The season of giving comes with cause for celebration, of course, but the potential for waste rises with each gift purchase. Find the eco way to celebrate the holidays by shopping – and wrapping – with the world in mind.

When you start to shop:

• Sometimes, less is more! Forego the extra fillers that have little purpose or meaning (and might quickly end up in the trash). Focus on the sentiment behind one special gift or two, instead.
• Plan out your purchases so you don’t over shop and end up with items you don’t need.
• Take the guessing out of “snail mail” arrival times by sending your holiday cards digitally this year.
• Shop secondhand! Look in consignment or antique shops to give an old item a new home.
• Gift items that are ecofriendly by design, like reusable straws, bottles, bags and more.
• Create memories by gifting experiences, like tickets to the Aquarium or an upcoming event you know they’d enjoy.
• Consider a handmade gift exchange using items you’ve collected, reclaimed or repurposed.
• Pass along the good fortune of gift-giving by donating to a local charity in someone’s name.
• Avoid pesky shipping delays by shopping local and supporting small businesses and artisans. This way, you’re investing in your community as well ♥︎

When you want to wrap:

• Think outside the box – literally! Presents don’t need to have the perfect shape; omit the inner box (saving some post-holiday waste in the process) and go right to the wrapping “paper” of your choice.
• Get crafty with wrapping by using leftover grocery bags, dated newspaper, fabric remnants, etc. Take it a step further by making the wrapping a gift in itself, using tea towels, cloth napkins, scarves, shirts and more.
• Substitute plastic ribbon and tape for more natural materials like raffia and twine.
• Add the finishing touch to your gifts using items foraged from nature, like leaves, branches or pine cones!

Now that you know what to plan for, need a place to start? Check out our choices for gifts that give back below: