Christmas has long been known as the season of giving. However, this is not an excuse to indulge in excessive consumption, especially at a time when we should be aware of our carbon footprints.
Given that many of us are becoming more environmentally conscious, it stands to reason that people are being more thoughtful about the gifts they purchase.
How can the Christmas consumption frenzy be reconciled with the desire to live a more sustainable lifestyle? Even though there is no ideal formula for more responsible consumption other than consuming nothing at all, there is a solution for those who want to act sustainably but don’t want to give up everything.
Below, see tips for how to give more consciously this Christmas.
Opt for a donation to charity
Instead of buying a gift, you could donate to your loved one’s charity of choice. There are numerous charities and initiatives to choose from, many of which are concerned with the environment. A donation made in memory of a loved one is always a thoughtful gesture.
Invest in sustainable fashion brands
It’s a Christmas tradition to buy new clothes. It is obvious that fast fashion harms the environment and raises serious concerns about working conditions in the garment industry. There are, however, brands that focus on sustainability and being environmentally friendly. Clothes made from recycled materials, as well as those made from sustainable fabrics, are great places to start.
Shop second-hand
With the popularity of secondhand shopping growing, the stigma associated with giving preloved gifts is also fading. If you suspect someone will be hesitant to accept a preloved item, gifting a luxurious item may be a better place to start, as it appears less stigmatized and more desirable.
Support local businesses
While we are always proud to support small businesses and see them rise to market challenges, we also know that this is a great time of year to support local businesses and skilled craftsmen.
Handcraft is one of the world’s largest employers of women, allowing them to work from home and care for their families while earning a living.
Gift subscriptions
A digital gift subscription can be the ideal environmentally friendly Christmas gift. It can provide someone with long-term enjoyment in addition to being completely plastic and packaging-free, preventing materials from ending up in landfills.
Invest in reusable essentials
Many of the items we use on a daily basis are unexceptional. Replace a disposable item with a reusable and sustainable alternative to make a thoughtful and practical gift. Some examples of reusable gifts are:
- Reusable coffee cups
- Plastic-free water bottles
- Stainless steel straws
- Stainless steel lunchbox
- Reusable grocery bags
- Compostable snack bags
