We love gifts that are offered with thought. What better present than one that also gifts the planet? That’s the type of gift that keeps giving for generations to come.
If you exchange presents with family, friends and colleagues this time of year, consider gifting experiences instead of things.
Inspire loved ones to get outside by gifting a day on a ski hill, a backcountry snowshoe trip, a visit to a massage therapist or a swim pass at Powell River Recreation Complex. The new year is a time when we are ready to get healthy, so these types of gifts are perfectly timed.
You can offer to share in these adventures and activities in some way, as well. How about a cup of locally harvested tea and a chat before the wellness appointment, or offering to drive your friend to the gym once a week?
Speaking of together, sharing our skills and knowledge with each other is meaningful. More than ever, we are thinking about how to reduce our costs by doing things ourselves. The challenge can be that we don’t know how.
Tasks that might be simple to some feel nearly impossible to others. Maybe this is the year you gift your time by doing an oil change, fixing a broken zipper, framing in a window or teaching someone how to safely identify and process medicinal plants.
Think about gifting a unique experience that your friend might not give to themselves. Maybe a ride on horseback in the winter snow could be a fun idea that’s outside of their box. Or how about a cooking or dance class? You just might spark a new interest, or at the very least add some spice to their usual routine.
Share the gift of music in the form of voice lessons or a guitar rental. If investing time into music skills isn’t realistic because of child care challenges, that could be part of your gift. Offering to provide or source a babysitter could make the gift much more possible to enjoy sooner than later.
If you plan on buying a physical gift, there are many zero waste options. Buying locally is a great way to support local businesses and artisans. Local, however, doesn’t always mean “green.”
When you shop at craft fairs, The Soapy Dragon pop-up holiday boutique at Town Centre Mall or a store with local creations, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Choose gifts that are made of natural materials such as beeswax, linen, wool and wood, and avoid plastic packaging and products.
Another option for a low waste gift could be to take that special someone on a thrift or consignment store shopping spree. Make an afternoon of it and you will end up going home with pre-loved goods that still have smiles to give.
A classically fun way to reduce the time, stress and waste of the gifting season is to pull one person’s name to get a special gift for, rather than getting many little gifts for everyone. This can come in many forms – one is for extended family members to randomly be given someone’s name to shop for. You can set a price limit to ensure similar exchange or even get creative and ask that all gifts be hand made or locally sourced.
However you plan to show loved ones you appreciate them this time of year, keep the earth in mind. This holiday let’s create memories, not garbage.
Let’s Talk Trash is contracted by qathet Regional District to offer its waste reduction education program. For more information, email info@letstalktrash.ca or go to LetsTalkTrash.ca.
