Eco-friendly gifts to give during the holiday season

Contributed by Alesha Bradford

It’s the holiday season once again, which marks a time of giving to loved ones and those in need. Perhaps you’ve practiced an environmentally conscious lifestyle for some time now, or maybe you’ve just started the journey!

For the old and new, these are some green gift ideas to give or do that’ll get everyone in the sustainable-spirit and start the next year on a green note.

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Buy gifts from a sustainable source

If you’re willing to do some research, buying a gift from a sustainable source is a great way to support eco-friendly companies. To find out about a company’s practices, you can look on their “FAQ” page on their website, check their product descriptions or even contact a representative if you’re still unsure. Asking these questions not only encourages informed consumerism, but will also lead to companies making this information more accessible to the public so they can more easily make environmentally-conscious shopping decisions.

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Or make the gifts yourself!   

Maybe a little old fashioned, but handmade gifts are another way you can reduce material consumption and promote eco-friendliness. Try making something out of recyclables – make handmade cards out of scrap paper, or if you can handle a needle and thread, make upcycled scarves or bags out of old clothes. Give everyone little potted plants! There are many ways you can try for an upcycled gift – and bonus, something handmade will definitely be more heartfelt and appreciated by friends and family.

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Volunteer for good cause

The most zero waste thing you could give is a helping hand to those in need. Try planning a day or two during the holidays to volunteer at a homeless shelter or any other service programs near you. What you do will certainly have a positive effect on the community and make a difference for those in need. The most meaningful gifts don’t always have to be material!

Start a new family tradition  

If you want to get your family into being more environmentally aware with you, try planning some eco-friendly activities to do together during the holidays. Adopt a Christmas tree that you can replant and use again, make handmade gifts together, do a family trip to volunteer at a soup kitchen, or even get a head start on New Year’s resolutions and think of ways the whole family can reduce waste in the household.

Living a sustainable lifestyle can be difficult, but with your friends and family on board with you, it can be a much easier and meaningful experience.