After Black Friday and Cyber Monday, it may be time to consider dialing down the deal-hunting frenzy and streamlining the shopping list. Here are five tips that help make gift-giving choices a little easier on Mother Earth:
1. Thinking about apparel? Think quality over quantity
A piece of clothing can exact a toll from the environment at every point in its life cycle, from manufacturing to maintenance (washing, dry cleaning, etc) to disposal. One well-made cashmere sweater will wear better and remain stylish long after the novelty of the reindeer pajamas with its matching robe and slippers has worn thin.
In the US alone an estimated 21bn lbs of used textiles, much of it clothing, are dumped in landfills each year, according to the Council for Textile Recycling.
2. When choosing electronics, begin with the end in mind
A growing number of manufacturers make it easier for consumers to recycle their computers, TVs, printers, game consoles and other electronic devices when the product reaches the end of its useful life. Ask about a company’s take-back-for-recycling programs before purchasing.
About 400m units of consumer electronics are scrapped every year in the US, according to the Electronics Take Back Coalition.
3. Choose your wrapping as carefully as your gift
Get creative and repurpose old newspapers, comic books, maps, posters, magazines – even children’s school art – as unique wrapping paper. Choose real cloth ribbon – in vibrant plaid, voluptuous velvet or textured grosgrain – rather than disposable ribbon to tie around your packages. Real ribbon can be reused and repurposed. Then, skip the bow and top off your packages with a nosegay or colorful leaves from the garden or a sparkling Christmas ornament that can go right on the tree.
From Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, household waste in the US increased by more than 25%, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Food, shopping bags, wrapping paper, bows and ribbons all add up to an additional 1m tons a week into landfills.
4. Give a gift that keeps on giving
Most public libraries now have large digital selections. One e-reader gift equals a lifetime of reading. Local farmers organizations sell weekly subscriptions to farm-fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables, usually delivered right to your door. And new creative options abound in the sharing economy – everything from shared automobiles and tools, to rented party dresses and purses, to monthly toy deliveries that can be returned when a child grows tired of them.
5. Finally, consider an ‘out-of-the-box’ gift experience
There is a growing body of research that suggests experiences make people happier than things. That’s because people take pleasure in anticipating an upcoming event and often deepen their connections with other participants. These memories can last a lifetime. That sure beats a new tie or scarf.
One last suggestion: this holiday season, give the gift of time.
From all of us at Avery Dennison, please have a joyous and peaceful holiday season.
Learn more about Avery Dennison and its efforts on sustainable packaging. Join the conversation and see what employees and partners have to say on the topic of sustainability.
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