It’s hard enough deciding what to give your friends and family for the holidays, let alone being green about it! Here are some general tips to help you pick out the perfect green gift.
- If you shop online or by mail, consolidate your orders into as few shipments as possible. You will reduce packaging this way. And remember to recycle any packaging that you can.
- Consider scouring antique stores, vintage stores, or second-hand stores for presents. Many items in second-hand stores are just like new. Vintage stores and antique stores are a great way to find unique and treasured gifts. All these stores are about recycling and reuse.
- eBay is also a fantastic resource for unique gifts of every shape, size, and type for everyone on your gift list. Be sure to pay close attention to where the seller is located to reduce CO2 emissions in shipping your gift. You can also try to buy multiple items from a single seller and request that they be shipped together to offset carbon emissions.
- Give a gift made or grown locally. Share a unique product you’ve discovered in your own stomping grounds, e.g., chocolates from the specialty chocolatier downtown or nuts from the local manufacturer. Your gift will save the environment from the emissions involved in shipping because you purchased it locally (just be sure to wrap it green).
- It’s the thought that counts, but a gift that’s never used is simply a waste. That’s not a comforting thought. Only give material possessions if you’re sure the recipient will really use and enjoy the gift. Otherwise, try gift certificates for things like fancy dinners, massages, iTunes, department stores, or even American Express gift cards for a one-size fits all gift.
- Give organic teas, fair trade coffee, fresh flowers, fresh or dried fruits and nuts, or other consumable gifts. Your gift will be appreciated with no guilty conscience.
- Avoid material consumption altogether, if at all possible. Instead, give the gift of your time and your talents. Offer your services to baby-sit for a friend, give a winter’s-worth of driveway shoveling, walk your pal’s pooches, or chauffeur your friend’s children.
- Another very green, heart warming, and humanitarian gift is a donation. Donate money in your gift recipient’s name to green causes, like the World Wildlife Fund, World Gifts, or sustainable farming.
- Try making a gift. You could knit a sweater, sew a quilt, or frame a photograph you took. Your gift will be more meaningful because you gave of your time and talents.
- Avoid gifts with excessive packaging whenever you can. The less the packaging, the less likely it is to end up in the landfill.
Take these simple steps to formulate your holiday shopping list. Go green this holiday season!
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