Almost no one likes to buy Christmas presents. Whether it’s the crowds at the mall, the high prices in the stores, or the low quality of the items on offer, Christmas has become a time of frustration, headaches, and stress. But if you inject a little green into your search for the perfect Christmas gifts, not only will you be able to find the fun once again, but you’ll be helping Mother Earth at the same time.
So what makes great Christmas gifts “green”? What about handmade products, recycled products, or even sustainably harvested items like hemp bags, recycled paper items, or hand-sewn clothing? There’s no better way to show you care than to give a thoughtful gift.
And don’t limit yourself to Christmas either. Eco-friendly gifts make great holiday gifts no matter the occasion. Think outside the box. What about Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, and even Easter? Don’t just buy something from a big box store, look for holiday gifts that have meaning and purpose. Not only will you feel better buying them, but the people who receive them will appreciate them that much more.
Christmas gifts are also great because they can be educational. Why not take the opportunity to get someone whose carbon footprint is a bit heavy eco-friendly gifts as a way of broaching the subject? “Here, Aunt Ida. This is an energy efficient toaster to replace your electricity consumption!”
That’s right, eco-friendly gifts don’t always have to be made from hemp or recycled material, although many wouldn’t suspect it. Take Dell’s new line of PCs as an example. Their cases are made from sustainable bamboo and make great eco-friendly gifts.
But if you don’t have a lot of money to spend, you can find cheap handmade products online. Handmade products are great because you know they weren’t made in a factory that spews out harmful chemicals.
Another advantage of giving handmade items for Christmas (or any other holiday) is that they are personal. You can choose exactly what you want instead of settling for whatever comes out of the box.
So next time you’re hanging around some crowded boutique in the mall, go. Head home, search the internet or your local craft fair, and find something that is much more fun, better for the earth, and even educational.
