Nowadays, waste management has become essential for everyone. Christmas brings a sugar rush that lasts for a month. The buzz of nervous excitement starts on Black Friday and continues. A cheerful radio station, constant advertisements offering crazy good deals on the perfect gift; and a tangle of shiny boxes topped with bows under the tree. Christmas will soon be here, and everyone will be sending gifts to their loved ones. People will use gift wrappers, decorative items, etc., to make their gifts more attractive.
However, do people realize that the paper they use to wrap gifts and the decorative items they use to decorate gifts can harm the environment?
Waste Generated
Every single American generates about 1,700 pounds of trash a year. In addition, it results in the national production of 254 million tons of trash per year. A quarter of that waste generation occurs between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that if every American household wrapped just three gifts in reusable materials (or skipped the wrapping completely), that would mean saving 45,000 football fields in the paper. In addition, nearly 35% of Americans still have an unused Christmas gift hanging around in their home! Over 114 million Americans do not use a gift they receive.
Carbon emissions can also increase during the holidays, along with landfill waste. Many emissions occur during this time from powering lights, flying, and driving to visit family, and from a large amount of food processed and transported across the country.
Choosing sustainable gifts and environmentally-friendly wrapping paper can help reduce waste. Additionally, they can select presents that won’t harm the environment when giving them to family and friends. Further, it will also help in waste management.
Here are some ideas for eco-friendly gifts for Christmas. Also, how people can help in waste management.
Give eco-friendly gifts:
Cool eco-friendly gifts are becoming increasingly popular in the market. Here are some of the best options:
- There are steel lunchboxes, food flasks, and travel mugs.
- Natural and eco-friendly makeup products.
- Eco-friendly homemade gifts, such as knitted hats and scarves.
- Potted plants or fresh flowers.
When shopping for a gift, people know for whom they are buying. Select something they will appreciate as well. However, they may prefer material gifts to sentimental gifts. In addition, they can still purchase eco-friendly gifts that have a positive impact when unwrapped. Further, it also reduces waste.
Take reusable bags:
Considering the minimum charge on single-use plastic carrier bags, many people use reusable bags time and time again. Quality shopping bags are useful. They are great for gifts as well. During the Christmas rush, fabric bags are indispensable. In addition, it is much easier to carry one or two big bags than to clutch eight to ten plastic carrier bags in a crowded high street or shopping center.
Choosing the appropriate wrapping materials:
People can reduce waste by selecting the right wrapping materials. People can recycle materials that are natural and sustainable.
For example, here are some major wrapping papers that should not be used:
- Foil or film holographic.
- Sheets of metallic paper.
- Paper wrapped in glitter.
Brown parcel paper makes a classic gift for grown-ups. Also, kids don’t mind using old newspapers, magazines, and comics. They are more interested in what is inside than what is outside.
Make a small DIY gift:
Eco-friendly gifts made at home are even better for the environment. For craft projects, people can also use materials that they already have or buy sustainable supplies (such as paper bags rather than plastic or natural cotton threads as an alternative to nylon or acrylic yarn). Creating small DIY gifts doesn’t require much artistic ability. Making homemade sweets, cookies, or bath bombs is a great idea for Christmas.
Invest in second-hand gifts:
A second-hand gift is a perfect example of recycling rather than reusing. A pre-owned gift won’t appeal to everyone, but some will enjoy vintage or retro designs and older heirlooms’ rich histories. It makes sense to buy second-hand even for modern gifts, like pre-owned electronics. In addition, people will find discounts on relatively new games consoles, TVs, and other big-ticket items.
Consider sustainable brands:
Sustainable brands are on the rise, and buying from them increases the eco-credentials of the gift. Some examples include companies like Aveda, which uses traceable natural ingredients, recycles packaging and manages waste responsibly. The brand Lush also makes substantial environmental commitments. They even produce eco-friendly glitter bath bombs with synthetic mica. Natural minerals make up synthetic mica, so draining your sparkling bathwater won’t lead to an environmental catastrophe.
Send holiday wishes digitally:
Send digital holiday wishes rather than sending paper cards that end up in the trash. Consider creating a video if people want to get really creative.
Recycling Christmas decorations:
Recycling holiday decorations and other remnants of the holiday season is a good idea after the season ends. The most common recyclable items are holiday lights, trees, wrapping paper, banners, and even wine corks.
Think outside the box:
Rather than purchasing material gifts, consider a trip or a present with an experiential component, such as theatre tickets. Paying for a gym membership, taking dance or swimming lessons, or participating in other family activities will make memories. In addition, these gifts don’t omit any waste and are environment-friendly.
Give sustainable gifts without feeling like a compromise or preachy. Consider the environment when shopping. In addition, it will already be contributing to a better environment.
As per a report published by Astute Analytica, the global waste management market is growing at a CAGR of 5.5% during the forecast period from 2022-2030. As purchasing power increases and urbanization increases, consumers dispose of usable products more frequently, resulting in more waste at the individual level. It is a key factor driving market growth.
Changing shopping habits to be more eco-conscious can help reduce the environmental impact. Examples include buying locally, using reusable bags, prioritizing sustainable products, and using recyclable or reusable packaging.
Several small changes in waste management can reduce landfills, reduce carbon emissions, and create a thriving local economy at the same time – all of which benefit gift-giving.
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