How to Save Some Money & Avoid Buying Anything with These Non Toxic Holiday Gifts
While the holidays bring a lot of joy to the end of the year, they unfortunately also tend to bring toxins in the form of gifts. From candles and cookware to makeup and cell phones, there are many popular presents that have been known to contribute to cancer risk (and that’s aside from all the toxic plastic everything else is made with and/or typically comes wrapped in).
For your health, your loved ones’ health, the health of the environment, and even the health of your wallet choose low waste gift giving this year! Not only will you be avoiding harmful products but you’d also be opting out of a system that perpetuates disposability culture - all the while not having to opt-out of a fun, traditional activity!
Not sure where to start? Not a problem - we’ll show you how your home is likely already ripe with treasures for your friends and family!
For the Environmentalist
Say no to plastic (for your health) and help those around you do so too! Zero waste starter kits are - fortunately for Mother Nature’s sake - all the rage right now, but what’s even more environmentally-friendly is putting one together with items you already have at home. Consider picking out extra utensils and a handkerchief or napkin you don’t use and making a brand new kit out of it for your loved one. Lastly, skip the wasteful gift wrapping by tying up the gift in a reusable bag!
For the Plant Lover
Plants are not only aesthetically appealing but also increase the oxygen in your home and filters out toxins in the air. If you currently have plants in your home, select any that might need to be split up because they have outgrown their current pots - voila, you have a brand new plant to gift someone! Alternatively, you can just clip off a trimming and plant that instead (succulents are especially great for this). If you don’t have an extra pot on hand, think about using a mug or vase (things that you can easily find at a thrift store or estate sale for very cheap if you don’t have one to spare).
For the Foodie
Who doesn’t love food?! Not only can certain foods do incredible things like boost your immune system but they’re just simply pleasurable to eat! In places where most people - whether it’s due to time constraints or accessibility issues - eat out all the time, a home-cooked meal can be a very special present. Whether it’s sweet or savory, you can impress your friends and family without breaking the bank this holiday. Additionally, a clever way to make use of an extra jar (mason jars are cute but feel free to use one of those empty spaghetti sauce jars that’s probably collecting dust in your kitchen right now) is to measure out a baked dessert that your gift-recipient can make on their own by adding vegan butter or milk.
Share Your Craft or Skill
We all have hobbies and talents - think about how you can gift yours to someone! Are you a writer? Pen a poem or story! Do you have a special skill like playing an instrument, speaking another language, or surfing? Offer someone lessons! Do you like to knit or sew? Make something that someone can wear! Harnessing your extracurricular activity into a present offers a way out of participating in spend culture without sacrificing a time-honored holiday tradition. Besides, gifting something that you’ve put time and energy into learning is arguably more special than anything you could find in a store.
Zero and low waste living can seem overwhelming at first, but even truer to buying sustainable products is not buying and using what you already have. Admittedly, it calls for a little imagination and creativity - which we’re confident you already have plenty of!
Let us know in the comments about your zero or low waste gift ideas!
kathleen kane
kathleen is a queer, vegan, witchy feminist who loves talking about the environment, raising awareness of the importance of self-care, and practicing positive and non-hierarchical forms of activism. Her work - both in the library and on the streets - centers marginalized folx, primarily focusing on food justice and prison abolitionism. As a proud literary nerd who studied English and French at UCLA, she enjoys reading everything from Oscar Wilde to Octavia Butler and Jack Halberstam to adrienne maree brown.