If you're buying for a greenie, or just trying to nudge a friend into ecological living, read these tips.
Give Something They Need
When you are trymg to pick out a green gift, give thr recipient something they need; this may seem obvious, but buying people necessities is much more environmentally friendly than giving them "stuff". A candle holder is probably not on anyone's grocery list, and will eventually end up in a landfill. Many people end up dreading the holiday season for the amount of clutter it is likely to bring into their home.
Buying necessities doesn't have to be prosaic or boring, however. Foodies will appreciate multicoloured pasta spirals and canned organic tomato sauce, or a gift of Fair Trade coffee. A popular kitchen tea gift is a doll put together from useful pieces of household equipment—a bottle of dishwashing liquid for the body, a wooden spoon attached to make the head, a ball of steel wool for hair and cleaning cloths for a skirt. Such a gift will likely be appreciated by just-moved-in newlyweds far more than the typical serving platter-type gifts. And every parent of a new baby can attest to the joy of being given a meal of soup and bread!
Give Something to Encourage Self-Sustainability
Give a man a fish, and feed him for a day... Gifts such as packets of tomato seeds or newspaper pot makers encourage the recipient to buy less in the future, as well as teaching valuable and rewarding life skills. Don't go too overboard—many people might look askance at the present of a pair of chickens or a high-maintenance vermicomposting system! Children tend to love do-it-yourself gifts, so presents such as a book about papermaking or a homemade "grow your own beans" kit are usually highly appreciated. The busy mother who bewails her reliance on takeout foods may be grateful for a good basic crockpot cookbook.
Give Gifts to Change Habits
These days everyone is aware of the environmental impact of disposable products. However, sometimes it can take a little push to get someone to make the change. Many green living alternatives are simpler, cheaper and more enjoyable than the mainstream way. Providing the means to change can be welcomed by the friend who simply hasn't gotten around to making the switch.
Canvas tote bags for the supermarket are a green alternative to plastic bags—why not sew or decorate a gorgeous one (or four) for a gift? Beautiful cloth napkins, a picnic set with reusable cutlery and crockery, and good-quality cloth cleaning wipes may ultimately replace the disposable alternatives once their benefits are realised. For a friend who's been talking about switching to eco-friendly cleaning products, a gift of essential oils with a note explaining their cleaning and therapeutic uses may be ideal.
Give Something With Love
As sneaky as some of the above tips appear, the idea is not to judge or force ecological awareness on the recipient! Make sure the present is something the recipient will love. If you can't think of any 'eco-gifts' that would be appreciated, try a voucher for some fun activity—perhaps a wildlife park or a zoo with an emphasis on sustainable breeding programs.
