What is Sustainability in Gift Giving?
What is Sustainability in Gift Giving?
Sustainability in gift giving means taking responsibility for what we contribute to the planet, as well as our loved ones. Ideally, a gift is not an obligation but an offering of our heartfelt gratitude, love or appreciation for a fellow human. In the same spirit, sustainability asks that we consider the global impact of what we give.
Consider these questions when choosing a gift:
- Is the gift useful? In a world of excess, many people have opted to simplify their living spaces by having less. By choosing a gift that is either consumable or will leave no trace after use, you can guarantee that you don’t add to the mountain of abandoned goods in our landfills. Pick a delicious box of Vermont maple candies, bake cookies, or buy locally made soaps or candles that will delight your recipient, support a small maker, and reduce waste.
- Does the gift bring joy? Marie Kondo’s wisdom led many people to ponder this simple question about their household items, and can be a guiding principle in gift giving. Original fine art and handmade items are an excellent way to honor a special person though it’s important that you are close enough with the recipient to know what brings them joy. When in doubt, choose a gift that meets one of the other criteria.
- Does the gift bring comfort? Is your friend or family member overcoming an injury or illness? Consider a healing salve, a meal delivery service, a jigsaw puzzle or blanket or teas. When choosing the gift, put yourself in your recipient’s shoes and consider what may bring them comfort in their current circumstance. A harried new parent may appreciate a package that brings the spa to them, or a product or service that makes their lives a little easier.
- Is the gift sustainable? Look at the item you are considering as a gift. Is it wrapped in plastic or otherwise over packaged? Put it down. Is the content of the gift traceable? Do you know where the item is made, and by whom? If not, put it down. One of the guiding principles of sustainability is taking responsibility for how we spend our money. Cheap imports do not help support a thriving community, and are much more likely to end up in a landfill. When we choose a gift made by hand, we are connected to the source of creative energy that motivates makers, and we support an individual instead of shareholders.
- Make it beautiful without using single use wraps. Ditch the paper wraps and plastic tapes. Try the Japanese practice of furoshiki, wrapping with fabric…anything from a pretty napkin to a silk scarf makes a beautiful wrap. The tried-and-true reusable paper or fabric bag is also an easy sustainable option.
In a time that we can have anything in the world delivered to our door, we can choose to support community instead. In a society that encourages excess, we can make it simple. It is possible to be both thoughtful and sustainable. It’s a wonderful life.
