MiSustainable Holland: Green gifting can make the holidays happier
During the holiday season, we want to keep the spirit of thanksgiving and generosity present as we celebrate, but ensure that we choose options that are kind to people and our planet as well.
The very best thing you can do is ask what someone needs. This loses the element of surprise, but ensures that your purchase will get put to good use. If you’d like to surprise someone, here are a few things to consider.
Gifting physical gifts
Where are the presents coming from? Buy local! That supports makers in our community and cuts down on shipping materials used and emissions during transport. Research organizations with healthy environmental and labor practices.
How are the presents packaged? Minimize purchases with accompanying packaging. Use fabric or reusable gift bags instead of wrapping paper, much of which is not recyclable. Avoid glitter on cards or ribbons to limit the spread of this microplastic.
What are the presents made out of? Consider the entire life of the objects you give: Give objects made from natural or compostable materials to make them healthier for our planet.
What need does this fill for the recipient? Limit the stress on their monthly budget by supplying more permanent alternatives to consumable goods, such as bamboo paper towels. Benefit someone's mental or physical health by gifting consumable goods such as a soothing balm for dry winter skin, or responsible coffee. Share your love for the Earth and give items that allow your loved ones to spend more time outside, or products that protect our environment (such as objects that capture microplastics and fibers from laundry to keep them out of natural water-ways).
Alternatives to 'more stuff'
Avoid gift cards when possible. They are non-necessary pieces of plastic that are often discarded after one use (or if you must, try for one that can be reloaded with money).
Gifting memberships: Zoo or botanical garden memberships provide experiences where conservation is prioritized. Local CSA food-subscriptions make mealtimes easier. Cover the annual fee for an app that supports mediation, language learning or ad-free music. An annual membership to a gym or indoor recreation center for children provides healthy activities to do as a family. Equip someone with more mobility and purchase their public transportation pass.
Gift experiences: Consider tickets or credits for events or dining establishments or attend a class or event together.
Gift your time and expertise: Offer skills – help organize the overstuffed basement, winterize the house, cook a meaningful or complex recipe alongside them for a gathering or repair something they own.
Gift Earth-conscious or charitable contributions in their name: Carbon-capture or water-cleanup credits, or donations to organizations that are relevant to them will show the recipient that you care for the things they care about.
— Sarah Irvin is a naturalist at the ODC (Outdoor Discovery Center) Network, a nonprofit that advances outdoor education and conservation in West Michigan.
About this series
The MiSustainable Holland column is a collection of community voices sharing updates about local sustainability initiatives.
This Week’s Sustainability Framework Theme:
Environmental Awareness/Action: Environmental education and integrating environmental practices into our planning will change negative outcomes of the past and improve our future.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Green gifting can make the holidays happier
