I have sent this Environmental Tip of the Week out annually for some years at Benedictine University, where I am a Professor.
Green Gift Giving
Devote some thought to the environmental footprint of your gifts. You can find many green gift ideas for purchase at https://www.greenamerica.org/green-living/11-great-green-gifts-under-100-7-under-25. My own advice is to consider the quality of the gift; make sure you purchase things that will be useful, well loved, and long-lasting. It is very much in keeping with Benedictine values to exhibit good stewardship over a reasonable number of good-quality things. Beware of “greenwashing,” or buying just because an item sounds green. Organic cotton sheets are only green if sheets are needed.
Even better, consider buying used: Good Will, Salvation Army, ThredUp, and other online or in-person second-hand stores contain beautiful and thoughtful gift possibilities, many as good as new. There are great ideas about upcycling discarded goods into creative gifts on Pinterest. I recommend setting a price or number limit on gifts, not just for the budget, but for the planet.
Keep Children's Environmental Health (CEH) in mind when selecting gifts for children. Choose toys made of non-toxic materials like unpainted wood or organic cloth over plastic to reduce exposure to PFAS and plasticizers. Look for non-toxic art supplies, and avoid scented candles or personal care products that may contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Avoid cheap costume jewelry, raincoats, and vinyl products as these may contain lead or other heavy metals.
Treehugger.com has a nice list of ideas for wrapping presents in creative and low-impact ways. I recently bought pretty red scarves at a thrift store and began wrapping presents using furoshiki, the Japanese art of gift wrapping.
12 Eco-Friendly Wrapping Paper Alternatives - TreehuggerTreehugger / Sanja Kostic. You can do a lot with fabric. Think scarves, tea towels, handkerchiefs, large napkins, and more—all of which can serve as a bonus gift.www.treehugger.com
Perhaps best, some people choose to give gifts of experiences or time, or they offer donations made in a recipient’s name. During this holiday season, cook delicious meals with seasonal vegetables, read a great book on the environment, light a beeswax candle, reach out to distant loved ones, and make the most of the holiday season!
