As you hunt for the perfect gifts for your family and friends this festive season, we’d like to encourage you to find gifts that are eco-friendly, don’t contribute to landfill and support small local businesses. But you’ve probably got a lot on your plate, and so we thought we’d go looking for some great eco Christmas ideas that will save you time (and perhaps a little cash).
Nine ideas for a Greener Christmas.
1.Experiences are a great alternative to things, and they are proven to strengthen relationships and make people happier. They could be a cooking class, fermentation workshop or even jewellery making.
Give moments. Not things.
2. Spend time with those you love. You could simply pop a handwritten voucher into a card for a walk, a train ride to the country, or an excursion to the art gallery with you. Give people your time.
3. We know that interacting with plants makes people happier, healthier and calmer, so why not give a potted herb garden or a bright orchid this Christmas, that will give ongoing joy and beauty.
4. Charities rely on your donations, and giving some love to a favourite charity on the behalf of your favourite person is the perfect combo. There are so many charities, from animal sanctuaries and pet shelters to endangered species organisations, people welfare groups and environmental causes. You could even adopt a platypus!
5. Handmade gifts are meaningful and bursting at the seams with love. It could be something like an artwork, candles, homemade biscuits, or a favourite photo printed and framed.
6. Thrift shops are full of delightful second-hand gifts you might find. Instead of buying new, head to your local Salvos, Vinnies and Community Shops and see what you can discover.
7. A gift for the planet. We can plant any number of trees on the behalf of you and your loved ones. The trees are planted in Australia and will be up on the website along with your personal message by Christmas day. With a little notice, we can send you a card (blank inside) to give to the recipient. More information here. A gift for them and a gift for the planet.
8. If you prefer to give a more traditional gift then look for the best eco-friendly gifts from your local shop, those that are operated by the owner, who employ local people and source their merchandise from local makers.
9. And don’t forget the eco-wrapping! Be creative when it comes to how you wrap your gifts. Here’s a few ideas: simple brown paper, children’s artwork, old gift boxes, eco-wrapping paper (it does exist), pretty jars, scarves, fabric from sewing projects & tea-towels (check out the Japanese Furoshiki method), travel maps and music pages. All tied together with string or wool.
We’d love to hear some of your ideas too. Come make a comment on our Facebook and Insta pages.
Writer: Colleen B. Filippa
With a background in Environmental Science, Colleen is the Founding Director of Fifteen Trees. In 2009, after 20 years in primary, secondary and tertiary education institutions, Colleen left the classroom to start the company. Fifteen Trees is a social enterprise assisting individuals and companies to reduce their carbon footprint by supporting community groups such as Landcare, schools and environmental networks.
