Zero-Waste Gift Solutions

In our modern consumer culture we are so used to buying our loved ones gifts to show that we care about them. The problem is, buying gifts for every special occasion drains your wallet and fuels the overconsumption that is ruining our planet. Instead of drowning your loved ones in material objects, none of which they are likely to actually need, why not give them something special with these zero-waste gift solutions.

The amount of money you spend on a gift should never be a measure of your love. Your time, creativity, and consideration are worth far more than any store-bought bounty. When deciding on a zero-waste gift, a good place to start is here: Bake it, make it, plan it. Bake something delicious, make something recyclable, or plan an unforgettable adventure.

Bake it

One thing we all have in common: we all eat. In fact, most of us love eating. Baked gifts are inexpensive yet thoughtful gifts that anyone can appreciate. Be sure to keep in mind your loved one’s diets, preferences, and allergies before deciding on the perfect recipe.

Baking is a simple way to create something worthwhile that doesn’t require tons of expertise. Simply choose a recipe, stick to it, and something tasty is sure to come from it. Is a delicious cinnamon apple pie too underwhelming as a birthday gift? Pair it with an envelope that contains some money. You’ve showed your love, and baked them a thoughtful gift that won’t float around in the ocean for the next 500 years.

Take a look at these appetizing baked gift ideas:

Sweet:

Savory:

In the picture: Home baked cookies in a glass jar. Photo credit: RacheliBD

Make It

Recycling is a great way to breathe new life into objects that would otherwise sit in a landfill and polluting the environment. Not only can DIY gifts show that you care, but they discourage pollution and can save you a lot of money.

But crafters beware! Unfortunately, not all DIY crafts are sustainable. Glitter, googly eyes, polyester, or other plastic or chemical elements bought for craft should be avoided, as these products do more harm than good.

When researching DIY gifts, you want to either recycle something that already exists, or, if you are creating something new, use natural biodegradable components. Examples of biodegradable ingredients include cotton, wool, paper, wood, wax, clay, and organic materials. Examples of recyclable materials include magazines, papers, cans, glass bottles, and plastic containers.

Here is some inspiration to get you started on your next DIY gift:

Fragrant beeswax and essential oil candles
Put money or a heartwarming note in a handmade card
Create a clay jewelry dish, pottery, or key chain
Build a birdhouse or bird feeder
Knit a blanket or crochet a toboggan
Express your love and appreciation with a 52 Things I Love About You Jar
Pamper your loved one with natural bath bombs
Boho macramé decor: feathers, garland, wall-hangings, and plant hangers
Recycled wine bottle wind chime, or candle holder
Recycled magazine basket or coasters
Soothing vanilla rosemary soap bars
Upcycled aluminum door wreath for welcoming guests
Sew a swanky pillow, potholder, or tote bag
Offer heavenly aromas with a natural homemade air freshener
Homemade extracts for the chef in your life
Pressed flower art is a great way to commemorate an event or memory
An Insect hotel can spruce up a garden while benefiting wildlife
Popsicle stick photo frame to display a beloved photo
Upcycled cardboard box twine basket
Display a favorite quote or loving words with recycled magazine word collage
Elegant wine cork monogram decor
Fun bottle cap magnets for the refrigerator
Cute no-sew sock bunny for the little ones you love
Tin can storage cups with sticks from the garden, rope, or cloth

Plan It

Not all presents have to be tangible. Unforgettable experiences can be a spontaneous surprise, gifted as tickets, enjoyed together or apart.

Sharing an experience is the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with a loved one and create lasting memories. Gifting an experience increases the opportunity to support local businesses and community members instead of corporations that are producing landfill-bound trinkets and gadgets.

Remember to be mindful of which types of business owners and industries you would like to support. Local artists and musicians often have a tough time making ends meet. Checking out a local theater performance or indulging in a nearby live music event can be a fun act of community support.

Here are some ideas for organizing a memorable adventure:

Watch a local theater production or concert
Museum passes
Bowling, roller skating, or arcade trip
Massage and spa day
Tickets to a sporting event
Photoshoot
Gym membership
Movie night at home with snacks
Surprise picnic
Hiking, rafting, biking, or camping trip
Attend a local lecture or seminar
Sign up for a pottery, martial arts, or cooking classes together
Throw a zero-waste party
Babysitting, car wash, or back rub coupon
Brewery tour, pub crawl, or wine tasting
Visit a national park

Admit it: You have received gifts that you have never used and didn’t want to begin with. Instead of wasting money on products, let’s use our time and creativity to come up with something a little more sustainable. Bake it, make it, or Plan it!

Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by Impakter.com columnists are their own, not those of Impakter.com. — Featured Photo: . Wooden box with homemade bottled products. Photo Credit: Dimitry Mashkin