7 ways to give sustainably this season
This holiday season, we're all looking for ways to give back. But with so many options and so little time, it can be hard to know where to start.
If you're looking for a way to make a difference that will last long after the holidays are over, look no further. Consider these 7 sustainable ideas for this holiday season.
Your loved ones will appreciate your thoughtfulness. You'll feel good knowing that your gifts are making a difference in the world. Everyone wins––including Planet Earth.
7 Sustainable gift ideas
1. Shop secondhand
Shopping at local thrift stores is such a great way to find unique gifts. It can be a fun challenge to hunt for something special.
When you shop secondhand, it's not only about finding pre-loved pieces. It's also about helping to shape a more sustainable future.
Buying thrift or secondhand extends the life cycle of clothing and other items. Extending the life cycle reduces landfill waste, water pollution, and materials sourcing. It also minimizes the labor exploitation that occurs in fashion today.
Thrift shopping helps you afford expensive items, express creativity, and give a thoughtful gift.
Shopping at a thrift store may take some patience. But the reward of a great find makes it worth the effort.
2. Make your gifts
With the holiday season in full swing, it can be hard to decide what gift to give your loved ones this year.
Why not take a more creative approach and make something special for them?
Making an item with your own two hands results in gifts that feel individualized and unique. It also fosters imagination, pride, and love within itself.
Hand-made gifts provide a sense of accomplishment that store-bought items can’t replicate. You can look back on the time spent and know that you made something one-of-a-kind for somebody you care about!
There are countless projects you can choose from. You can bake a cake, sew clothes, write a song, or create unique jewelry pieces.
Get creative! Think of some simple crafty DIYs the family might enjoy collaborating on for extra fun. Not only is making your gifts satisfying but also, it won't break the bank.
3. Give the gift of experience
If you're stumped for gift ideas for that special someone, why not give them the gift of an experience?
We live in a material world. While things can sometimes be valuable, they often get lost in the shuffle as new trends emerge. Instead of following the beaten path, take your loved one on a journey they won't soon forget.
Consider getting them tickets to their favorite show. Or a day spa package to pamper and soothe. Who wouldn't love a cooking class to add some newfound culinary flair? These types of gifts create lasting experiences your loved ones will savor for a long time.
They'll appreciate your thoughtfulness and originality. For extra memories, enjoy these experiences with them. Or join them afterward so they can tell you about tit and relive the experience with you.
Experiential gifts remind us that life is more than objects. It's about creating meaningful moments and memories with those we care about most.
4. Upcycle old materials
One of the most rewarding ways to reduce waste and be more sustainable is to upcycle old materials. By reimagining existing objects, we can divert materials from an overburdened waste stream. We also give these materials new life.
The possibilities are endless. An old t-shirt can become a cute tote bag for groceries. An old pair of jeans can transform into a one-of-a-kind skirt. A few sprays of paint or beads can give an old piece of jewelry new life.
Upcycling can be both creative and satisfying. Not only do you get to have fun being imaginative, but also you get to come away with unique creations to enjoy. And you feel great knowing you prevented something from ending up in a landfill.
Furthermore, upcycling projects don't have to involve expensive equipment. All it takes is some basic tools like scissors or a modeling clay set.
So why not turn your waste into something wonderful? Get started on an upcycling project today and give old materials a second chance at life.
5. Choose sustainable gift wrap
Taking steps to reduce individual plastic consumption is easier than ever. One of the easiest first steps is choosing alternative packaging materials.
Choose recycled paper or reusable fabric bags to gift wrap your present. This reduces waste, helps the environment, and costs less. Often, sustainable wrapping also makes for a stylish and eye-catching presentation.
Choosing sustainable packaging not helps reduce waste but also can be fun. Even small eco-steps create a positive impact that helps the greater good.
So save some money while doing good––switch out your plastic wrap and get eco-wrapping today.
6. Buy from businesses with sustainable practices
Looking for ways to reduce your environmental impact? Starting with your purchases is one of the best strategies. Before you shop, take time to research companies that focus on sustainable practices.
The past few years have given us a growing number of sustainable products. Green-oriented products now come in a variety of sizes, colors, and styles. If you take the time to look for it, you can find a sustainable version of almost everything.
Look for brands that do at least one of the following:
- use recycled or upcycled materials in their products
- support local communities through fair trade practices
- manufacture their products with zero or low waste processes
- produce goods with minimal packaging
- offset carbon emissions by donating to green initiatives
- give back to the environment
Kadalys is proud to share that we employ all of these practices (and more).
Shopping from sustainable companies can help you reach your own eco-conscious goals. Your holiday budget will make a difference in the world at the same time.
Your purchase will reward sustainable practices and invest in green initiatives. Initiatives that protect and preserve our planet for generations to come.
With a little effort and research, anyone can become an ethical shopper. And working together, we can create real change.
7. Support local businesses and artisans
A great way to show your support for your community is by shopping locally or small when possible.
By shopping at small businesses, you can help stimulate the local economy. You'll also help small businesses and craftspeople stay in business.
Further, small businesses often offer unique items that are not available anywhere else. Your loved ones will relish their one-of-a-kind gift. They'll also enjoy hearing the unique backstory of each small business you support.
So next time you need something special, consider shopping small. You'll be supporting those who form the backbone of your community.
So, make an impact while contributing to a larger cause. Shop small and help foster strong, local economies with thriving businesses.
The green conclusion
There are endless ways to give sustainable and memorable gifts this holiday season. You'll feel good knowing you reduced your carbon footprint. And your loved ones will appreciate the effort you put into their gift.
Which of these sustainable gift-giving tips will you try this holiday season?