By Sophie Beddoe
Christmas is only days away, and the whole world is about to send an additional 3 million
tonnes of waste to landfill. So how can we make gift-giving more sustainable this Christmas?
Used clothes discarded in the Atacama Desert, in Alto Hospicio, Iquique, Chile. [Martin Bernetti/AFP]
1. Shop local brands.
Support your local community by opting for local or ethical brands this Christmas. Not only
are you supporting your community, but it also ensures that your gifts are produced with
environmental and ethical considerations in mind!
2. Beware of Greenwashing when shopping.
Often, companies exaggerate and make false claims to be environmentally friendly.
Unfortunately, these days, it’s hard to find brands that aren’t greenwashing. Watch out for
broad terms like 'eco-friendly' or ‘green.’ Legitimate environmentally friendly products will
always provide specific information or certifications to support their claims of being
sustainable.
3.No more shiny wrapping.
Most generic wrapping paper is coated with plastic foil or other non-paper materials, making
it non-recyclable. Why not go for a more minimalistic approach? Stop buying shiny wrapping
paper and use old newspapers, brown paper or reusable cloth wrapping instead. Or why not
save the wrapping from gifts you receive and reuse it? 540,000 tonnes of wrapping paper and
gift bags are thrown out annually. Let’s get that number down!
4.Shop second-hand.
Why not shop second-hand this Christmas? Charity shops, vintage shops and reselling
platforms like Vinted and Depop are full of pre-loved gems. Shopping secondhand not only
reduces the demand for new production but also reduces waste. When garments are donated
to charity shops and resellers, they don’t often last long before they’re dumped in landfills.
5.Mindful gift-giving.
Over 50% of the gifts we give at Christmas are deemed useless and often end up in
landfills. Gifting personal or handmade gifts will reduce heaps of waste. Focus on experiences rather than physical things; this could include spa days, concert tickets or even a charitable donation. Who wouldn’t want to adopt a sea turtle? Take it easy on the silly stocking stuffers. Joke presents are lots of fun... until they end up in the rubbish bin the next day.
By adopting a few sustainable choices, we will not only contribute to a healthier planet. But
also inspire others to do the same. Cheers to a very merry and sustainable Christmas season!
Be more sustainable and give the shiny wrapping a miss.
