Nelson Morales

How to make holiday gift giving more Earth-friendly

Article (news)

Aneth Ng-Lim

<p>It’s that time of year when exchanging gifts between family and friends brings smiles to everyone. That is, until the gifts are opened.</p><p>Let’s face it – not all gifts are welcome.  Some are chosen with care, some clearly cost more, and some make you feel like they just wanted to hand you something for the sake of ticking your name off their gift list.</p><p>And to be honest, you may be guilty of the same.  When your list keeps getting longer each year, it’s tough to be able to give the best gift to all.  Cutting corners even recycling gifts may be needed so you can stay within budget and not welcome the year in debt.</p><p>But while cheap costs less, it comes with a hefty price:  from cluttering your home to damaging our planet.</p><p>If you’re still shopping and looking for gift bargains, here are some earth-friendly tips that may help.</p><div><strong>#1 Choose gifts that last</strong></div><p>One of the easiest ways to be more earth-friendly is to choose gifts that are built to last. Items that are durable, timeless, and useful reduce the likelihood of ending up forgotten in a drawer or tossed out after a few months. Think reusable drinkware, quality kitchen tools, or classic accessories rather than novelty items. These are not always expensive and can fit tight budgets.  When gifts serve a clear purpose, they’re appreciated longer and replaced less often. This helps cut down on waste and reduces the demand for fast-produced goods.</p><div><strong>#2 Support local and small businesses</strong></div><p>When you buy from local sellers, you help reduce the environmental cost of shipping and mass production. I also like the idea that our money (most, if not all of it) stays within the country, instead of going to large-scale overseas manufacturers.  Small businesses generally use fewer resources and are more mindful of how their products are made and packaged. One more plus is that they offer more unique, handcrafted items. When you shop local, your gift supports livelihoods as much as it delights the recipient. That’s a win for both people and the planet.</p><div><strong>#3 Be mindful of packaging<br/></strong></div><p>Sometimes, the gift is earth-friendly, but the packaging is not. All those boxes, plastic wraps, and non-recyclable materials surely add to holiday waste. Why not wrap gifts in old newspapers tied with string? Or you can choose gift boxes that can be reused or recycled. With your thoughtful, earth-friendly packaging, maybe you’ll convert your recipient too.</p><div><strong>#4 Nothing wrong with second-hand or upcycled gifts</strong></div><p>Second-hand gifts are no longer a bad thing, especially when they are chosen with care. Thrift shops here and overseas may surprise you with quality bargains available year round. Pre-loved books, gently-used clothes, or vintage décor can feel just as special as brand- new ones. Whether bought or handmade, upcycled gifts also give new life to materials that might otherwise be discarded. What matters is the condition, usefulness, and thought behind the gift. In many cases, these gifts have more character and story than new ones.</p><div><strong>#5 Gift experiences</strong></div><p>Not all gifts need to come in boxes. Personally, I have enjoyed receiving experience-based gifts. They feel more personal, especially when tailored to the recipient’s interests.  I also like the idea that they create memories without creating waste. Whether it’s a movie date, a massage voucher, or a cooking workshop, experiences often leave a deeper impression than boxed gifts. They don’t require wrapping paper, plastic, or storage space. Best of all, they encourage connection, which is what the season is really about.</p><p>At the end of the holidays, one source of stress is looking at the gifts received and knowing not all are useful to you, or to your taste.  Having open conversations with family and friends about simplifying exchanges can reduce pressure for everyone. Suggest alternatives like secret gift exchanges, spending limits, or handmade-only gifts. When people know the goal is thoughtfulness rather than quantity or price, gift giving becomes less of a strain on your budget and more meaningful to the giver and the recipient.  This year or the next, why not create a tradition that’s kinder to both wallets and the environment?  Happy Holidays!</p>

<p>While cheap costs less, it comes with a hefty price: from cluttering your home to damaging our planet.</p>

While cheap costs less, it comes with a hefty price: from cluttering your home to damaging our planet.