The December 4th Local 20/20 column in the Port Townsend Leader by Laura Tucker explored the myriad ways one can be more environmentally conscious in our holiday gift giving.
Tips for a Planet-friendly Holiday Season
By Laura Tucker
Reducing your carbon footprint is an essential step in combating climate change. The winter holidays can make it challenging. Here are some ways to minimize consumption and reduce your holiday carbon footprint:
Buy Local
We have a large number and variety of local artists, food producers, gift makers, etc. Chimacum Arts hosts their annual craft fair at Chimacum High School on December 14 and 15. See their website for more information (chimacumarts.com). Next year, set your calendars to add the Port Townsend Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair at the Community Center and the Holiday Craft Fair at the Fairgrounds, both in November.
The Port Townsend Farmers Market runs through Saturday, December 21st and gives our local vendors a welcome boost to get through the year until the market opens again in April. The carbon savings in transportation alone is huge when you support local farmers who drive a short distance to deliver their products.
Local shops are important to support too, even if the gifts are from out of the area. Common estimates show that about 75% of every dollar spent at a local business is retained in the community. In contrast, when money is spent at a non-local chain or online retailer, around 25% remains in the local economy. This retention contributes to local job creation and keeps money circulating in the community, supporting local businesses is a powerful way to strengthen our community and contribute to its economic health.
Choose Sustainable Products
Look for items made from sustainable materials (e.g., bamboo, recycled or upcycled products, etc.). A number of web sites promote green goods. Shampoo, conditioner, and body washes are all available in bar form, saving plastic packaging and water in the processing. Non-toxic cleaning supplies are also helpful. Even though they may not be a “festive” topic, they will provide your gift receiver with healthy alternatives year round.
Invest in Quality Over Quantity
Purchase durable and long-lasting products instead of cheap, disposable items. Consider second-hand or refurbished items to reduce demand for new products.
Invest in Our Future
Donations to local groups that are restoring and preserving land creates a gift that will give forever. The Jefferson Land Trust, North Olympic Salmon Coalition, and Northwest Watershed Institute are examples. Local farmers often have ways to donate to support their lands.
Give Experiences Instead of Gifts
Gift certificates for activities are excellent ways to reduce “stuff”. Local theaters (Key City, The Rose) are fun gifts to tuck into stockings or wrap in something creative. Create your own gift certificate for a hike, bike ride, dog walk, etc. that are both healthy and “green”.
Be Creative – and Sustainable – When Wrapping Gifts
A common mistake many people make is putting all their wrapping paper, tissue, ribbons, etc. into the recycling bin. Unfortunately, if your wrapping paper is metallic, has foil or glitter decorations on it, it is not recyclable. A lot of resources are wasted every year solely to produce something that exists only to be used once, and then thrown in the garbage. Get creative and try:
- white or brown craft paper (have kids decorate it for a personal touch!)
- the comics section of the newspaper
- a pretty scarf or bandana, or a useful cloth item that is a gift in and of itself
- recycled cloth bags or reused gift bags
By making mindful purchasing decisions, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint while supporting sustainable practices and products. What a lovely gift for our planet!
Bio: Laura has been a lifelong science educator and is the author of curriculum on understanding climate change. She is a member of Local 20/20’s Climate group.
