The holidays may look a little different this year, but if you’re planning to still exchange gifts with colleagues, friends, and loved one, consider meaningful, but less wasteful, strategies to show that you care.
- S
ource Locally: Support local artisans and businesses, while reducing the carbon emissions associated with shipping and transporting goods. Peruse Made in NYC for recommendations. - Gift a Sustainable Product: Gift a reusable mug, bottle, tote bag, or utensil set to help reduce single-use, disposable items. Products that are made by Certified B Corporations have a legal obligation to uphold ethical and sustainable manufacturing and business practices. Try to get something unique that your recipient may not already have, so that you can better ensure that the product will be used optimally over its lifespan.
- Give a Plant: Plants have copious health and environmental benefits. Studies show that having a plant can reduce stress, improve indoor air quality, and increase productivity.
- Send an eCard: Paperless Post, Blue Mountain, and PunchBowl are some of the many services that offer free and low-cost digital greeting cards.
- Buy Refurbished Electronics: One way to reduce waste from electronics (e-waste) is to give a used device that has been revamped. When purchased from a reputable seller, refurbished devices will work just as well as new ones and you can get a considerable discount. When the time comes to say goodbye to your handy electronic devices, be sure you’re disposing of it. If you’re in New York City, you can consult this map of the disposal sites. Be sure you have backed up everything you need from a computer by following these instructions from NYU IT. Lastly, check out this list of tech companies that have electronic waste collection programs.
- Do Away with the Gift Altogether: The most sustainable gift is no gift at all. Make a donation like a contribution to plant a flower bed in Central Park or contribute to a coats or toys drive. Pledging to make a difference on someone else’s behalf is a great way to show how much they mean to you.
Perhaps more than ever, this is a year to show your love and demonstrate care for those around you. Consider implementing these strategies into your celebration for a sustainable and safe conclusion to the year.