'Tis the season for giving without the waste! Dive into this ultimate guide to sustainable gifting and learn 8 ways to sleigh the holidays with eco-friendly presents.
The holiday season brings joy, togetherness, and celebration for Hoos and their families. Yet, amidst the merriment, it is important to remember our responsibility towards the environment. The sparkling decorations, extravagant meals, and gift-giving traditions often come with a significant waste footprint. However, it is entirely possible to celebrate the holidays while being mindful of sustainable practices. Let’s explore 8 ways to make this gift-giving season just as memorable - but even more sustainable!
1. Gift an Experience
Not every present has to be a tangible object. Gifting an experience can be longer lasting, meaningful, and memorable, and it prevents a new material possession from one day finding itself in the landfill. Opt for thoughtful experiences like concert tickets, cooking classes, spa certificates, online subscriptions to news or entertainment services (e.g. Spotify, Netflix, New York Times), or annual passes to various excursions in your local area (e.g. National Parks, botanical gardens).
- Buy Second-Hand
Buying second hand means that no new materials that require the use of precious resources were created (or in the case of technology and appliances extracted), as well as ensuring that existing goods can be diverted away from landfills and repurposed. Here in Charlottesville we have plenty of great consignment and thrift shops (e.g. Twice is Nice, Wilder, High Tor Gear Exchange, Scrappy Elephant, and many others). For online shoppers, Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, ThredUp, and The RealReal are just a few examples of different apps and websites for buying and selling used items. From clothing to technology to a new appliance, you can find great second-hand items at a discounted price for that special someone.
- DIY Gifts
Give new life to old materials by making a DIY gift! Turn spare yarn into a new hat or old mason jars into personalized candle holders. You might surprise yourself with just how creative you can be using what is already around you. If you need more inspiration, check out this popular blog with the best handmade gifts of 2023.
- Support Local
You can choose to support small local artisans and businesses that sell sustainable, eco-friendly products. In Charlottesville, the local farmers' markets support vendors selling handmade candles, soaps, jewelry, and other items - a gift for everyone in the family! Places like Refill Renew are zero-waste stores offering minimal-packaging cleaning, homecare, haircare, body, and bath products. Local businesses often have shorter supply chains and source their materials locally, which reduces the need for long-distance transportation.
5. Buy Eco-Friendly Gifts
Give gifts that encourage low-impact lifestyle habits! There are various items on the market, from big to small, that can help everyone live more sustainably. Consider options like reusable water bottles or cutlery, reusable shopping bags, composting kits, beeswax food wraps, or *splurge item* an electric bike.
6. Organized Gift Exchanges
A Secret Santa or White Elephant is a convenient way to reduce the number of gifts exchanged, thereby promoting a more minimalist and intentional approach to gift-giving. Through these gift exchanges, price limits are typically established which can also encourage participants to shop small and smart!
7. Conscious Wrapping
Instead of purchasing wrapping paper that's enjoyed for mere minutes before being discarded, use gift wrap that is appealing to both people and the planet. Repurpose what you have around the house such as newspaper, paper grocery bags, cloth, or glass containers. If the gift is staying within the family, store gift boxes, ribbons, bows, and gift bags to be reused next year.
However, if you happen to possess such wrapping paper or receive a gift wrapped in it, it's important to know that standard wrapping paper CAN be recycled. However shiny, metallic wrapping paper or elements like plastic confetti adhered to the wrapping paper, it becomes non-recyclable and should be disposed of with regular waste. Kindly discussing recyclable wrapping choices beforehand or tactfully suggesting alternatives when you receive gifts from others will amplify your impact for future occasions.
- Give Back to the Community
The holidays are a perfect time to give back. Consider giving gifts that support environmental causes in a recipient's name or volunteer with a nonprofit that supports local climate action and advocacy. In Charlottesville, there are an abundance of community groups who always appreciate a helping hand. The Community Climate Collaborative, Appalachian Voices, the Sierra Club, and the Piedmont Housing Alliance are just a few that support various volunteer efforts throughout the year.
Interested in Learning More?
For information on waste reduction practices at UVA, the 2030 Sustainability Plan highlights UVA’s plans and progress towards reaching a 70% reduction in 2010 waste totals. UVA’s on-grounds efforts parallel many of the themes portrayed throughout this guide, including reusing items, recycling, and reducing the amount of materials purchased.
The spirit of the holidays lies in love, compassion, and giving. By incorporating sustainable practices into our celebrations, we can honor these values while also being intentional about waste and consumption.
