Thoughtful Ways to Make a Positive Impact This Christmas
Christmas is the time for giving to our loved ones, to our friends and co-workers, to our neighbours. Whomever you choose to give to, are you doing it with our environment in mind?
Why are mindful choices important?
When it comes to gifting, making the wrong decisions can make a big impact whether this be on your pocket or on the environment. Gifting meaningful gifts sometimes can be tricky and many spend days searching and planning for that special gift that will give people that fuzzy Christmas feel. According to GWP: Christmas packaging facts and waste statistics, the UK typically produces and discards an extra 30% of waste throughout the festive period compared to the rest of the year. So, what can we do to reduce the climate impact our gifts have?
Handmade gifts
Try DIYing your gifts this Christmas. Handmade presents are more personalised, thoughtful, and often more appreciated. It’s quite simple to create gifts like hampers, baked treats, or even try a new skill such as jewellery or candle making. Crocheting, for instance, has taken the internet by storm, why not make a scarf, hat, or even a small teddy bear for a loved one?
This is not only limited to gifts, try creating cards with resources you may have at home. Handmade items, whether purchased or crafted yourself, go a long way in adding love and personality to your presents.
Buying local, thrifting and upcycling
Sometimes, time or motivation for crafting is hard to find, and buying gifts is the easiest way to go, so how can you reduce carbon emissions while shopping? Well one way to support the environment is by supporting local businesses. Shopping local reduces emissions needed for transport, purchasing items for delivery includes the emissions needed to ship your item to your country, then delivery centre, then to you. Instead you could have a walk, grab a bus or cycle to your nearest shops and pick things out to reduce that excess transport. Better yet, you could make a day of it, bring some friends or family, and spend a day picking out Christmas gifts for the ones you love, meanwhile supporting local family businesses. Share the joy with your local economy and environment by purchasing gifts from small businesses.
Another option is ‘thrifting’ or buying from local charity shops. Each year, people donate incredible items from clothes to household items and games that are sold at affordable prices. Not only do you support a good cause, but you also help reduce overall waste produced, giving new life to preloved items that might otherwise end up in a landfill. This also is a great option to consider if you receive a gift, you are not too keen on; consider donating to your local charity shop or donation centre to give your gift to someone who will really love it and spread smiles this Christmas.
Non-physical gifts
Sometimes these options just do not do it and an alternative is needed. This is why you should consider buying non-physical gifts. Experiences like theme park or concert tickets, a day at the cinema, a weekend break, horse riding, archery are all examples of experiences that are more meaningful and potentially environmentally friendly than a physical gift. Of course there are additional factors that come into play such as travel that should be considered when purchasing these gifts All of these experiences are available to purchase either as vouchers or directly to gift to someone. Depending on the experience, not having a physical presence could lead to less carbon emissions and less physical waste that could end up in landfill.
In addition to this, gaming enthusiasts might appreciate vouchers for gaming platforms or the direct purchase of a digital game. These options eliminate the need for plastic packaging and are environmentally friendly.
Wrapping gifts
According to GWP: Christmas packaging facts and waste statistics, the average household uses four rolls of wrapping paper which equates to over 83 km2 of paper waste. When it comes to wrapping your gifts make sure to choose the most sustainable option you can. You could try using reusable fabric or recycled wrapping paper and you can use some string to tie it all together. Fabric sacks, reusable bags, and stockings are great options for transporting and storing presents year after year.
Keep in mind that there is wrapping paper that is not recyclable causing huge amounts of waste. If buying wrapping paper suits your needs better; try to not buy glittery or shiny wrapping paper and avoid plastics. Instead, opt for recycled, sustainably sourced, or compostable wrapping paper. Do not forget to do this with gift bags too. When purchasing wrapping paper or gift bags look for the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification and check product labels to ensure they are eco-friendly and keep an eye out on the items’ description as labels will tell you whether it’s recyclable or not. Or, where possible, gift bags can also be reused if handled with care
This Christmas, embracing mindful gifting practices can make a significant difference to the environment, your community, and the personal value of your presents. So what can we do different this festive season to spread cheer while caring for our planet.
