Sustainability - November
November is almost over! And it’s basically December. So 2021 is pretty much here.
But first, we have Christmas, and my birthday, and New Years’, and all the days of holiday spirit that still lay ahead.
Since I try to be (and am) pretty on top of all the things in my life, it is probably no surprise that I decided to launch into the holiday season a bit early by making “gifts” my sustainability theme for November. I decided that I would spend this month applying the principles that I have learned throughout the year to make sure that my gift-giving reflects my sustainable values.
This month I also wrote a blog post with gift-giving tips from my perspective as a professional organizer. The post also incorporates much of what I have learned about sustainability throughout the year. You can check out that post here.
As I began to assess my gifting habits, I first recognized that there are a few items that I always give to certain people. They have become traditions. Luckily, the majority of these items are purchased from local businesses - something that is important every year, and in 2020 more than ever. Plus, it is a very sustainable gifting choice!
I won’t be listing the specific gifts that I am getting people here. I don’t want to take away the surprise in case a friend or family member reads this post! Instead, I will be sharing the ideas that I have found maximize gift-giving sustainability. Several are things that I mention are not necessarily feasible in 2020 (like most experience gifts) but hopefully, in the future, they will return to being solid sustainable options.
Some ideas for sustainable gifts, for any and all occasions, are:
Experience gifts. As I said, these may not necessarily be the best or most feasible option in 2020 (or 2021 for that matter), but in years past, experience gifts have been a great no-waste sustainable option. An experience gift could be a class, membership, pass, or ticket to some event. The overall cost of these gifts tends to be higher, and they may or may not actually have a tangible component. Since most of the time an experience gift doesn’t take a lot of resources to create, the environmental cost is lower. However, an experience gift that includes tickets to fly around the world will definitely have a higher environmental cost than giving a calligraphy class at the local rec center (or online!). So these are things to keep in mind as you purchase consider giving experience gifts.
Give time. I think giving time often gets a bad wrap. People often think of giving time as creating those little books of “coupons” (often for a back massage or an evening of babysitting) and giving it to a friend or a family member. Whether you give your time in the form of coupons or not, giving time is actually a very thoughtful and generous option. Time, after all, is the one unrenewable resource. You could give someone 10 passes to spell-check their emails over the coming year or an afternoon to help them declutter their closet. This is a perfect way to help someone out, maximize your talents, and give a sustainable gift all at the same time.
Homemade gifts. This too doesn’t have to be as cheesy as it sounds and can actually be a really sweet and thoughtful gesture. A baker can make one of their famous chocolate cream pies, a photographer could give a calendar with photos that they took, and a child can give a card or other artistic masterpiece that they made one Tuesday afternoon. Unless you have a great idea or a particular talent, don’t feel forced to give a homemade gift. But it does tend to be a more sustainable option than something purchased last-minute off of Amazon and shipped across the country. And don’t forget - homemade items count even if they were made by someone else in their home.
Gift cards. Ah, the impersonal gift card. As I’m going through this list, I am surprised by how many sustainable options tend to be shrugged aside or demeaned. Maybe it is time for all of these sustainable gift options to make a comeback. Of course, gift cards bought from companies with sustainable practices or from businesses that sell sustainable items make this a doubly environmentally-friendly gift. But even gift cards for companies that aren’t known for their environmental friendliness allow the recipient to purchase something that they love and plan to use. And sometimes that is easier than guessing and hoping that they will use whatever you buy. Remember, many local businesses offer gift cards too! If possible, opt for gift cards that aren’t made out of plastic. And if you receive ones that are, make sure that they are properly recycled (either by the store or by you!).
Get a specific gift list. Whether items are purchased from a sustainable brand or not, it is important to give items that will be used and loved. This can make up for a lot of “sustainability sins”. The easiest way to do this is just to get a list of things that the person you are hunting for really wants - and then purchase gifts based on the list! Similarly, it helps if you keep a list of things you really want so that when people ask you for ideas, you can tell them - and by doing so, you are helping them to make a sustainable purchase too.
Donation gifts. You can give a loved one a gift and simultaneously extend the benefit by donating to a charity or organization in their name. This is a great no-waste gift that also makes an impact. Double sustainability. Just make sure that you are donating to an organization that they love and support! And you probably should check that your friend or relative would appreciate a donation gift. While it’s “the thought that counts” for some, others really appreciate a tangible item or meaningful experience.
“Sustainable” options as gifts. I could give many of the sustainable items that I’ve purchased over the last year to friends and family. In many ways, that would be a double win. I would be supporting a small business (most likely) and helping someone else to take steps towards a more sustainable life. I think that we have to be careful in this area, however, because even the most sustainable option is a waste if it isn’t used. There are many people I know who are working towards sustainability, and I want to help and support them in that. They would be the perfect people to give a Blueland soap, beeswax wrap, Stasher bags, or any number of “sustainable” products. But for the people I know who don’t have a sustainability focus, it is better to steer towards a different kind of gift from this list that they will actually love and use.
Fewer, better gifts. I know it can be tempting to get a bunch of gifts, especially for those you know very well. But if you find yourself scrambling or settling for a multitude of mediocre items, I encourage you to shop for fewer, better gifts. This is a much more sustainable choice since you will be sending fewer things into the consumption cycle and you will (likely) be investing in things that will last longer to begin with. Not to mention you can invest in items from more sustainable brands - ones that care about the planet and the people on it.
No gifts. Some people may decide not to give gifts, and I suggest it here as a very sustainable option! Maybe the most sustainable option - at least environmentally, if not necessarily practically. You may have many reasons to opt not to give gifts, and it is a great way to live out your sustainable values. But if you still want to give (and receive) gifts, that’s okay too.
I’m excited to use lots of the ideas above in my gift-giving this year. I love giving gifts - and it is even better when I know it was the perfect gift and the recipient was thrilled to receive it. And now, being able to give gifts that not only are meaningful, intentional, perfect, but that also encapsulate my values, is even more special. In some ways, giving sustainable gifts is a gift that I am giving myself.
This month I read Apocalypse Never: Why Environmental Alarmism Hurts Us All. Since it doesn’t closely tie into the theme of the month, I won’t talk about it too much. All in all, it summed up much of how I have felt as I have worked on increasing my personal sustainability in the past year. That there are so many perspectives, so much conflicting evidence, and that so many of the things that sound great on the surface actually can have countless negative impacts on the environment and our fellow humans. Even the sustainable gift ideas I shared above aren’t inherently “sustainable.” It is more about how we utilize them. But by purchasing gifts (or choosing not to) consciously and intentionally, we can give in a way that is in line with our values.
And now, I’m off to watch light my gingerbread candle, make some hot chocolate, and get ready for an evening of Christmas movies.
I have learned so much over the last year, and I can’t wait to reflect back on all of it in December. And also to learn how to wrap all of my gifts sustainably. But until then, I’m going to take a bit of time to sit back and relax!
Until next time,