To truly shop green this holiday season, buyers should think used, local, zero waste, and zero emissions. The idealized goal should be that nothing new is produced, whether it is a gift, wrapping paper, or shopping bag. A correlating goal is that no new emissions are released by shipping to the merchant, giver, or recipient.
Of course, zero waste and emissions is a lofty goal especially at Christmas time, but those issues should be of primary consideration along with what in the world the person receiving the gift actually needs and likes.
Shop Used for Environmentally Friendly Christmas Gifts
To reduce resource use, manufacturer waste, and energy consumption, green gift giving should mean buying used items whenever possible. Buying used also reduces user waste by avoiding much of the packaging associated with new items. Great places to buy used gifts include:
- Pawnshops
- Bookstores
- Antique stores
- Thrift and consignment shops
- Swap meets and garage sales
- Craigslist and Freecycle
Shop Pawnshops for Green Gifts
While a pawnshop may seem a seedy spot to shop for a loved ones’ gifts, it is actually a great source for used power tools, musical instruments, jewelry, electronics, compact disks, and videos.
Shop Used Bookstores for Environmentally Sensitive Holiday Giving
Many local bookstores carry a selection of gently used titles. Givers should resist the temptation to buy online at Half.com or Amazon; avoid the shipping emissions and package waste while sustaining your local economy.
Shop Thrift and Consignment Stores for Vintage Presents
Thrift and consignment shops are wonderful sources for vintage clothing and jewelry. No one minds receiving used when it’s an antique broach, ring, or necklace. Thrift stores are also a great place to pick up children’s books, toys, and clothing.
Antique Stores are Eco-friendly Alternatives for Picky Gift Recipients
For that certain relative who would be appalled to know their present came from a pawn shop or thrift store, green givers can still avoid waste generation by finding a unique décor item like an heirloom quilt, piece of furniture, or porcelain treasure at a local antique shop.
Swap Meets Cater to Special Hobbies and Interests for Christmas
Many unique, quality gifts can be acquired throughout the year by scouring garage sales and swap meets. Swap meets targeting groups like skiers or mothers can provide opportunities to get specific gear without buying new.
Use Craigslist and Freecycle to Locate Green Holiday Gifts
Craigslist and Freecycle provide unique exchanges to locate that perfect used gift at reduced or zero cost in your local community. Both sites keep useable items out of landfills by linking those who no longer need with those who do.
The Ultimate Environmentally Friendly Christmas Present- A Used Bicycle
For a truly eco-friendly present, give the gift of a used bicycle and offer to go along on rides. Be sure to include a basket or rack for running errands and grocery shopping – at local merchants and the farmer’s market of course!
"Used gift ideas" contains a list of the best secondhand gifts for men, women, and children.
(KQED/NPR reporter Peter Jon Shuler recently featured "used gift maven" Carla Marie Boulianne in " Holiday Giving in a Recession.")
Carla Marie Boulianne - Background and Interests I am a former feature writer for Parenting a Gifted Child. I relish combining personal parenting and childhood ...
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