5 Ways To Give Eco-friendly Gifts
I have three kids and a large family, so there is always a birthday fast approaching and gift-giving is on my everyone's mind all the time. It was my daughter’s 9th birthday last weekend, a 6 am gift unwrapping session was quickly followed by everybody being knee-deep in shreds of torn wrapping paper and other parts of the packaging.
However, have you ever stopped and considered the impact of the gifts you give on the environment?
It's essential to take care of our planet, and one way to do that is by giving eco-friendly gifts. Not only are they good for the environment, but they are also unique, memorable, and thoughtful. It's easy to make eco-conscious choices when it comes to gift-giving. In this blog post, I will share five ways you can gift sustainably and make a difference in the world.
Shop for reusable and sustainable items
When it comes to eco-friendly gift-giving, it's essential to think of items that can be used over and over again. For instance, you can gift reusable shopping bags, water bottles, straws, or glass containers. These items are practical, budget-friendly, and most importantly, environmentally friendly. You can also consider gifting eco-friendly household items such as organic cotton dish towels or reusable beeswax food wraps.
Look for products made with upcycled materials
Upcycling is a process of creating a new product from discarded materials. It's a fantastic way to give new life to things that would typically end up in landfills. You can find beautiful upcycled items such as jewellery, home decor, and even furniture. Upcycled products are unique and come with a story behind them, making them far more meaningful than your typical big-box store item.
Gift experiences rather than physical items
Give the gift of memories by gifting an experience rather than a physical item. You can gift your loved ones tickets to an event, such as a concert, a comedy show, or a sporting event. You can also gift them an adventure, such as a hiking trip, a hot air balloon ride, or a weekend getaway. By doing so, you also limit the waste that comes with packaging and transportation, making your gift-giving eco-friendly.
Support local businesses and artisans
When you shop from a local business or artisans, you support small business owner and their families while also minimizing your carbon footprint. You can find unique and beautiful handmade items such as ceramics, jewellery, soap, or artisanal chocolates that you won't find in a big-box store. By supporting small businesses, you invest in your community and give back to the local economy.
Wrap gifts in eco-friendly wrapping paper or fabric bags
Did you know that according to Stanford University, Americans generate 25% more waste during the holiday season?
It's time to change the way we wrap gifts. Rather than using store-bought wrapping paper, consider using eco-friendly options such as recycled wrapping paper, fabric bags, or even newspaper. Not only will you reduce your waste, but you'll also add a personal touch to your gifts that your recipient will appreciate.
In conclusion, gifting eco-friendly items is a small step towards making a significant difference in the world. By following these five ways of gifting sustainably, you can inspire your loved ones to think about the environment while also enjoying thoughtful, memorable, and unique gifts.
Why not, give the gift of sustainability while also making your loved ones feel extra special?