Tips for eco-conscious gift-giving
Christmas is the time for generosity and kindness – but it doesn’t need to be at the expense of the planet! Considering the impact of our Christmas traditions on the environment, we’re committing to sustainable gifting this year. Rubbish volumes rise by a staggering 30% around Christmas time – mostly made up of packaging waste from consumer gifting, Styrofoam packing, plastic and wrapping paper.
This Christmas, we’re determined to do things differently. If you are too, read on for our ultimate guide to eco-gifting.
1. BUY LOCAL
Buying local is one of the best ways to reduce your environmental impact, given that supply chains account for an estimated 60% of all global carbon emissions. In Noosa, choose from an array of incredible local businesses that create sustainably, so you don’t need to look further than your local community area or markets to find eco gifts. For beautiful hand-selected hampers filled with Noosa goodies, you can’t beat the selection from Noosa Gift Co, with offerings like The Hastings, or The Litte Cove. Or leave the details to the experts and get your shopping done in a day when you jump on the Boutique Homewares Shopping Tour with Noosa Transfers and Tours – they will tailor the tour to your wishes or take you to a selection of the best designer homewares and local gift retailers on this half-day tour of Noosa.
2. LOW-WASTE GIFTING
One of the easiest Christmas swaps we can make is wrapping paper – remember, just one kilogram of reduced waste per person leads to monumental savings across the population. Ever heard of Furoshiki? It’s the Japanese art of fabric wrapping, and we love it! You can purchase reusable, purpose-made, printed Furoshiki fabrics, or better yet, dig through your linen cupboard and repurpose tablecloths, old sheets and even printed towels in place of wrapping paper. You can also wrap in old newspaper, kids’ artwork, and magazines, and finish them off with some natural twine and native natural items found in your backyard. For unique, colourful wrapping, drop in to see our friends at IN Noosa Magazine and pick up a ream of printing proof paper to use for wrapping - you can then recycle it when you’re done!
3. GIFT ALTERNATIVES
Think outside the box (literally) when gift-giving this year. Consider gifting a donation, membership, or experience in place of a physical gift. Not only is it more sustainable, it’s also been proven that experiences are more emotionally satisfying than physical gifts, a win-win in anyone’s language!
Act local....
In Noosa, environmental options include a donation to Noosa’s Glossy Black Cockatoos and Wild Koalas, or the Noosa Biosphere Reserve, to help do your bit to ensure our incredible natural surrounds are protected into the future. For surfing enthusiasts, a Noosa World Surfing Reserve membership might be the perfect gift. Or even a donation to or membership with the Noosa Integrated Catchment Association (NICA), Zero Emissions Noosa (ZEN Inc.), Noosa & District Landcare, Noosa Parks Association and Trees for Tourism to support their work in conservation and combat climate change.
Beyond Noosa…
Purchase a certified carbon offset gift in someone’s name and introduce them to a community committed to acting and turning the tide on the climate crisis.
4. EXPERIENCES
Instead of another room-cluttering gift, create memories to last a lifetime by gifting one of these Noosa experiences. With so many options, we could go on for days, but here is a selection of top ideas (check the Visit Noosa website for the full range).
5. MAKE THE SWITCH TO #REUSABLES
Give your loved ones a gentle hint to stop using single-use items by gifting beautiful, locally made ceramic coffee cups, drink bottles or reusable tote bags. We love Pottery for the Planet for their eco-conscious selection of handmade ceramic cups, travel bowls and dinnerware, in colourful, earthy tones that reflect the Australian landscape. Or pick up a reusable NOOSA water bottle from the Visitor Information Centre on Hastings Street.
