As the holidays approach, so does gift giving season! Whilst looking for presents to put under the Christmas tree or to give to friends and family, it is important to be conscious of what we buy, the long-term use of it, and how we can make packaging more eco-friendly. Unfortunately, Christmas time generates millions of tons of waste every year, so get yourself a cup of hot chocolate, and read through some green tips to keep in mind during this festive month.
Eco-friendly Christmas gift ideas
Get a gift that they will definitely like, and that you are sure they will use or consume so that it isn’t wasted or placed on a shelf never to be seen again. Thinking about how it was sourced is also important, for example, buying artisanal products from local producers is a great way to support small businesses (go to Christmas markets!). Here are some eco-friendly gift ideas for your loved ones this Christmas:
Useful reusable objects: aluminium water bottle, mug, coffee cup, reusable makeup wipes, useful kitchenware, zero waste kit, reusable bag, cozy good quality socks.
Homemade gifts: candles, selfcare products (DIY body scrubs, lip balm), baked goods, crochet/knitted gifts, ceramic/clay creation, DIY jewellery, friendship bracelets.
Donate to charity!
Here are some ethical shops you can go to in Toulouse to buy your presents:
Pets as a gift
A great number of pets are unfortunately abandoned after being purchased as a Christmas gift due to families not being aware of how much effort goes into taking care of a pet.So if you are seriously considering adopting an animal, make sure you do the necessary research on how exactly to take care of them, their needs, and evaluate if you will be able to give them the adequate care they deserve.After deciding to get a pet, make sure to adopt it from your local shelter, since many of those animals are in need of a home!
Wrapping your gift
During the holiday season, around 1.05 million kilograms of wrapping paper lands up in landfills every year, hence it is crucial to think about how we can reduce our waste production. To begin with, by opening presents carefully, you can reuse the wrapping paper for future occasions.Instead of using wrapping paper which will usually be discarded after use, you can reuse old giftbags, small shopping bags that you get from shops, or even wrap your gift in a scarf or cloth that they can also use. If you do decide to use wrapping paper, check if it is recyclable, and make sure to remove any plastic such as a tape, ribbons, confetti or bows before putting it into the recycle bin. Lastly, additional packaging for aesthetic purposes is unnecessary! The long-term consequence of that waste in a landfill is worth much more than the short-term purpose of that additional packaging.
On that note, enjoy the holiday festivities with an eco-responsible mindset!
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