Sustainably Festive: How To Pick Gifts That Won’t Cost The Earth

It’s that time of year again when our hearts are as full as our shopping bags, and we’re all on the hunt for the perfect gifts to show our love.  As the festive lights of Diwali brighten our homes and the spirit of Eid brings us closer, the quest for the perfect gift becomes as important as finding the best spot for kite flying during Makar Sankranti. But hold that thought—could our well-meaning gifts be unwrapping a Pandora’s box of environmental woes? Fear not, my festive friends, for we’re about to embark on a journey of mindful, sustainable gifting that’s as kind to the Earth as a gentle monsoon shower. We believe that conscious consumption during festivities can truly save the day (and the ozone layer); and we’re not just talking number of laddoos consumed! So, read on as we spill the tea on how you can head into some eco- friendly celebrations and join the green gifting revolution!

Why Sustainable Gifting Matters

Did you know that during India’s festive season, particularly around Diwali and Christmas, waste generation can increase by an estimated 30-40%? That’s a staggering surge, considering that India already produces around 62 million tonnes of waste annually. On a global scale, the United States alone sees about 25% more trash, amounting to 25 million tons of garbage, from Thanksgiving to New Year’s. That’s enough to gift-wrap the iconic Qutub Minar or stuff stockings for every chimney in a city the size of Mumbai!

Visualize this: post-festive celebrations, our landfills become as crowded as a Mumbai local train during rush hour, brimming with waste. The festive season can indeed leave behind a trail of packaging and discarded gifts, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Embrace sustainable gifting, and you’re not just handing over a present; you’re handing down a legacy of a greener planet. Let’s turn the tide with eco-friendly alternatives that pack a punch without punching a hole in the ozone layer.

For Corporate gifting, it only makes (business) sense to put your money where your heart is. Choosing sustainable gifts from conscious brands or not for profit organisations is like planting seeds for a future where both the earth and your brand image can flourish. These purchases help communities and small local businesses thrive and often align with ESG goals and contribute to the SDGs, making each gift a step towards a sustainable world, proud employees and happy clients. That’s three birds with just one stone- people, planet and profit!

Thoughtful Over Trendy: The Power of Intentional Gifting

In the age of instant gratification, let’s choose gifts that resonate with the soul rather than just the season’s fads. It’s about finding that handcrafted journal for the budding writer in your family or the perfect set of copper bells for your friend’s new home, not just grabbing the latest gadget. Gifts that are meaningful and practical triumph over the disposable and the forgettable, every single time.

Where “fast fashion” has become “fast gifting,” let’s slow down and get intentional. Forget the fleeting trends and opt for gifts that truly resonate with your giftee. This means giving them that book they’ve mentioned in passing, not the one that’s flying off the shelves. By focusing on what really matters, you’re not just filling a space under the tree; you’re filling a space in their heart.

In the grand theater of festive giving, it’s often said that “it’s the thought that counts.” But let’s take that age-old saying a step further. When it comes to gifts, it’s not just the thought behind the product, but also the ethos of the brand or organization you source from that truly makes a difference. Choosing a gift is like penning a personal letter; it should resonate with the recipient and reflect the care you’ve put into selecting it.

When you pick a gift, consider the story it tells. Is it handcrafted by artisans whose skills have been passed down through generations? Does it come from a brand that plants a tree for every item sold? Or perhaps it’s from an NGO or not-for-profit that pours the proceeds back into a cause close to your heart, like protecting endangered species through WWF’s Nature Store, empowering children through art with the Akanksha Foundation, or fostering fair trade with Asha Handicrafts Association. Look for certifications and accreditations, so your recipients know the true impact of the gift (and the thought behind it). Each of these choices adds a chapter to the tale of your gift—a narrative that extends beyond the unwrapping.

And let’s not forget about the growing tribe of brands championing the circular economy, transforming what was once considered trash into covetable treasures. If you need inspiration, just head over to our article about products made from upcycled waste. It’s a veritable Aladdin’s cave of upcycled wonders waiting to be discovered. By choosing these products, you’re not just gifting; you’re investing in a movement that redefines waste and worth.

Wrapping it All Up Sustainably

Let’s talk packaging—globally, we use around 80 billion square meters of wrapping paper each year, most of which ends up in landfills rather than recycling centers. In the UK, for example, an estimated 227,000 miles of wrapping paper is thrown away during the holiday season—enough to circle the Earth nearly nine times!

Imagine a mountain of discarded wrapping paper so high it could rival Santa’s “naughty” list. Shocking but true, the festive season can see a staggering increase in waste, with enough packaging to make a cardboard box blush. It’s time to unwrap the idea of thoughtful, eco-friendly alternatives that leave a lasting impression, not a lasting footprint. 

When it comes to gift wrapping, think outside the box—literally. Try using vibrant fabric scraps in the style of Japanese furoshiki or recycled newspapers adorned with a sprig of neem. Reusable gift bags or boxes are like the perfect hug for the mindful present. Remember, presentation can be a visual treat without treating the environment poorly.

Conclusion: Presents With a Responsibility to The Future 

As we gather to celebrate, let’s pledge to infuse our gifting with intention and care. Reimagine the joy of giving in a way that aligns with the values you hold dear. Sustainability can be as festive as the rangoli at your doorstep and as fulfilling as the last bite of your favorite Christmas sweets. If you’re wondering where to begin, Green Pistachio is at your service to help you find brands and products that meet your sustainable gifting needs, tick all the eco-friendly boxes, and help you to wrap up this year’s festivities with choices that unwrap a better world. How about we make this holiday season one that Mother Nature would be proud to RSVP to? 

So, go on, get in touch, and together, let’s give the gift of green this year. Remember, by choosing sustainable gifting, we’re not just giving a present; we’re giving the planet a future.