Buying gifts isn’t always as simple as it sounds. To the tastes of each person we want to honor we must add that, little by little, we are becoming conscious consumers and that entails a series of responsibilities. Whether it’s Christmas, birthday or “Day of”, we can adopt these tips to make the search a little more organized and simple.
No more plastic and unnecessary wrapping
If we analyze the concept of the 3 R’s, the first thing to do is to reduce, especially single-use plastics such as bags. Avoid wrappers, bags, sachets, boxes, and any other packages that we consider unnecessary. We can wrap in some old fabric or wrapping paper that we have saved, put the gift in a reusable cloth bag or simply look for a gift that we do not need to wrap.
Look for planet-friendly materials
We have to start reading the composition of the things we buy because that depends on its future: its durability and where it will end up when it no longer serves us. Let’s aim for natural, recycled, recyclable, edible or reusable products. Let’s look for things of good quality, that last and that are not made of plastic. Everything usually has a sustainable version, it is a matter of looking for alternatives and being creative when thinking.
Let’s stop choosing disposable products, clothes that after two washes fall apart, pedorra decoration made of plastic that dries out and splits. You know what we mean. Do a market research, look at people’s comments or ask the entrepreneur to tell you about their product. Give away useful things
When we start the path of becoming responsible and conscious consumers, we learn that we should not buy just because. You have to think and analyze different variables to see if it is really worth acquiring something. When it comes to giving away, let’s think about what that person likes or what they need. Buy local
It is always better to look for options made in our country and if you are an entrepreneur who lives nearby, much better. It is great to take advantage of these opportunities to help small merchants instead of continuing to contribute to the big brands that will surely continue to have customers.
Connect with nature
Any excuse is good to be in touch with nature and is a great plan if we can encourage our loved ones to do so through a gift. Ideas for inspiration
Keep in mind that no one forces us to comply with these tips, but they can serve as a guide. And if you still do not have them fully understood, we leave you some ideas of brands committed to the planet that meet some of these requirements.
Natural cosmetics: Natura products, for example, are made with ingredients from nature. In addition, the brand is really committed to the planet and that shows in each product that has the possibility of making “refill”.
Buy without packaging: there are companies that have as a priority the reduction of single-use plastics such as packages. Refill-Lab is the first Argentine company to refill cosmetic and household products. You can buy jerry cans and fill small containers to give away. Cero Market is the first supermarket without packaging in Argentina and has excellent edible gifts such as premixes for cookies, almonds dipped in chocolate and cosmetic products.
Recycled materials: the use of resources is essential for a better planet: we have to take care of what we have, not waste resources and take advantage of what we have in use. Adidas, for example, has different sustainable product lines. The Clean Classics collection uses 70% recycled materials for the upper and renewable and reused rubber for the soles for the shoes. Proyecto Mutan has glasses made with bottle caps and their cases are recycled bags. They also make lamps, furniture, pots and bins, among other products. Ethical Bear is a genderless clothing brand that offers garments with recycled, organic materials and natural dyeing. Their t-shirts and divers have animal designs or phrases to spread the care of the planet.
Bring nature closer: you can set up a picnic and if you want to add something that remains to the honoree you can give him a kit that includes bamboo cutlery and steel sorbet, a folding glass or a thermal bottle, ideal for travelers. Plants are a great gift to encourage a friend who still does not dare to bring nature to their apartment. Another great idea is to invite him to an orchard workshop, like the ones offered in Sitopia.
Give experiences: it can be an invitation to eat, to the cinema, a photography workshop or cooking, a spa day, going to the soccer field, a recital, a few drinks at home like those of Conscious Cocktails. There are activities for all tastes.
These are just some sustainable options that we can find in the market. This movement grows day by day and that is thanks to us, responsible and conscious consumers, who choose these alternatives and companies notice it. Let’s continue banking these projects that take care of the planet!
