Embracing Thoughtful & Sustainable Gifting

The EPA highlights a staggering 25% rise in garbage from Thanksgiving to New Year's, adding to an already high baseline in the US.

This holiday season, consider gifts that align with sustainable practices.

Sustainable gifts are not only eco-friendly but also often carry a more personal touch. They can range from products that reduce waste to organic items, appealing to various interests, including nature enthusiasts, fashion lovers, and foodies.

For instance, herbs or seeds for a garden, clothing made of sustainable fabric or organic cotton, vouchers for online stores that sell rescued food, and jackets using recycled materials are all thoughtful choices​​.

Here are some eco-friendly choices for a greener holiday season.

Practical and Sustainable Options

• Reusable Products: Encourage eco-conscious habits by gifting reusable produce bags, stainless steel water bottles, or sandwich bags. These items are not only practical but also help in significantly reducing plastic waste​​.
  

• Solar-Powered Phone Charger: For the tech-savvy, a solar-powered phone charger is an innovative and environmentally friendly gift​​. You can get a decent one for about $75.
  

• Audiobook Subscription: For book lovers, an Audible subscription can provide endless entertainment without the environmental impact of paper books​​.
  

• At-Home Spa Treatment: Choose spa gifts with natural ingredients for a relaxing and chemical-free experience​​.
  

• Handmade Scented Candles: Eco-friendly soy wax candles offer a delightful and sustainable alternative to traditional candles​​.

Fashion and Beauty Conscious

• Bamboo Toothbrush: A simple yet effective sustainable gift, bamboo toothbrushes are as durable as their plastic counterparts but much kinder to the environment​​.
  

• Natural Yoga Mat: For fitness enthusiasts, a natural yoga mat is a thoughtful gift that’s both practical and environmentally friendly​​.
  

• Sustainable Clothing: Look for clothing made from sustainable materials like organic cotton or recyclable fabrics​​.
  

• Eco-Friendly Beauty Products: Sustainable makeup that is cruelty-free and natural is perfect for beauty enthusiasts​​.

Wrapping It Up Sustainably

Once you've picked the perfect sustainable gift, the next step is eco-friendly wrapping. Here’s a range of unique and creative ideas for wrapping gifts in an environmentally conscious manner:

1. Reusable Baggies: Ditch the traditional wrapping for something like reusable baggies that can be used long after the gift is opened.
   

2. Upcycled Glass Jars: Perfect for DIY gift sets or small items.
   

3. Reusable Gift Boxes & Baskets: These can be reused multiple times and serve as part of the gift itself.
   

4. Fabric Wrapping: Using fabric, such as Furoshiki cloth, adds a touch of elegance and can be reused.
   

5. Beeswax Wraps: Ideal for wrapping smaller items, these wraps are sustainable and very practical.
   

6. Handmade Bows and Gift Tags: Adding a personal touch with handmade decorations can make your gift stand out​​.

This holiday season, let's shift towards more sustainable and eco-friendly gifting practices.

By choosing gifts that are not only meaningful but also kind to our planet, we contribute to a healthier and more sustainable world.