As the festive season approaches, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about how we can incorporate more environmentally conscious choices into our celebrations. With European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR) shining a light on the importance of reducing waste, here are some tips on how to gift more sustainably this Christmas:
- Gift Vouchers | The Perfect Fit
Gift vouchers are a fantastic way to give a thoughtful gift while reducing waste. They allow your loved one to choose something they truly want or need, and ensure that your gift doesn’t end up unused. Whether it’s from a favourite restaurant, a bookstore, a lovely spa, or a local shop, vouchers are a versatile gift idea that anyone would appreciate.
Here at Lore & Leaf, we offer a range of gift voucher values to suit any budget, which can be used on any of our products, including cloth nappies, feminine care products, skincare products, and more!
- Reusable Wrapping Options | Beautiful and Eco-Friendly
Traditional wrapping paper is typically scrunched up and thrown in the bin immediately after gifts are opened. This year, how about considering reusable wrapping options? Fabric wraps, for example, inspired by the Japanese tradition of furoshiki, are not only beautiful and original but can also be reused for many years to come. You could also use scarves, tea towels, or even repurposed newspaper and magazines.
By using such materials, you’ll be significantly reducing waste and adding a unique and special touch beneath your Christmas tree!
- Shop Local | Support the Community
Buying from local shops is a great way to support your community and reduce your carbon footprint. It’s worth keeping in mind that many popular online shops which retail at low prices are harmful to the environment due to issues associated with hyper-consumerism, such as resource depletion, excessive packaging waste, and increased carbon emissions from global shipping. Not to mention that the quality of their products is often not that great.
By shopping locally, you will be contributing to the Maltese community and thus fostering a stronger local economy, and you can also benefit from avoiding shipping costs, finding more unique items of better quality, and even perhaps enjoying a more hands-on shopping experience if that’s something you enjoy!
- Handmade Gifts | Personal and Sustainable
We like to think that Christmas is more about the memories and experience rather than the gifts themselves – but when it comes to the gifts, what says “I care about you” more than something personalised or handmade?
Whether it’s a batch of your famous cookies, a crocheted scarf, or a beautiful custom work of art, DIY gifts are a wonderful way to show your love for someone while simultaneously reducing waste. So if you have a talent, a passion, or a desire to try your hand at something unique this Christmas, we encourage you to give it a go!
- Plan Ahead | Be Conscious While Shopping
When it comes to the shopping experience itself, if you are physically visiting shops, be sure to plan ahead and go prepared with tote bags, as well as a reusable water bottle and some snacks, to keep you going strong and save you from spending extra money and adding unnecessary waste.
As you can see, there are many ways that we can be more environmentally conscious while shopping for Christmas gifts this year. In honour of EWWR, we are offering a special one-week-only sitewide 10% DISCOUNT. The perfect time to kickstart your Christmas gift shopping if you haven’t started yet (or simply treat yourself!). Simply enter code EWWR24 upon checkout to benefit. Offer valid until midnight on Sunday 24th November.
Happy (and conscious) shopping!
