Advocating for sustainability means aiming to be green in every aspect of life. While holiday shopping seems inconsequential, there are numerous ways you may be buying against the environment rather than for it. Learn some holiday sustainability tips for the festive season.
Why Learn How to Shop Sustainably This Season?
The past few years have been full of climate change news, from wildfires to hurricanes and more. Half of Americans said the information motivated them to do more to address the issue in 2023. Learning how to shop sustainably is a small step toward reducing your own footprint from the situation.
The festive season is the ideal time to exercise sustainable shopping. Almost all households are shopping around for gifts to give to their loved ones, decorations or food for large get-togethers. Because these items use transportation and resources, it’s important to make responsible decisions.
How to Be Environmentally Friendly During the Holidays
Shopping has more layers than you think. Here’s how you can be environmentally friendly during the holidays.
1. Visit a Brick-and-Mortar Store
Online shopping is known for its convenience. However, it can procure 4.8 times more packaging waste than offline shopping. Consider visiting a brick-and-mortar store instead to avoid creating more trash. You can even inspect the item in depth to ensure it’s something your loved one will truly treasure.
2. Choose Local
While visiting brick-and-mortar stores, make a point to check out local shops. Items and food from nearby skip the need for travel, which reduces carbon emissions in the long run.
Buying near your home also means supporting your community’s economy. Patronizing your local stores lets them know there’s an audience for their products. The longer they stay in business, the more environmentally friendly options there are on the market.
Bonus — walk to the store! Leaving your car at home means conserving resources while getting a little exercise in. You can also check if public transportation is available to minimize your environmental impact.
3. Pick Sustainable Materials and Brands
One of the most straightforward ways is to seek out sustainable materials. For instance, bamboo is more environmentally friendly than plastic, as it requires little energy consumption and is natural. If you’re looking for baskets or furniture, go with the greener option.
You can also look for eco-conscious brands. Supporting businesses that prioritize the environment can empower the green movement and attract more traction from people who are less aware of sustainable shopping.
4. Consider Durability
It’s easy to buy the first thing that catches your eye, especially at a low price. However, you need to prioritize quality and durability.
If the gift breaks easily, the recipient will likely discard it and get a replacement. Buying stronger and well-made items ensures they’ll stay in use for a long time.
5. Look for Secondhand
Add vintage shops and thrift stores to your list of places to browse. These hubs contain plenty of secondhand items in need of a new home. Plus, buying these is more eco-friendly than purchasing something that requires new energy and resources.
You could also shop from your own set of belongings. Maybe you know someone who would be delighted to take your preloved handbag or a set of clothes.
6. Bring a Reusable Bag
Sustainable shoppers should have a reusable bag this holiday season. Going out a few times or visiting several stores means lots of bagging from multiple shops. A reusable tote is an ideal way to store everything you’re getting instead.
Learn to skip the bags for smaller purchases. If you don’t have a dedicated bag for shopping, try storing your haul in your regular satchel or handbag instead. You could also ask a friend or family member for help bringing bigger items home.
7. Buy Only What You Need
Avoid impulsive shopping this holiday season. It’s easy to be self-indulgent when there’s a good sale, but a lack of self-control can leave you with items you don’t even know who to give to or food waste. Write down a list and be meticulous when shopping.
Even better, try to get a wish list so you know what people want to avoid returns. Transporting those emits 16 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, and 5.8 billion pounds end up in landfills.
8. Opt for Experiences Over Products
Shopping this holiday season doesn’t always mean picking an item off the shelf. Look for experiences like concert tickets or a spa service discount. You can even join them to make memories while bringing them joy.
Another option is to buy food and make them a homemade dinner as a present. Being served a delicious custom meal is a wonderful experience and present. Just remember to minimize food waste by only buying and cooking the portions they’ll eat.
9. Wrap Presents Mindfully
Being an environmentally friendly shopper continues after your holiday errands. Look for sustainable alternatives when wrapping gifts, as over 2.6 billion pounds of wrapping paper is thrown away annually in the U.S.
Recycle newspapers or reuse old cardboard boxes. Even old fabric could cover the product to maintain the surprise.
Become a Sustainable Holiday Shopper
You can keep the Earth happy while spreading festive cheer this season. Remember the holiday sustainability tips above as you scan the aisles and seek the perfect present for your loved one.
Beth Rush is the green wellness editor at Body+Mind. She has more than five years of experience writing and editing articles covering topics like sustainable transit and the importance of green spaces in urban planning. You can find Beth on Twitter @bodymindmag. Subscribe to Body+Mind for more posts by Beth!
Image by Alexa
