6 tips for more eco-friendly gifts
by Pippa Rogers
Gift-giving can be both thoughtful and impactful with just a few mindful choices. From supporting Fairtrade to picking eco-friendly gifts and wrapping your presents in unique ways, small changes make a big difference. Here are six simple tips to help you make your holiday gifts meaningful—for your loved ones and the world.
Check the label
Ok, so researching certifications may not be on top of your fun list, but it makes the difference when trying to choose between all the products with various (and sometimes dubious) sustainability claims.
Like does the product just say it’s ethically sourced, or is it certified by a third party like Fairtrade? When a product has a label like Fairtrade, you can trust that it was made following rigorous standards.
But what about all the different labels out there, you ask? A little research will go a long way in getting to know what label most aligns with your values. You can check out Fair World Project’s label comparison to get to know the differences between labels.
Start with just one product
We get the question all the time: “how can I shop ethically on a budget?”
The answer is simple: start with just one or two eco-friendly gifts. No matter how big or small, it’s our collective and accumulated actions that make the difference. Start where you are and know that that is good enough!
Make it yourself
There’s always something special about getting a sustainable gift that someone spent time and energy making just for you.
And you know what always wins hearts? Baked goods. Even better? When they’re made with Fairtrade ingredients, of course! Simply swap your chocolate, bananas, shredded coconut, or sugar for a Fairtrade-certified equivalent and you’ll have a tasty treat as well as a conversation starter.
Choose sustainable wrapping
From old scarves to thrifted boxes and jars, there are so many ways to wrap your presents in cute, yet eco-friendly ways. Our favourite? Furoshiki, the art of Japanese fabric wrapping. Want to get familiar with zero-waste cloth wrapping? Read this tutorial.
Shop local
Shopping local is great, but what about for products like coffee, chocolate, or tea that are grown many kilometers away?
We recommend shopping Fairtrade by looking for local brands sourcing Fairtrade ingredients. That way, you’re supporting local brands that align with your values.
Use our Shop Fairtrade Local tool to find brands local to you: fairtrade.ca/fairtrade-local
Discover our holiday gift guide
Not sure where to start? We’ve compiled our favourite Fairtrade gifts of the year right here!
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