Eco-Friendly Holiday Gifts
Holiday shopping, and specifically Black Friday, have a huge impact on our planet. Online shopping leaves a huge environmental impact; according to National Geographic, “the University of California's Climate Lab found that two-day shipping, like that provided for free to Amazon Prime members, left a bigger carbon footprint than slower options that shipped over a week.” The pandemic only worsens this issue as fewer people are buying gifts in person, instead of relying on purchasing their gifts online. To help you break that pattern in this year’s shopping, I have compiled a list of eco-friendly gift ideas. Please note that not all of the items below are made sustainably, but rather their function helps reduce your carbon footprint.
Canvas Tote Bag
Canvas tote bags are not only totally in style this season, but also a great way to shop more sustainably. Carrying around a tote bag eliminates your need for single-use bags. Most small businesses will sell tote bags with their logo on them, but if your local businesses don’t, here is an option under $10, and here is an option under $20.
Second-Hand Books
If you know a bookworm, books are a really good gift choice. Luckily, San Francisco is home to the famous used bookstore, Green Apple Books (which does sell very cute canvas tote bags). But if you aren’t in the city, eBay sells every book imaginable for a super affordable price. If you don’t know what kind of books the receiver of your gift may enjoy, here is a New York Times list of the 20 best books of 2020. If you’re looking to splurge, a Kindle is a great option as well.
Plants
Support a local nursery and gift them a plant. Hanging plants are particularly cute and succulents are very easy to care for. Personally, I have a golden pothos and I really like it. Make sure before you purchase a plant that you check how easy it is to care for and that it’s not toxic to pets. Buying your friend an herb garden is also a great gift. Sloat is a gardening center with a couple of locations all over the Bay Area that sells amazing plants.
Vegetarian Cookbook
Eating less meat is a great way to lessen your carbon footprint. If your friend is more of a meat-eater, a regular cookbook also works because cooking at home, in general, is better for the planet than eating out or eating premade food. Here is the link to a vegetarian Jewish cookbook, and if you’re trying to get even more sustainable, vegetarian cookbooks are super easy to thrift or find on eBay.
Reusable Masks
We clearly are going to be wearing masks for a while, so time to stock up. Single-use masks are not attractive nor are they good for the planet. The best thing to do is learn how to sew a mask from scrap fabric and gift something homemade. But if crafting isn’t your thing, Everlane is a sustainable brand that sells 5 masks for $25. Another option is to buy masks from a local small business.
Finally, the most sustainable thing is to not buy anything! Talk with your loved ones and see if you can get rid of gifts that you don’t need to buy, can make yourself, or you already own and can re-gift. Skip the candle no one ever uses and the socks you know they don’t need. Finally, make a donation to your loved ones favorite cause instead!
Happy Holidays!
