Want to give Christmas gifts that won’t break the bank, or the planet?
Here is some Sustainable Christmas Gifts Ideas:
USE SUSTAINABLE HOLIDAY GIFT WRAP
What looks beautiful under your tree might be less so further down the waste stream. Most mass-produced wrapping paper and gift bags are printed using unsustainable inks and are coated with shiny foils, reducing their recyclability. Get creative and wrap gifts with materials that you already have, like old magazines, newspapers, comics, or paper shopping bags. You can also use clean fabric like scarves, bandannas, or even dish towels for a reusable wrapping. Create your own bows from strips of colorful paper and accessorize with twine, pressed leaves, and pinecones.
SEND A CARD THAT PLANTS TREES
As the holidays draw near, many of us may wish to send a card to commemorate the season. But as appreciated as they are in the moment, cards often get thrown away once the holiday season is over. The solution? Send an eco friendly holiday greeting card that’s made from recycled or recyclable paper — or, choose from one of our several e-card options to go zero waste and plant a tree to boot!
GIFT AN EXPERIENCE THEY CAN LOOK FORWARD TO
Gift something that can be enjoyed in the future, like tickets to a rescheduled game, comedy show, play, or concert, a fun day trip, a museum membership, guitar lessons, or even a gift card to a favorite local restaurant or business. You’ll be supporting a local business and giving your recipient something to look forward to!
Keep your holiday footprint small by purchasing locally crafted gifts from small businesses.
HANDCRAFT SOME AWESOME DIY GIFTS
Handmade gifts are so meaningful—there’s nothing quite like them. Creating a gift for someone means making something special, unique, and putting a piece of yourself into the gift. It could be something like an artwork, a poem, a story, a song, a knitted sweater, some DIY bath salts, candles, or even cooking (or baking) something tasty.
Add some special touches like homemade ornament or a book you loved this year!
DO A GIFT SWAP
In the spirit of the season, sometimes we can get caught up in the excitement of buying what we think is the perfect gift. And perhaps you have a few of those “perfect” gifts in the back of your closet. Set some ground rules, and get a group of friends or neighbors together for a gift swap! You never know what treasures you might find.
Learn more about EvCC Sustainability! www.everettcc.edu/green
Mariya Zelenskyy – Media and Outreach Coordinator sustainability@everettcc.edu