SWAP’s 2020 Sustainable Gift Guide
by Katherine Dawson
It is finally, as some people call it, the most wonderful time of the year. Although the Holidays might look a bit different this year, gift-giving can be done from near and far. However, as the climate crisis grows increasingly pressing, it is important to remember to shop and gift sustainably. This time of year is one filled with cheer and love, but it can also be one filled with wasteful packaging and pesky wrapping paper. So beyond giving back to your loved ones, here is SWAP’s gift guide to help you give back to the planet.
Quality Time
Okay, not everyone can offer this as a gift right now. I am by no means recommending that you hop on a plane and travel halfway around the world to surprise your best friend. That is neither sustainable nor safe. But this is a phenomenal gift for those that live near you. If it’s warm enough outside, offer to take your loved one on a picnic to their favorite spot. Bake/order their favorite food, play their favorite music, etc. This gift goes beyond a simple picnic. Build their perfect day. That might include staying in a watching a movie with popcorn, taking them on a spa day, or painting while listening to some vibey tunes. Really, it’s up to them. I know I would be incredibly excited if I got the opportunity to spend my perfect day with a person I love.
Use Your Special Talent
We all have that one thing we are really good at (or at least pretty decent at). Even if you're not a professional, use it to create a unique and meaningful gift for the people in your life. Maybe you love baking. Find out their favorite recipes and get cooking. Perhaps you are a gifted artist, photographer, or musician. If so, take the time to craft something special. If you are a writer, try out a poem or a short story. Even if it's cheesy, I promise
you, it will mean a lot.
Donate
Donating money might seem like a bit of a disappointing gift. Yes, opening up a present is an exciting event, but if you pick the right organization, it will mean a lot to your loved ones. For some, it might seem obvious. Do they volunteer anywhere? Are there any causes/issues they never stop talking about? Maybe they’ve even helped build a non-profit from the ground up. If it's not so obvious, talk to your loved ones about non-profits/organizations that are particularly close to their heart. If it happens to be an Environmental NGO, then you get double the points for sustainability.
Repurpose Your Old Goods
Before you even think about buying anything new, look through your house/room. Is there anything you think would get better use/more appreciation somewhere else? Maybe your younger sister has been eyeing that bag you’ve never used. Or perhaps those books you promised yourself you would read would better serve that English major friend of yours. Do you and your daughter have the same taste in jewelry? Maybe it’s time to pass that down the line.
Thrifting
Probably the most ubiquitous term found in the conscious consumerism world, thrifting is a wonderful tool to reduce waste. However, it is important to keep in mind that the reduction and reusing of goods should come first. But if you have some fashionista friends who love a retro look (who doesn’t) thrifting is the way to go. You can read SWAP’s last article for some sustainable STL finds (plus, SWAP is still open if you want to check out some free pre-loved goods) or a quick google search will lead you to the best vintage stores in your area. On the pricier side, check out stores like the Outnet for pre-loved designer fashion. Personally, I’ve found some of my favorite clothes in thrift/vintage stores, and the thrill of finding that perfect outfit is even better knowing I’m a) helping the planet and b) getting a killer deal.
Overall, these are just some suggestions. And it’s important to note that no one should beat themselves up for enjoying the Holidays without putting too much thought into sustainability. We are all doing the absolute best that we can right now, so if you want to buy something brand new to perk up your spirits for either yourself or your loved ones, go for it. Beyond anything, remember to relax and enjoy the time you get to spend with the people that love you the most.