by Alison Anderson, KFB Board Member
We may celebrate this time of year differently, with different meanings, foods, and traditions, but for most, it’s a cherished time of giving! We are filled with excitement to give gifts that show our love and appreciation for our neighbors, coworkers, teachers, coaches, friends, family…the list can go on and on.
As you start your holiday shopping this weekend, we encourage you rethink some of the gifts that you may give. Let us remember the beautiful world we live in and how fragile our environment really is. Everything we do, or don’t do, has an impact. The sad truth is that some gifts, even the meaningful ones, can end up in the closet, a donation pile, or the worst-case scenario…in the trash or a landfill.
But don’t let that thought get you down in the dumps (literally). There are plenty of ways to be accountable with our gift giving and purchases this season, while still finding the perfect thing for everyone on your list. Here are just some of our eco-friendly suggestions:
Give An Experience
Tickets to a concert or sporting event, bowling passes, a trip to the movies, or even just a gift card to their favorite restaurant. Think about what someone enjoys doing in their free time and, boom! You have an amazing gift that creates very little waste. Plus, spending time together with your loved ones can often be more special than giving a tangible item.
Keep It Local
Skip the trash that comes with shipping when you shop for your gifts locally. For example, our local farmers markets are full of great, and sustainable, gift ideas. Local honey is not only an underestimated super food (look it up!), but is incredibly shelf-stable. Handmade soaps skip the plastic packaging and are usually made from more skin-safe products then what you can find in the store. Other ideas include making a donation to Lynches River County Park to have a loved one’s name inscribed on a brick or buying a service from a local service like lawn care or a cleaning company for someone who would love to skip a day of house work.
Impactful and Unique
What about for the person who has everything? Have their gift make an impact by having a tree planted in their name or “adopting” an endangered species from a wildlife organization or zoo. For the kids, start building their appreciation for the environment with a subscription to the Ranger Rick magazine or another environmental education series. That gift will also be one that gives all year…a double win!
Reusable Stocking Stuffers
You can’t fit one of those giant, plastic tubs of laundry detergent in a stocking (which everyone over 18 could use), but you can fit a box of Earth Breeze. Ever heard of Earth Breeze? This amazing company has created an eco-friendly laundry detergent line. Instead of liquid, the detergent comes in the form of thin, dis-solvable sheets that are packaged in a slim cardboard packaging (which is biodegradable, score!). Other reusable gift ideas include:
– Reusable baggies (I use the ZipTop brand and they work well for most things! I get compliments on them all the time and we use them daily with leftovers, school lunches, and food prep.)
– Reusable sheet pan liners (I don’t know anyone who loves scrubbing dishes! I use them and love them. There are tons of choices on Amazon.)
– Reusable feminine hygiene products (Yes, this can be a gift! It might be TMI for some, but the menstrual cup is my favorite invention of all time and it saves waste and money.)
Homemade (Yes, even you can do it)
Literally, I could go on all day about this one. There are so many cool, homemade things to give others that you can find instructions for online. Years ago, I was given homemade laundry detergent as a Christmas gift, and it inspired me to make my own, which I’ve been doing for many, many years! You can make homemade body scrubs, homemade cleaning supplies, homemade hot cocoa mix, homemade taco seasoning, homemade brownie mix…look it up, and you will be so hooked. It is so fun to give someone something that you made, that’s useful, and helps create less waste. You may even inspire others to start making their own things as well!
Just baby steps. Just small changes. Just small choices. We all can make a difference. Don’t stop spreading love and joy, just be mindful of your impact. Let us know what eco-friendly gift idea you came up with this season!