5 Ways to Shop Sustainably This Holiday Season
If you’re interested in gifting sustainably this holiday season, you’re not alone. A recent study found a growing trend of “responsible retail,” with shoppers increasingly concerned about the environmental and social impact of their purchases. There’s a good reason for it too; Stanford University found Americans create 25% more trash between Thanksgiving and New Year’s than any other time of the year.
It’s really easier said than done: shopping sustainably takes more work than simply clicking “buy” and having a package delivered straight to your door. To me, conscious gift giving means second-hand but high quality finds, handmade goods or gifts selected from local neighborhood stores, rather purchases made from giant corporations belching tons of fossil fuels. It takes more time and effort to find (or even make) these special gifts — and the convenience of Amazon Prime is hard to disregard. So, how can we cut down on waste and still find the perfect gift, all during the most hectic time of the year?
After checking off my final gift recipient this weekend, here are some tips I learned during my own shopping this holiday season. I still have ways I can improve, but it’s a step in the right direction!
Start earlier than you would normally. As mentioned above, finding the perfect sustainable gift for everyone on your list takes time and research. In-person shopping takes more time than browsing online — and waiting until the last second often results in a hasty l online purchase. The key is starting your search well in advance.
Research small business and local makers. If you’re going to purchase gifts, why not support local artisans and family-owned boutiques? I worked for years in small, independent stores and I know first-hand how much shopping small can positively impact the community and families.
Get creative with wrapping. Rather than purchasing all new wrapping paper and ribbon, I decided to use all recycled newspaper or reusable canvas tote bags for wrapping. I also love the idea of furoshiki, a traditional Japanese way to wrap presents with scraps of material or scarves rather than paper. It looks beautiful.
Try making gifts rather than buying. Kudos to you if you have the time and the energy this time of the year year to actually make gifts— I find these are always the most special and heartfelt. There’s nothing like a gifted batch of cookies or a fresh-baked loaf of bread to get you into the holiday spirit.
Consider making a donation in lieu of gifts. The bottom line is, most of us could do with fewer things and most of us have a cause we care about. I made a donation to a few organizations I deeply care about in a loved one’s name — it’s a gift we can all feel good about.
Hope everyone has a wonderful and safe holiday.
