Tips for a Greener Holiday
Want to help the environment this holiday season? Check out these tips for sustainable gift giving and shopping.
Great “Green” Gift Ideas
- Fill reusable jars and tins with tasty homemade treats like cookies, jam, candy, or nuts. See “45 Best Homemade Food Gifts for the Holidays.”
- Give tickets to a concert, sporting event, movie, or museum.
- Donate to a charity or non-profit organization in the recipient’s name.
- Give an annual membership to a national or state park.
- Get a subscription for an online publication or streaming service.
- Gift a pottery, painting, or photography class.
- Give a gym membership.
- Make a handmade gift. See “125 DIY Christmas Gifts to Make for Everyone on Your List.”
- Purchase an electronic gift card for a favorite restaurant or store.
- Give gifts that help reduce plastic consumption such as reusable straws, reusable bags and totes, and reusable bottles.
Shop Sustainably Online
Online shopping may be convenient but has a negative impact on the environment because of increased transportation emissions and packaging waste. The greener alternative is to shop at sustainable online shops which sell brands that are ethically and sustainably created. Use the link below to see a list of online stores that are eco-friendly.
“11 Sustainable Stores Making Ethical Online Shopping A Breeze”
Shop Local
Even better than ordering sustainably online, shop locally at locally owned stores, farmers markets, craft fairs, and plant nurseries. You’ll help the environment and boost your local economy too.
Remember, purchases made at the STPS Main Store/Turtle House in Indialantic, the STPS Kiosk at Port Canaveral, and the STPS Online Gift Shop directly support our organization’s sea turtle conservation programs. Learn more by watching this STPS video: Shop Local & Help Save Sea Turtles!
Gift Wrap
Save some money on expensive gift wrap using these green alternatives:
- Reuse old calendar pictures, posters, gift bags, or artwork to wrap gifts.
- Use cloth to wrap your gifts and reuse it again next year.
- Cut up old greeting cards or product packaging and make holiday tags.
- Be sure to save this year’s tags, bags, ribbons, and bows for next year.
More Green Holiday Tips
Need more ideas? Read these articles from NOAA’s Marine Debris Program.
You must be logged in to post a comment.