The holiday season can be a powerful opportunity to show loved ones how much you care for them. For many of us, we want to show that through the perfect gift. What many don't know is that between Thanksgiving and New Year's, the United States throws away 25% more trash, or an extra one million tons of garbage each week. Unnecessary purchasing and overconsumption are enormous threats to our planet. So when you're selecting your gifts, here's a few ways to make more sustainable and thoughtful choices.
1. Give an experience
My favorite type of gift to give someone is quality time doing something together that they love. It tells them that you want to share that with them. This doesn't create waste and can build your relationships. My cousin recently bought me a ski lift ticket, something we've always loved doing together. I'm giving my dad a night out doing all his favorites things together, just me and him. Another option to is to share something they can do on their own - a facial, a learning experience, a trip. If you're looking for sustainably minded gifts, consider our latest ebook on building a low waste home.
2. Give a forever item
If there is something you know the person has wanted for a long time, but just hasn't treated themselves to it, get it for them. In my opinion, "forever items," are items that are made to last, from quality materials, and will remain used over and over. This could also be something you thrift or find secondhand. When compared to a poorly made option, the forever item is far less likely to end up in the trash in a few years. Forever gifts show the person that you were listening, and their long life is lighter on the planet in the long run.
3. Create something for them
If you're creative, share your gifts with loved ones by making them a one of a kind piece. The thought and care that goes into making gifts shows them how much you mean to them. Try to create something they can use too, and that fits their lifestyle or something they need. A few years ago, my partner made me a macrame plant holder. I use it to this day and it reminds me of how thoughtful he is.
4. Donate in their name
If the person you're buying a gift for isn't much for items, consider donating to a nonprofit that's aligned with their values. Maybe they have expressed their passion for social justice, climate change and environmentalism, or animal welfare. Look up an organization that shares those values (hey, maybe check which ones they follow on social media?) and donate in their name. Another option for those who love saving our oceans is to adopt a marine animal. The Marine Mammal Care Center lets you adopt a seal with a donation that helps support their medical care, or The Whale Museum lets you adopt a wild orca and access their education museum. You can do the same for sea turtles, corals, and other marine species. Explore what options are in your area!
5. Wrap with the planet in mind
When it comes to wrapping gift items, use natural and compostable wrapping that isn't just recyclable, but zero waste. Reuse packaging from throughout the year, and decorate it with natural, foraged decor. I will use twine, leaves, cardboard paper or place in a reusable bag. If you have young ones, decorate your own wrapping paper with markers to give it your own unique touch!
By thinking through your gifts ahead of time, you can give loved ones gifts they remember forever, bring you closer, and don't cost the Earth.
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