Giving gifts that don't cost the earth
Gifts that are certified eco-friendly? Yes, please. Saskia Simpson provides an eco-friendly gift guide.
As Christmas is just around the corner, it is that time when we all rush out to buy presents for our friends and family. This is a guide to direct you to some great eco-friendly gifts that you and everyone else will love. Saving the environment should be top priority for all who are wishing to make a happier planet and plastic-free Christmas. By looking at just a few of these great eco-friendly presents, you will be well on your way to a green Christmas.
Have you ever thought about saving the planet by making some delicious Christmas cookies or chocolates for your family and friends as presents? You could bake some Santa-shaped cookies, make some chocolates or even bake a cake! It’s a wonderful way to share your baking talents and give gifts that won’t harm the environment but will be greatly appreciated.
Reusable straws. This is probably one you haven’t ever thought of but you would be amazed at what a great gift giving idea it is and how much your friends would love it. The stainless steel straws are a lot better for the environment than plastic or paper straws - this is because you can reuse them over and over again and they are always there to use whenever you want. You can buy them with lovely patterns on or different colours to suit the person you're buying for.
A Bamboo notebook could be the perfect gift. Everyone loves stationery, especially eco-friendly stationery - it’s good for the environment, it’s a lovely gift and who doesn’t love a new notebook? If you want to tailor it to who you are buying for then there are loads of different designs out there that you can choose from.
Do you want to introduce something green and exciting into someone’s life? There are so many different kinds of houseplants out there that you can choose to give to someone and they will totally love it. If you want to get them more than just a plant, then you can get them a beautiful plant pot or a mini watering can for their bedroom. Just make sure that you are buying houseplants from a sustainable shop as some houseplants can be sourced in a way that harms the environment. Plants for the garden, especially ones the whole family can enjoy, are another great option.
Did you know that you can buy vases made from recycled glass? It’s a great way to get a present for someone that is thoughtful and decorates their house. You could fill it with flowers or beads and sand and make it the most exciting and beautiful gift they receive this Christmas.
Soap bars are so much better than plastic soap containers you buy from the supermarket. I guarantee you that any gift shop you go into will stock eco-friendly soap bars. To personalise your gift, you can get a certain colour of soap or a particular smell that you know they would love - it’s a simple yet lovely gift idea that will also be very handy.
Food and drink are always welcome gifts - and have the benefit of not sticking around as clutter or waste. Choose sensibly - avoid plastic and pick treats in recyclable packaging if you can.
To finish you can wrap all these great gifts up with brown paper or plastic-free wrapping paper. Less impact will be made on the environment if we all buy with the environment in our minds this year. I know I will and I hope you will too!
Saskia Simpson, Y12
As Christmas is just around the corner, it is that time when we all rush out to buy presents for our friends and family. This is a guide to direct you to some great eco-friendly gifts that you and everyone else will love. Saving the environment should be top priority for all who are wishing to make a happier planet and plastic-free Christmas. By looking at just a few of these great eco-friendly presents, you will be well on your way to a green Christmas.
Have you ever thought about saving the planet by making some delicious Christmas cookies or chocolates for your family and friends as presents? You could bake some Santa-shaped cookies, make some chocolates or even bake a cake! It’s a wonderful way to share your baking talents and give gifts that won’t harm the environment but will be greatly appreciated.
Reusable straws. This is probably one you haven’t ever thought of but you would be amazed at what a great gift giving idea it is and how much your friends would love it. The stainless steel straws are a lot better for the environment than plastic or paper straws - this is because you can reuse them over and over again and they are always there to use whenever you want. You can buy them with lovely patterns on or different colours to suit the person you're buying for.
A Bamboo notebook could be the perfect gift. Everyone loves stationery, especially eco-friendly stationery - it’s good for the environment, it’s a lovely gift and who doesn’t love a new notebook? If you want to tailor it to who you are buying for then there are loads of different designs out there that you can choose from.
Do you want to introduce something green and exciting into someone’s life? There are so many different kinds of houseplants out there that you can choose to give to someone and they will totally love it. If you want to get them more than just a plant, then you can get them a beautiful plant pot or a mini watering can for their bedroom. Just make sure that you are buying houseplants from a sustainable shop as some houseplants can be sourced in a way that harms the environment. Plants for the garden, especially ones the whole family can enjoy, are another great option.
Did you know that you can buy vases made from recycled glass? It’s a great way to get a present for someone that is thoughtful and decorates their house. You could fill it with flowers or beads and sand and make it the most exciting and beautiful gift they receive this Christmas.
Soap bars are so much better than plastic soap containers you buy from the supermarket. I guarantee you that any gift shop you go into will stock eco-friendly soap bars. To personalise your gift, you can get a certain colour of soap or a particular smell that you know they would love - it’s a simple yet lovely gift idea that will also be very handy.
Food and drink are always welcome gifts - and have the benefit of not sticking around as clutter or waste. Choose sensibly - avoid plastic and pick treats in recyclable packaging if you can.
To finish you can wrap all these great gifts up with brown paper or plastic-free wrapping paper. Less impact will be made on the environment if we all buy with the environment in our minds this year. I know I will and I hope you will too!
Saskia Simpson, Y12