Easy, SuperValu, Real Canadian Wholesale Club, Real Canadian Superstore, Your Independent Grocer
For further information, customers may contact Loblaw customer service at 1-800-296-2332 or by email.
The lights may not be redistributed, sold or even given away as part of the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act.
From September to December 2013, approximately 12,000 of the lights were sold at Loblaw stores across Canada.
Printer-friendly version