It’s holiday time again, like it or not, and this year I decided to go to a well-known national discount store chain the morning after Thanksgiving. It was an eye-opening experience, with special, one-time-only pricing on many products. These products, as well as so many others I saw, had one common theme: excessive packaging. Even if the bigger products were in cardboard boxes, the chances were that the cardboard wasn’t going to be recycled.
Holiday wastefulness is definitely troubling, but as troubling as it may be to us, it’s an entirely different kind of troubling for the planet. If mass consumption bothers you, definitely give a thought to giving green gifts to family and friends. It doesn’t have to mean that they get a certificate stating they helped save a whale, although that is pretty cool thing. Here, then, are some ideas for gifts you can give without feeling guilty as you fill trash bags with Styrofoam cushioning post-celebration:
For those who roll their eyes every time you say planet:When choosing a gift, consider the packaging first. If a product has minimal packaging, you’re doing something good for the environment already and can breathe a little easier.
Next, think about what kind of gift you are giving. Is this something they can only use once or twice before dumping, or is it longer lasting, something they can use over and over for a long period of time?
Check for ingredients or materials used. If the item is made with recycled materials, that’s a bonus that they don’t even have to know about. If you are giving them an item of clothing, check if the company practices fair trade; uses organic cotton or another non-synthetic, natural material.
Remember that gifts such as tickets to a favored sporting event, concert or musical don’t take up space, have about as little excess packaging as it’s possible to have, and create memories for years to come.
For those who are open to the idea, but don’t want to make a real effort:Consider a environmental theme present: a low flow showerhead, ENERGY STAR compact energy-saving light bulbs, and a battery re-charger, or something for someone who spends a lot of time outside, such as clothesline and clothespins and a rain barrel to water their garden the natural way come springtime.
You might be able to get away with making a contribution in their name to an environmental non-profit organization, even if it’s just a stocking stuffer. Remind them that their planet thanks them.
Finally, little things that make a big difference:If you’re really serious about doing your part for the environment, ask that in lieu of a present for yourself, gift-givers can donate money to your favorite cause or have a tree planted.
Since we often can’t control the amount of packaging there is on a gift, at least re-use it yourself next year. Use large boxes to store wrapping supplies or to hold smaller boxes to re-use for gifts next year. Save Styrofoam peanuts for packaging of next year’s breakable gifts. If it’s large chunks of Styrofoam, break ‘em up and make your own darn peanuts.
Remember that it’s ok to take baby steps. If we all took just a couple, what a difference it would make! Above all, think of the planet. It deserves a nice present, too.
