Fix Our Earth: Sustainable Gifting

BY STEPHANIE LICCIARDI, GROUP FOR THE EAST END ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATE
FIX OUR EARTH

Give thoughtful, handmade gifts

The holidays are wasteful. We purchase more than is needed, wrap gifts in disposable paper, and throw out a lot of plastic packaging. Online shopping is convenient, but all that shipping uses fossil fuels that contribute to climate change. Amazon makes shopping easy and cheap, but is notorious for abusing their employees. This guide is a blueprint of how to give with intention so what you buy is long-lasting and gentle on the environment.

1. Gift an experience that aligns with your friend’s passions – scuba diving lessons, a culinary class, a facial, a pottery class. You could even pay for something they do all the time – a few weeks of groceries, two months of their gym membership, their monthly eyebrow wax. You don’t have to give something physical for it to be meaningful and useful.

2. Buy from local small businesses. These kinds of gifts are a great option because they’re one of a kind and support your community. 

3. Food and wine are a great sustainable option, especially from a local restaurant, winery, or farm.

4. Do your research about the companies you want to holiday shop in this year. Almost any item from a certified B Corporation would be a good choice. These companies have been strictly vetted for their commitment to social and environmental responsibility. Some B Corps include Patagonia, Toms, Eileen Fisher, Bee’s Wrap, and Dogeared.

5. Etsy makes it easy to find handmade art and unique gifts. 

6. Give clothes, shoes, or bags that are made to last. The receiver of the gift will have it for a long time and they will think of you each time they use it. 

Shop with the mindset that makes you consider where an item came from and where it will go when the person is done with it. For example, if you plan to buy someone lotion, it’s important to consider how that plastic bottle will be disposed of when the person is done. Will it be thrown away or can they purchase a lotion refill for the bottle? Gifting someone a bowl from a local pottery means that it helped employ a local artist and will be passed on for generations. This mindset shift will have a huge impact on the way you shop. Do your research, be thoughtful about your gifting, and don’t be afraid to think outside the box.