Did you know that 25% more waste is thrown away during the holidays in the US?* That equals 25 million tons of garbage. That number is so large it's kind of hard to put into context.
Here are some ideas for how you can make holiday gifting less wasteful.
Make a Gift List
Share a list of things you actually want with people who insist on buying you presents. It takes the surprise out of gifting but it cuts back on the need to return a gift that you aren't into.
Use Recycled and Reusable Materials to Wrap Presents
Eliminate single use items from your wrapping. Instead use recycled materials or non-traditional wrapping papers in order to eliminate single use paper.
⚡ Wrapping paper alternatives:
⚡ Old newspaper
⚡ Reusable cloth gift wraps or thrift fabric to make your own!
Save any old wrapping materials to re-use. If every family reused just two feet of holiday ribbon, the 38,000 miles of ribbon saved could tie a bow around the entire planet.* I will shamelessly ask for ribbons back if it looks like they are headed for the garbage bin.
Shop Secondhand for Gifts
The best way to gift is to give something that already exists and can be given a second life!
Skip Material Gifting All Together
Give the gift of quality time and share an experience with your loved ones
⚡ Airbnb Experiences and Groupon have so many amazing activities.
Give back and make a donation in your loved ones name to a cause that they believe in and support. This is a great gifting alternative for the person who has everything and needs nothing. This may not be the most "sexy" gift- but it feels good doing good and giving back to those in need.
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