Greener Holidays: How to Be Eco-Friendly (Without Sacrificing the Cheer)
The holidays come with joy, sparkle, and... a whole lot of trash. Between shiny wrapping paper, impulse gift-buying, and plastic packaging, it’s easy to feel like the season is working overtime against the planet. The good news? You can keep the magic alive and reduce your environmental footprint at the same time. Here’s how.
1. Thoughtful Gifting: Secondhand & Re-Loved
♻️ Why Secondhand Gifts Are So Powerful
When you give someone a pre-loved item, you’re keeping good stuff in circulation — reducing waste rather than contributing to new production.
Shops like Reduce Reuse Rewear (especially great for fashion) curate high-quality secondhand clothing that’s both stylish and ethical.
According to sustainability research, re-using items delays the “end of life” for products, which helps cut down on the environmental cost associated with manufacture and disposal.
Tip: Think about what the person really wants. Do they need a “thing,” or would they prefer a pre-loved gem that has a story?
2. Wrap Without the Waste
Traditional gift wrap can be beautiful, but most of it isn’t recyclable (glitter + metallic finishes = landfill). Here are greener swaps:
Fabric wrap: Use scarves, bandanas, or scraps of cloth — they double as part of the gift.
Reusable containers: Gift in reusable bags, sturdy boxes, or wicker baskets.
Eco wrapping paper: Look for recycled or FSC-certified paper.
Ribbon alternatives: Swap plastic ribbon for twine, fabric strips, or hemp string.
Bonus: Save gift bags, tissue paper, and boxes year after year to reuse.
3. Give Experiences or Handmade Goodies
Sometimes the most magical gifts don’t come in boxes. Consider:
Experiences: Tickets to a show, a cooking class, or a cozy movie night — these don’t generate packaging waste.
DIY gifts: Knit, bake, or craft something yourself. It’s thoughtful, personal, and sustainable.
Secondhand + upcycled: Combine thrifted items with a custom twist (painted mug? hand-embroidered shirt?) to make something totally unique.
4. Support Truly Eco-Friendly Businesses
If you have to buy new, you can still shop sustainably — here’s how to find businesses that genuinely care:
Shop with B Corp–Certified Companies: These brands meet rigorous social and environmental standards. Check out the global B Corp directory to find certified companies near you. B Lab Europe
Use curated marketplaces for B Corp products: Sites like Sostter highlight B Corp-certified brands in fashion and home goods, making it easy to shop responsibly. Sostter
Check local or national ethical directories: For instance, Eco Club Official has a directory of sustainable brands across fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. Eco Club
5. Be Packaging-Smart
Even eco-brands need to package their products. When shopping, look for companies that:
Use minimal or recycled packaging,
Avoid single-use plastic,
Use packaging certified for sustainability (e.g., based on B Corp “packaging mapping” standards). B Corp Beauty
✨ Why This Season Can Be Greener & Brighter
When you swap out one fast-fashion item for a secondhand gift, or replace traditional wrapping with cloth, you’re not giving up warmth or joy — you’re giving more. More thought, more sustainability, more meaning.
And if you use your holiday spending to support businesses doing real environmental good (like B Corps), that’s literally voting with your wallet for a greener future. Not bad for one festive season, right?
Happy eco-holiday-ing! 🎁💚