Rethink gift giving this holiday season by giving gifts that promote and encourage waste reduction.
Gift Experiences
Make new memories by giving experiences instead of things. Some great ideas include:
- Plan a trip together
- Gift certificate for a nice meal out
- Get pampered at the spa
- Lift tickets to hit the slopes
- Tickets to a movie, sports event, show, or concert
- Visit a museum, art gallery, or local attraction
Made to last
Skip the cheap trinkets and purchase practical, quality gifts that the person will actually use and will last a long life span.
Eco-friendly gifts
Give a gift that friends and family can use to help reduce their waste footprint. Some ideas include: beeswax food wrappers, reusable mugs/bottles or lunch boxes, bamboo toothbrushes, stainless steel straws, or houseplants.
Reuse
- Received a gift you don’t want or need (or like)? There’s nothing wrong with re-gifting! Instead of buying new just regift it to someone else who will use it.
- Save money and extend the useful life of products by gifting refurbished electronics. Certified pre-owned or refurbished products have been restored and repaired (if necessary) and operate just like new.
Purchase gifts with minimal packaging
Many products are covered in layers of single-use packaging. Try purchasing products that have minimal packaging and use recycled content.
Donate unwanted items
Donate any unwanted holiday decorations or gifts to a local charity.
Make your own gifts
Save money and reduce packaging waste by making your own gifts such as baked goods in reusable containers, homemade bath bombs, homemade jewelry, or mason jar gifts.
Host a holiday gift swap
After the holidays host a holiday gift swap at your workplace, community, or at your home with friends and family. Not only is it a great way to find a home for your unwanted gifts, it’s an opportunity to together with people over the holidays.
Not sure how to host a swap event? Use the Swap It Toolkit, a step-by-step guide for organizing a swap event.
Add a personal touch
Instead of buying cards, either make your own using recyclable paper or send an e-card. There are lots of great websites where you can make personalized animated or traditional holiday cards sent right to your friends and family’s inbox.
Add value
Give someone the gift that keeps on giving. Memberships or courses, such as yoga, sewing, cooking, or bike maintenance. Give your loved ones the chance to develop a skill as well as indulging in a hobby or passion.
