Written by December 1, 2019

Eco-friendly Gifting and Gift Wrapping for the Holidays

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The holidays can be a time of the year that generate tons of unnecessary waste. However, there are many ways we can be mindful and not contribute to junking up the planet! 1) Consider eco-friendly gifts that can be used and have a zero or close to zero waste impact and 2) Be mindful and creative in your wrapping approach.

Eco-Friendly Gifting

Consider gifts that do not feed into fast fashion or the throw away culture. Not quite ready to get deep into the thrift shopping scene? There are tons of businesses that are working hard to create more sustainable products, such as House of Marley, Patagonia, Pelacase and more!

Necessities. I am a huge fan of giving gifts that people NEED, like the things we purchases on a usual basis like soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, etc. So your thinking, “that’s weird for the holidays”, NOPE! Business like Lush make eco-friendly gift giving super easy and festive! Opening a gift and smelling amazingness creates a lot of excitement AND can encourage your family and friends to try products they would normally not seek out on their own.

Lush Polar Bear bath bombs

Give Experiences. Know that your sibling or bestie love going to the movies, snowboarding, eating at nice restaurants, etc? Why not purchase a gift card (e-gift card if possible) for them?!

Money. I don’t have much to say about this one. Everyone needs some and I don’t know anyone who would be bummed to get moolah as a gift. Money is usually a gift I feel more comfortable reserving for family members rather than friends.

Tea & Coffee. Lots of people need their cuppa joe or enjoy sippin’ on a warm cup of tea to get the day started. Did you know that many tea bag brands use polypropylene, a sealing plastic, to keep their tea bags from falling apart? This plastic is not recyclable or biodegradable. Check out businesses like David’s Tea or Arbor Teas for loose leaf tea. Arbor teas are organic and fairtrade certified teas that are also mailed in compostable packaging if you prefer to order gifts online! Not into loose leaf? Make the effort to find teas with compostable tea bags like Yogi does.

Image from: 225batonrouge.com

Eco-friendly Wrapping

I just finished wrapping some gifts with stuff that I already had lying around my house. For example, at work we were given a calendar for 2019 with all the therapy dogs that come visit patients in the hospital, so instead of throwing it away I cut off the top part with the images and used it to wrap a couple of gifts for colleagues! I also re-used boxes from previous gifts and bows & ribbons I’ve had to decorate wrapped gifts.

Upcycled Nordstrom box and bow wrapped in calendar paper

Looking for wrapping paper alternatives or other zero waste gift wrapping ideas? See below.

  • Newspaper
  • Scrap fabric
  • Butcher paper
  • Twine
  • String
  • Mason Jars
  • Natural elements- branches, twigs, pine cones

Thank you for your commitment to making the world a better place. I hope your holidays are filled with peace, love and joy.

Holidays can be a joyful time for many but a challenging time for others. If you need additional support reach out to friends/supports or professionals if needed. You can reach the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

With warmth and love,

Joanna