Green Gift Guide

Did you know?

We generate 25% more waste during the holidays than we usually do! Never fear, there are lots of things you can do to reduce your waste footprint during the holidays, or any other gift giving occasion!

• Approximately 2.65 billion holiday cards are sold each year in the US! Holiday cards printed on photo paper or with glitter, ribbon, foil or felt embossing are not recyclable! Consider E-cards or holiday letters on recyclable paper instead.
• Americans waste around 40% of the food we produce, increasing methane gas emissions from landfills, not to mention the many environmental impacts of farming. Prevent wasted food by freezing leftovers right away, or planning meals carefully. Winter is also a great time to start a compost bin – make dirt not waste! Read more about food waste. 
• Stuff doesn’t make us happy – spending time with people we care about does. Find ways to give gifts that are useful, that create time to spend with each other, or can be used up! View or download the printable version of the Green Gift Guide, or read on for ideas for gifts that make less waste and show people you care.
• Americans use an estimated 333 million square feet of wrapping paper each holiday season – and most of it isn’t recyclable! Choose to reuse instead – Thrifted scarves make great reusable wrapping paper, and it can be as easy as tying a square knot.

Refillable and Reusable Gifts

1. Refillable Cleaning Kits or subscriptions, such as Blueland, Dropps, Clean Cult, TruEarth or Branch Basics. Some local stores have products like this – perfect for the college kid who has just moved out, or for someone who wants to be more sustainable and has everything they need already.
2. Reusable coffee mugs or water bottles – elevate their reusable bottle or mug for a practical gift.
3. Compost bucket and how-to guide
4. Reusable ‘un-paper’ towels, these can be found often at handmade markets, and also easy to make if you sew!
5. Reusable straws, cute tote bags, reusable bento box lunch containers.

Consumable Gifts

1. Coffee or tea – put together with a funky thrifted mug for a fun coworker gift.
2. Jam, salsa, other canned goods – even better if you make your own!
3. Baking mixes, hot cocoa mixes. Make your own with bulk ingredients and put in refillable canning jars. Pop a bow on top and you’re done.
4. Wine or beer – wrap it in fabric for an elegant touch – see video above.
5. Loose leaf tea and a tea strainer.
6. Candy or chocolate, or other homemade goodies arranged in a thrifted basket.

Experiences – because one of the best gifts is time with you!

1. Movie tickets, concert tickets
2. Gym membership, yoga classes
3. Memberships to museums or organizations
4. Parks passes, Ski passes
5. Weekend at a water park
6. Cooking classes – especially to do together!

The Gift of Your Time

1. Make someone dinner
2. A night off from kids, or babysitting ‘coupons’
3. A weekly walk or coffee date
4. A family ‘camping’ night, even in the basement!
5. Family game night
6. A day or week off from chores
7. Volunteer or donate money in someone’s name for a cause they care about