We’re almost upon the season of giving once again and naturally, we’re all looking forward to giving and receiving gifts. But although it’s a season of festivities, it’s also a season of nightmares for zero-waste and eco-friendly enthusiasts who have to deal with tons of wrapping paper, discarded boxes, and plastic from gifts. This year make it a point to choose eco-friendly gifts and possibly encourage your family to a minimal waste holiday along the way.
Eco-friendly gift giving shows love and care for the recipient and gratitude and gentleness to the Earth. Being sustainable isn’t that hard!
Reuse old boxes
Using reusable containers is the best way to wrap your gifts. Quit being a hoarder and take out all those boxes you have stocked and gathering dust in the corner of your room – it can be reused! The beauty of using these boxes is that the person who receives it, in turn, can use it once more for the same purpose.
Find alternatives for gift wrappers
Imagine the amount of paper wrapping wasted during the holidays from all the gifts – it’s a nightmare! These wrappers are only used for a few days and after that, since they’re not biodegradable, they’re left to damage the Earth for years. Find alternatives for gift wrappers such as paper already available in your house or newspapers and magazines. If you really want a new wrapper, you can purchase recycled or biodegradable paper wrappers online or in stores.
Get your craft on and DIY a gift
We often fall victim to the assumption that a gift should be expensive and store-bought but in reality, it shouldn’t be anything complicated; it should just come from the heart. You can gift paintings, mix-tapes, knit, homemade baked goods, or whatever it is you have a talent for. Creating a DIY gift is more personal and shows you really know the person well.
Get high-quality gifts
Of course we can’t avoid buying new items altogether. Whenever you do need to buy, invest a little bit of money on high-quality materials you’re guaranteed to use for a good couple of years. You can even opt out of shopping brand new and visit vintage stores instead. They’re sure to have good quality clothes, furniture, and other items anyone can easily afford.
Gift experience and memories
Aside from getting material things, an experience with the person who gave the gift might be even better. An experience creates memories that will stick with you forever unlike items that could get lost or broken. You can arrange for an out-of-town trip, a day in the carnival or relaxing at the spa!
Go local
When you do shop, try going local. Aside from supporting local artists and workers, you can also score one-of-a-kind items whether they’re clothes, footwear, or even tech!
Give zero-waste friendly gifts
Influencing other people to take their own efforts in saving the earth is always a good idea, and where better to start than during the holidays. Gifting your friends and loved ones with organic items such as shampoo bars, tumblers, zero-waste kits, metal straws, and even menstrual cups can encourage them to start their own zero-waste journey. Just remember to wrap these in an eco-friendly way.
Opt for the gift of nature
We’re taking so much from nature daily from all the pollution we’re causing. On top of that, we humans stubbornly cut tree after tree, kill forest after forest only to replace it with high rises and condominiums. A gift of nature would mean so much especially if you’re living in the urban jungle. You can give your loved ones plant growing kits, succulents, indoor plants, or even seeds to grow trees!
Which of these would you like to give as gifts? Tell us below!!
