Guide: Zero Waste Gifting
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'Tis the season of abundance and no-holds-barred generosity (aka lots of waste coming our way). But good news: it doesn't need to be!
Read along for how we can help you create a low-waste holiday experience using a 7-step eco-hierarchy.
Get this pyramid emailed to you in PDF format by dropping your email in the “Bonus Content” box at the top.
#1 Give Memories
Experiences are priceless. In fact, science shows that experiences create more happiness than material things. Create memories with event tickets, experience days, or memberships that'll be cherished for a lifetime.
Local Experience Gift Idea:
In addition to being one of the best zoos in the country, Omaha Henry Doorly also sends us their animal manure for composting. Get a gift card here.
#2: Give Your Time
Spend time (not money) by giving time. Think helping run errands, cleaning, or volunteering together. Consider sharing your skills or spend the day planning your veggie plot. Plot twist: it’s funner that way.
How to Do It:
Use this science-based practice guide for giving your time.
Source: Brightly Eco
#3: Upcycle & Re-gift
Let’s normalize re-gifting!
Instead of donating unwanted items or returning Amazon purchases — just regift them to someone you know would enjoy it.
How to Do It:
Designate a spot in your home for regiftable items. Whenever the holidays or a birthday come up, scan it to see if anything matches up.
#4: Buy Second-Hand
Finding the perfect pre-loved gift bypasses all the carbon waste of new gifts.
Where to Shop:
Hand Me-Ups & Society of St Vincent De Paul are avid recyclers & composters with us.
Source: Zero Waste Guide
#5: Make
DIY is the way of the future (and past)! Do it right and you’ll save money while giving your gift the love only found in a personal touch.
How to Do It:
Sign up for the Bonus Content at the top if this blog post and we’ll send you our favorite DIY toothpaste and spray cleaner recipe.
Also, if you're making homemade gifts, it's more sustainable to use what you already have than to buy new.
#6: Ethically Buy
If you must buy new, try to purchase from businesses that don’t exploit people, animals, or the environment.
There are plenty of retailers that promote their ethical attributes. But it can also be something as simple as shopping from local businesses that also purchase local goods.
Ethical Gift Ideas:
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Gift a year to our soil & compost drop-off subscription service. They’ll get access to 55+ compost drop-off sites and free soil + ongoing discounts of compost, soil, and mulch. You can sign up here, or contact us if you plan on gifting it to someone outside your household.
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Speaking of compost, why not give your loved one a tabletop or a behind-the-cabinet bin this holiday season? Here's a good one: FULL CIRCLE HOME’s Scrap Happy Kitchen Compost Bin.
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Never buy filters or instant coffee packages again when you enter the world of the French Press.
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Exist Green is a zero-waste boutique in Dundee that has plastic-free everything from shampoo to mushrooms.
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It’s All About Bees is a local honey company that recycles & composts with us. You can also find them in many grocery stores.
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Gift certificates ahoy! Check out our blog of Omaha’s best & most eco-friendly places to eat and drink in Omaha.
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Remember when things were made to last? The dream is still alive with Artifact Bags.
They’re a local shop that’s achieved zero waste using our recycling & composting services. They also offer low-cost repairs for the life of whatever you buy.
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Check out our list of salons that will compost our hair and recycle its waste.
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Earth Hero is the eco-choice for online shopping that mirrors Amazon’s convenience. You’re gonna love this.
#7: Conventionally Buy
If all else fails & you need to purchase new from a conventional source, then consider it a win if you can gift something that will last a long time or is easy to repair.
Be Imperfectly Zero Waste
Source: Zero Waste Chef
Please don't feel overwhelmed by trying to fit every single gift into this hierarchy.
If you're reading this and trying, you’re doing a wonderful job.
To get wider adoption for the eco-movement, we have to make a big tent full of imperfect zero-wasters.