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Alternative gift giving ideas in the climate change era

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In an age of mass consumerism and climate change, it’s about time we look at the actual costs of gift giving. Here’s a real look at the environmental price tag of consumerism and some ideas to make gift-giving eco-friendly this holiday season.

In preparation for the holidays, companies and advertisers have been wracking their brains trying to figure out how to get you to buy more in the name of gift-giving.

Buses, billboards, TV screens, and social media feeds are now crammed with idyllic scenes of shoppers making the best of low prices and stocking up for the holidays.

What they don’t tell you is that everything we buy comes with an environmental cost that isn’t accounted for in the price you pay in store.

The explanation as to why this happens is simply. When we look at the carbon footprint of a product, we must consider its entire lifecycle.

That means the emissions released from production, distribution, transportation, and disposal all need to be accounted for, effectively increasing the price and likely decreasing profits.

Then comes an additional social cost that accounts for the impact of a product on individuals, communities, and the local environment.

Companies seeking to make a profit are more likely to achieve that goal if they cut costs. Many times, this results in the exploitation of their work force and the destruction and pollution of ecosystems. In fact, a recent study linked over fifty companies to the deforestation of the Amazon. This included big names like Zara, Nike, H&M and Adidas.

Again, none of this is reflected in the price of a product and it wouldn’t be profitable for companies to be upfront about these issues. So as this becomes more common knowledge and with sustainability being the new trend, we’re seeing companies rebranding themselves to be more β€˜eco-conscious’ more eco-conscious brands popping up.

Regardless of how a brand may market themselves, however, when it comes to shopping, the best thing you can do for the planet is to simply consume less.

So, what do we do this time of year when gift-giving is at an all time high? Here are a few ideas that’ll help make for a more sustainable holiday season.


Buy second-hand

Due in part to the rise of β€œfast fashion” that prioritises low prices and imposes fast-paced trends, we now buy 60 percent more clothing than we did 20 years ago.

So, to help reduce the 4-10% of global human-made emissions that the textile industry produces, try shopping second hand! By doing so, you save resources and skip the emissions resulting from manufacturing and, potentially, distribution and transportation as well.

This effectively increases the lifespan of the item you’re buying and is the essence of what’s known as a circular economy. Unlike our current system, a circular economy aims to limit waste as much as possible by reforming current production systems and recycling, refurbishing, reusing, and repairing already bought items.

Thrifting is particularly popular, especially in cities such as London. Check out the video below as an example.


Gift an experience

With the number of advertisements we see on a daily basis, it can be easy to forget that gifts don’t always need to take on the form of a tangible object.

Instead, consider what the person you’re buying a gift for might want to learn or explore and help them gain that experience. An art class, a picnic, a night out.

Whatever it is, it will likely carry more value as a gift and memory and will probably have a smaller carbon footprint than an item that would rarely be used.


Support a cause

But ensuring that that you’re being an eco-conscious shopper isn’t the only good you can do during the holidays.

For those especially concerned with the environment and social issues, try gifting support to organisations and causes that are important to them by donating in their name.

Regardless of how you choose to go about gift giving this season, remember that there are very real consequences and limits to the level of consumption high income countries have normalised.

Every unnecessary or irresponsible purchase, unfortunately, takes a toll on species, communities, and ecosystems all over the world.

So this year, try putting an eco-friendly spin on your gifts and be part of the change we need to support the planet and its people.

 

This article was guest written by Ghislaine Fandel, the Science Communication Lead & Content Director at ClimateScience. View her LinkedInΒ here.

Writer Montreal, Canada

I’m Ghislaine (She/Her), a writer at Thred. I’m a climate activist and Science Communication Lead at ClimateScience and am always happy to talk all things sustainability. Follow me onΒ Twitter,Β LinkedIn,Β InstagramΒ and feel free to drop me some ideas/feedback viaΒ .

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