5 Sustainable Christmas Gift Ideas
Okay, we got it. Climate change is a thing. All data indicates we’re not at all going to hit our climate goals. We want to dial down consumption. Also, minimalism is king. But christmas is around the corner and we want to bring happiness to everyone’s living room, which is usually done by giving presents :)
This article contains 5 ideas that actually make people happy, save them effort in the future and are long lasting products which replace one-time use consumables. — The ideal deal, right?
1. Water Filter or Water Carbonator
Why do we all buy water when we have high quality, well regulated water coming right out of our tap?
For some people, water quality is an issue, many people (especially in Germany) prefer their water carbonated.
Thanks to our water carbonator and the great Hamburg tap water quality, I have personally not needed to buy water for years.
If you know from your giftee that one or the other reasons is the case, a water filter or a water carbonator will save them hundreds of kilograms of water which they don’t have to get up their stairs anymore, making their live more comfortable and more sustainable.
2. Solid Shampoo Bars
Shampoo bars are a great alternative to normal shampoo. Admittedly, I’ve had some prejudice to them but when my better half simply ordered one and put one in the shower I dared to try it.
The truth is — they are awesome:
- They take up less space
- They usually involve less chemicals
- Their paper packaging is a lot easier to recycle, and smaller
- They last a hell lot longer
- They work exactly the same
- It’s far easier to travel with them (less space, no liquids)
While reducing the footprint, you’ve got a space saving shampoo that works just as well as any traditional one which the industry is trying to sell you. This makes the shampoo bar a great gift — also for us male parts of the population.
3. Second Hand Articles
Maybe the giftee is fancying a new running watch in order to get into running marathons? Why not get the fancier model which is used for the same price?
With used technology, you’ll want to check out that the battery has enough power of course, or get a refurbished device. Giving a device or a piece of clothing a new life obviously takes less resources while giving less compromises in what you get to the giftee. With buying second hand things, you will usually support people who buy durable products as well.
4. Vegetable Box
One major step towards a more sustainable lifestyle was a vegetable box subscription with a nonprofit organisation that directly pays farmers from a yearly fee we pay. We always get regional and seasonal vegetables, which we can pick up at a collection point every week. (If you’re in germany, Google your city plus “Solawi”)
Since then, we’ve been a lot less reliant on our supermarket, we have to empty our trash about 1/4th as often as we had to before and we’re constantly trying out new recipes with vegetables we haven’t even heard of before.
A nice vegetable box (or subscription) can be a great gift for people who love cooking with good ingredients, reduces packaging and oftentimes can be directly ordered from a local farmer.
5. Worm Composting Bin
This one’s great especially for people in the city.
In our flat, we don’t have the ability to compost our bio waste easily, however it is actually the largest share of waste that we produce. Our landlord doesn’t provide us with an organic waste collection bin, which stinks a lot and is the worst possible case.
Since this summer, we own a worm composting bin. That’s a small wooden box with actual worms in it that stands in our kitchen.
The usability is quite good: you cut your bio waste into small pieces and throw them into the box. At times you wet it a bit because the worms like it. After a while you’ll get great soil which you can use to plant veggies. And the best thing: if we open it, the only smell we got is the one of fresh soil.
Since we’ve got this box, we’ve actually moved our other bins to our balcony since we mostly don’t need them. — While I’m definitely not the average pet lover, those worms are great and we can confidently say that we recycle at least 50% of our waste right where we produce it, despite living in a small flat in Hamburg.
That’s it!
Those are just some ideas of long lasting gifts that produce happiness while replacing many consumables. If you’re interested about some more ideas for a more sustainable lifestyle, check out our ideas on that.
In many cases, less is more, be it the volume of your shampoo or your next startup idea.
I’m sure you’ve got some own ideas as well and I’d be curious to hear about those in the responses!
Now, go forth and make the world a better place!
