It’s the season of giving!
But are you concerned about the effect your gift choices may have on the environment?
Well, it’s good news, eco-friendly gifts are produced with sustainability in mind so we can still celebrate the season whilst protecting our planet.
Eco-friendly Christmas gifts use fewer resources, generate less waste and have lower carbon footprints.
Ask these questions:
- What’s it made from?
- Where was it made?
- Where has it travelled from?
- What’s the packaging and delivery?
- Do they want it?
Now onto the fun part, some eco-friendly gift ideas!
- GIFT A TREE:
A different and exciting gift!
Trees are the epitome of sustainability, absorbing CO2 and supporting biodiversity. By the planting of a tree, you’re contributing to reforestation efforts.
You can:
- choose the type of tree and location in the UK and it’ll be planted in your friend’s name by one of the many good companies out there offering this service.
- Send a tree directly to them. Often these trees start as saplings and they can remain in their pots until they can be planted outside. Eco-friendly businesses use organic compost, biodegradable pots and are mindful of delivery methods.
- Dedicate a tree or areas of UK woodland. This isn't just a gift for ‘in memory’ of someone!
The Woodland Trust (the UK’s largest conservation charity), amongst others, offer this service.
- HAND-CRAFTED JEWELLERY:
By choosing environmentally-friendly jewellery you are helping to protect the planet.
It may take more time and effort but look for:
- Recycled materials and ethically mined gemstones.
- Locally made brands.
- Companies that are committed to ethical and eco-friendly practices.
(Some products may come with certification, Fairtrade for example).
- SUSTAINABLE CLOTHING:
Thinking of giving someone a gift of clothing this Christmas?
Again, take your time to source those businesses committed to eco-friendly clothes.
Look for clothes made from recycled materials and/or made from biodegradable materials such as:
- Organic cotton.
- Bamboo.
- Linen.
Did you know - some businesses send unsold clothes to charities? How thoughtful!
- If you’re unsure about your clothing gift why not give them a giftcard instead and let them choose for themselves?!
Remember we’re trying to avoid waste!
- HAND MADE CANDLES:
Candles make popular gifts. They create a warm, cosy and relaxing atmosphere and may come with different scents.
However, mass-produced candles may NOT be made with sustainable materials and some even produce toxins and pollutants as they burn.
Look for:
- Candles made by artisans that are made with 100% natural ingredients sustainably and ethically sourced. Did you know - soy wax is a natural and renewable source?
- Vegan-friendly and cruelty-free.
- Packaging that is eco-friendly is biodegradable, reusable and recyclable.
- HAND-MADE SOAPS:
Hand-made soap is a treat to receive. It’s a gift that has a touch of luxury and indulgence!
Go for:
- Bars of soap - considered the most sustainable option.
- Soaps that are made using the traditional cold-process method.
- Soap that contains 100% natural oils, free from sulphates, parabans and palm-oil free (these have a detrimental effect on the eco-system).
- Vegan-friendly and cruelty-free.
- GIFT AN EXPERIENCE:
If you’re not sure what to give them this year gift them an experience! Remember we’re reducing waste!
Weekends away, afternoon teas, glamping, archery… you name it it’s out there!
- REUSABLE COFFEE/TRAVEL CUPS:
If you’re looking for a stocking-filler gift, how about a reusable coffee mug? Great for those always on the go.
There are so many styles and colours and some offer personalisation if wish.
Help that landfill issue!
- ECO-FRIENDLY SUBSCRIPTION BOXES:
Think monthly gift boxes (you, the sender, choose the length of time) filled with sustainable products.
A great idea, knowing that someone has sourced the items for you.
Wellness boxes, fruit and veg boxes, vegan boxes, all-natural beauty boxes, essential oil boxes. There’s a huge variety of interesting products out there!
You can feel good about sending these!
- GET CREATIVE:
Thoughtful and personal your home-made gift will be appreciated.
- Bake a cake/biscuits/goodies. Baking from scratch is more eco-friendly. Look for further advice on environmentally friendly baking online.
- Forage for fruit and make tasty jams and jellies. Not as difficult as it sounds - we promise.
- Home-made sloe gin. Pick the sloes from the blackthorn trees and bushes (remember to leave some for the wildlife though!).
- FOR ALL GIFTS:
- If using gift wrap look for eco-friendly types but try using reusable gift bags instead.
- Wrapping paper can be reused especially if string is used instead of sticky tape.
- Save old gift boxes and bags.
- Christmas cards – switch to recycled cards. Look for FSC or PEFC logos to show it comes from well-managed forests.
We hope that’s given you a few ideas for eco-friendly Christmas gifts.
The giving and receiving of eco-friendly gifts raises awareness of the impact some of our actions have on the environment.
Here at The British Hamper Company, we’re committed to producing sustainable and environmentally friendly luxury food hampers so check out our exciting range of Christmas food hampers. Beautifully presented they make wonderful Christmas gifts!
BEFORE YOU GO, DID YOU KNOW?
- We Brits throw away enough wrapping paper each year to circle the globe 9 times (Soil assocaiation.org).
- £42m of unwanted Christmas presents go to landfill each year (according to GWP).
- Half of UK adults receive at least 1 unwanted gift every year (Finder).
- The UK produces 30% more rubbish during the festive period (Ecovenitas).
Happy shopping (with your reusable shopping bag of course!).
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