Need some last-minute holiday gift ideas? Don’t settle on giving gift cards to those remaining on your list—take this opportunity to be a little eco-friendly.
When wrapping presents, avoid using one-time use materials, which will only end up in the trash can. Instead, use pretty fabric remnants, a scarf, shopping bags, reusable tote bags, or newspaper to wrap a gift. Spruce things up by using cloth ribbon, twine, colorful yarn, springs, pinecones, cinnamon sticks to decorate—anything but those cheap, tacky bows!
- Help others start a sustainable lifestyle by giving them a reusable water bottle, coffee cup, or coffee filter, a cute canvas shopping bag, lunch bag and sandwich container, or books on composting or organic gardening.
- Give the gift of greenery by giving indoor plants, such as an organic indoor herb garden kit or any other nice plant. Kits vary in size and often include popular herb seedlings, such as parsley, thyme, cilantro, basil, oregano, and chives.
- For those who swear they don’t want anything for Christmas, donate to an environmental organization in his/her honor. The World Wildlife Fund, Greenpeace International, and the National Geographic Society are among some of the most reputable organizations, but don’t be afraid to support a local organization. Research an organization’s causes, funding sources, and how it spends its money beforehand to ensure your gift will be used well.
- Need a gift for a couple? Buy them a yearlong state park pass, register them for a cooking class or two, or purchase season tickets for a local performing arts organization.
- For music lovers, you can’t go wrong with a gift card to iTunes. To be a little more creative, give a vintage vinyl record or concert t-shirt. Even if they do not have a record player or if the shirt is the wrong size, you can upcycle the item by framing it to be used as décor.
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