Sustainable Gift Giving: Create, Don’t Consume This Holiday Season
'Tis the season of joy, generosity, and gift-giving! I love the holiday season as much as anyone else, but the Grinch in me comes out as consumers purchase heaps of unnecessary wrapping paper, one-use plastic packaging, and gifts that do not align with sustainable values. It's time to unwrap a new tradition this year and tap into our creativity to find ways to give eco-friendly gifts.
Here are five ideas to make your gift-giving habits environmentally friendly:
1: Buy Nothing Groups
Buy nothing groups operate on a simple yet powerful premise: neighbors in local communities coming together to share, give, and receive items without any monetary transactions via Facebook groups. The philosophy is rooted in the belief that there is an abundance of resources within our local communities that can be shared and repurposed instead of ending up in landfills. These Facebook groups are proving that there is inherent value in community, sustainability, and the joy of sharing. Join the movement, declutter your life, and discover the enriching experience of giving and receiving within your own neighborhood instead of buying and consuming this holiday season.
2: Shop Second-Hand
This season, steer clear of the traditional shopping outlets that are bustling with crowds of frustrated, stressed-out shoppers. This year take a peek at your shopping needs at second-hand stores and local thrift shops for hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Thrift stores offer a treasure trove of pre-loved items that can be repurposed and cherished once again. One of my favorites are used bookstores. Buy a loved one’s favorite book, annotate it with your thoughts in a wide assortment of colorful pens, and add a homemade bookmark as a special touch. By choosing to buy second-hand, you contribute to reducing waste and minimizing the environmental impact of mass production.
3: DIY Gifts
This Christmas, let your creativity shine as you embark on the journey of DIY gift-giving. Handmade presents not only showcase your thoughtfulness but also provide a unique and personal touch that will be cherished by your loved ones. There is nothing more memorable than unwrapping a homemade gift from a loved one. Whether you're knitting blankets and sweaters, cooking delicious treats, or crafting homemade recipe books and photo albums, the joy of creating something special will undoubtedly make this holiday season one to remember.
B Corporations
We all understand the hustle of the holiday season. Not everyone has the time to create homemade gifts or spend time searching thrift stores for the perfect present. If you do need to shop at traditional markets this year for presents, I recommend shopping B Corporations to ensure you are gifting from more ethical and sustainable options. Certified B Corporations, or B Corps, are at the forefront of this eco-friendly movement, meeting rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. Some popular examples are Patagonia, Athleta, TOMS, The Body Shop, Bombas, and Uncommon Goods. These companies demonstrate that business can be a force for good, promoting sustainability, ethical practices, and positive social impact.
Wrapping Paper
No gift is complete without the most important step- wrapping paper! It is a quintessential part of the holiday experience, but not entirely sustainable. Over the holidays, our waste consumption increases by 25%, and a large part of that comes from wrapping paper. This year let's take a detour from the shiny and glitter-encrusted unconventional wrapping paper and move in a unique, eco-friendly direction. I am sure everyone has Trader Joe's shopping bags lying around the house. It is time to put them to use this winter in all your gift-wrapping needs. It is completely compostable and a great substitute for traditional wrapping paper. If you are feeling even more creative you could even use old maps, artwork, magazines, or newspapers as well.
