Sustainability LOG 04: Eco-Conscious Holiday Shopping Guide

by georgina annenberg, brand sustainability expert

Conscious consumerism during the holiday season? Is it possible? Can it be done? Well, yes, kinda.

Purchasing, wrapping and sending gifts to your loved ones will always come with its own set of unique environmental and social impacts, no matter what. But we give with the intention of spreading joy, and there’s nothin wrong with that! So, to ease your mind, we’ve put together a guide to help take some of the strain off the planet and your wallet with 9, simple tips. 

1. Get specific.

Make a list of all the people you truly feel you need to gift. Sometimes it’s better not to give a gift if you feel like you are gifting for the sake of it, as the item may go to waste.  Also, if you feel comfortable to do so, ask your loved ones if there’s something they specifically need or want so that you don’t end up purchasing an item that will potentially go unused or be thrown away. Trust us–you’ll both feel better about it.

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2. Look around you.

What do you already have? Are there supplies and materials at home to “DIY” something special? Watch Jennifer of JENerationDIY as she shows how to make some seriously cute and creative gifts from the comfort of your home. Additionally, you could always bake something delicious with existing ingredients. Sweet treats are hard to turn down and very rarely go to waste :) 

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3. Buy used.

Second-hand, vintage and antique items have significantly lower environmental footprints respectively. They are also generally better priced and better made than their modern counterparts. At Helen the Brand, we are proud to offer you unique, one-of-kind curated pieces to help you choose! SHOP NOW

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4. Combat single-use with versatility.

Find gifts that can replace single-use, disposable items. We love products such as reusable razors, multipurpose silicone bags, and bamboo on-the-go cutlery.

Providing a gift with multiple uses can ensure that the item has an extended life and/or will be used often. For example, Lip2Cheek by clean beauty brand, RMS, can be used on the cheeks, lips and eyes.

We also love The Laundress’s Scented Vinegar, as it is made of natural ingredients that can be used to remove grime and discoloration from kitchen and bathroom surfaces, as well as remove odors from clothes for both machine and hand washing. 

5. Reuse bags.

If you are shopping at physical stores, remember to bring your own reusable bags along. Virgin, plastic bags derive from fossil fuels and cannot be recycled at end of life. They pollute natural environments and can be damaging to wildlife. 

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6. Choose presence over presents.

Opting for experiences together can be way more meaningful than physical gifts.  This can include a fun getaway, a trip to an inspiring exhibit, a special date night or a fun, Airbnb Experience. Of course some experiences may not be possible during the pandemic, but there are still plenty less tangible options you can offer. Other ideas include a donation to your loved one’s favorite charity or a subscription to their preferred online publication. 

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7. Wrap it up, mindfully.

When it comes to wrapping gifts, go old school! Try using existing items like old newspaper, reusable totes, scarves or even socks. Get creative! If you receive gifts in new wrapping, open with care, and hold onto them to save for next year’s presents. We love this video showing cool and inventive ways to present your gifts with minimal wrapping. 

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8. Go electro.

Physical cards can be touching, but are often thrown away or end up collecting dust. Hundreds of thousands of trees are cut down annually for holiday and greeting card production in the US alone. This reduces carbon dioxide absorption potential significantly, as trees are one of the most valuable assets in slowing down and mitigating climate change.  Why not opt for E-cards instead this year? We like Smilebox and Paperless Post where you can customize and animate your holiday greeting cards. 

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9. Shop small.

Lastly, we urge you, as always, to support small businesses. A purchase from a small business has a more meaningful impact than it does on a large corporation. Remember, the “big guys” will more often than not be okay. They have money, resources and a steady flow of loyal customers. Small businesses have taken a devastating hit this year, with many having to close down. Supporting small businesses with your wallet can make a profound difference in the lives of individuals and helps strengthen local communities. Here is a list of some of our favorite small businesses doing the damn thing: 

• Rabbit Rabbit Co - for hand-poured, cruelty-free soy candles & wellness products

• Otis the Brand - for small batch, locally sewn, silk ready-to-wear pieces

• Avec Desire - for curated vintage furniture & housewares

• Start With Dessert - for delicious homemade pastry & dessert for local pickup

• Labucq - for incredibly designed footwear, expertly crafted in Italy

• Yew Yew Shop - for the chicest smokeware & Full Spectrum CBD Products

• Ruth Polish - for 10-free, cruelty-free nail polish in bold & bright shades

• Crumi Stuff - for hand-made, locally crafted, polymer clay jewelry

• Julia Wollner - for whimsical digitally illustrated prints & throw blankets

• Double Team Vintage - for nostalgic men’s & unisex vintage streetwear

• Shop Sanft - for hand-picked, pre-loved, 90’s grunge vintage tees & more

• Bananna Bones - for fun & fierce illustrated resin pins, keychains & much more

• Studio Myke - for sustainably re-worked vintage fashion & objects

  Happy Shopping!

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