How to make more sustainable choices for this year’s Christmas presents | The oikos Edition
It is that time of the year again. Thousands of lights are glittering in streets and shopping centers, and we are rustling around looking at the windows, wrecking our minds, attempting to find the perfect gifts for our friends and family members. We are buying wrapping paper by meter and indulge in all the treats that the holiday has to offer. December truly is a special time of the year, but also one that leaves a heavy mark on our individual yearly CO2 consumption. A British study shows that consumers on average consume 5,5 per cent of their annual CO2 emissions during Christmas, where the presents we buy account for almost half. Hence, thinking about what exactly we choose to buy for our loved ones could have a significant effect on the mark this holiday leaves on our planet. This article provides some ideas and considerations we could all take into account when planning this year’s presents to make more conscious and green decisions.
Less is more
First of all, less is more! Studies show that excessive amounts of money and CO2 is spent on presents that will never be used. Don’t just buy to buy – and don’t assume that more is better. A smaller, well-thought out gift often brings much more joy, as it shows that thought and care has gone in to choosing that particular present.
Gift cards and experiences
An option that does not leave high CO2 impacts is a gift card, personally crafted by you to give your time or skills to someone in the future. This could be giving a friend a reparation for fixing up their old pants, offering help with cleaning, babysitting or cooking them a nice meal. An experience gift is also a good option and allows your friend or family member to have a fun day with you, their children or partner seeing or doing something locally: a theater ticket, a walking city tour, or perhaps a trip to the local museum. You can also consider buying something for them that you know they would buy for themselves anyway, so that your gift does not have excessive environmental impacts.
Buy used and high-quality
Your sister has told you that she really wants a warm, nice sweater or a cute bag. Instead of heading out to the nearest high-street shops to scan the racks, consider browsing your local vintage shops or thrift stores for some more personal and unique options. Many items will appear as barely used, and you may even stumble upon high-quality items that you can now afford to surprise her with. If you would rather buy something new, consider looking into brands using sustainable and ethical resources and production methods. Look for official standards on the brands to make sure you are making an informed decision. Finally, a good approach is to buy staple pieces of good quality that will last her years on end. In Europe, clothing is the fourth most polluting factor after food, households and transportation – so it is certainly something to consider!
Presents that make it easier to cut down on waste
A starter kit for reducing waste is a practical and long-sighted idea that could help your friends or family reduce their waste. You could include: a reusable water bottle, reusable straws, reusable cotton bag, beeswax wrap for wrapping up foods – you name it! Also consider a neat portable coffee mug for that person you know likes to bring or buy their coffee on the go.
Get crafty!
You do not have to be a creative genius to craft your own Christmas presents. If you are though, then of course, get creating! However, some homemade essentials that everyone can make are great for personal and inexpensive presents. You can surprise your mom with a homemade body scrub with organic sugar and almond or olive oil or salt and ginger in a nice reusable glass jar.
You can also make your own scented candles in the jam glasses or other containers you have stacked up, maybe to go along with the pampering vibe of the body scrub or just on its own.
by Henriette (Marketing Manager / Project Curricular Transformation)