By Megan Bailey

Discover how to make your holiday season more planet friendly with our guide to thoughtful, sustainable gifts and eco-conscious wrapping ideas that spread cheer without waste.

The holiday season is a time for joy, generosity, and connection, but it can also lead to a lot of waste. At IBSS, we believe in making choices that support a healthier planet while spreading holiday cheer. This year, why not explore sustainable options for gifting and packaging that align with your values? Here are some tips to make your holiday season a little greener:

Thoughtful and Sustainable Gifts

The perfect gift doesn’t have to cost the planet. Consider these ideas to make your presents meaningful but also eco-conscious:

• Experience-Based Gifts: Offer your loved ones memories instead of material items. Tickets to a concert, a museum membership, or a streaming service subscription are thoughtful and waste-free.
• Eco-Friendly Products: Look for gifts made from sustainable materials like bamboo, recycled metal, or organic cotton. Brands with ethical production practices can make a big difference.
• DIY Gifts: Homemade presents such as candles, baked goods, or knitted scarves add a personal touch and reduce environmental impact.
• Upcycled Gifts: Find creative gifts made from repurposed materials, like jewelry from recycled glass or furniture from reclaimed wood.
• Second-Hand Finds: Explore thrift stores for vintage furniture or decor, which often have a unique charm. Gently used books, vinyl records, and tea sets are frequently found at thrift stores.
• Reusable Items: From stainless steel water bottles to beeswax food wraps, gifts that replace single-use items are practical and eco-conscious.
• Shop Local and Support Small Businesses: By purchasing from local artisans and businesses, you reduce the carbon footprint of your gifts and support your community. Many local markets also feature sustainable and unique options.
• Charitable Donations: For the person who has everything, consider making a donation in their name to an environmental or social cause they care about.

Reduce Waste with Gift Wrapping

Gift wrapping often leads to a significant amount of waste, but there are creative ways to make your gifts look beautiful while being kind to the planet. Here are some ideas:

Opt for Reusable Wrapping

• Fabric Wraps: Take inspiration from the Japanese art of Furoshiki. Use scarves, bandanas, or pieces of fabric to wrap your gifts. These wraps become a delightful part of the present itself.
• Reusable Bags or Containers: Cloth gift bags, tins, or mason jars are fantastic alternatives. They serve a dual purpose and can be reused long after the holiday season.

Choose Sustainable Paper Options

• Recycled Wrapping Paper: Look for wrapping paper made from recycled materials. Many stores now offer eco-friendly options that are just as festive.
• Kraft Paper: Plain brown kraft paper is a versatile and biodegradable choice. You can decorate it with stamps, drawings, or natural elements like twine or pinecones.
• Maps or Newspapers: Repurpose old maps, newspapers, or even sheet music as creative and unique wrapping.

Replace Single-Use Decorations

• Natural Embellishments: Forego plastic bows and ribbons. Instead, decorate gifts with sprigs of pine, cinnamon sticks, dried flowers, or slices of dried citrus. These add a personal and festive touch while being compostable.
• Twine or Ribbon Alternatives: Use biodegradable twine, raffia, or fabric ribbons that can be reused.

A Greener Holiday Season

At IBSS, we are committed to building a Climate Ready Nation through thoughtful actions, both big and small. By making sustainable choices this holiday season, you can join us in protecting the planet for future generations while still enjoying the festive spirit.

Together, let’s make this season one of joy and sustainability. Have a happy, green holiday!