6 Questions To Ask Yourself For More Sustainable Christmas Shopping

Image: bethanypaigeaustin on Instagram.

Whilst remembering your bag for life and buying a metal straw instead of plastic were relatively easy changes, implementing a greener attitude to Christmas- a season so focused on consumerism- can be an overwhelming thought. But don’t fear! Bethany Austin (the queen of everyday ethical habits) is here. Breaking down the questions you need to ask yourself before splurging on gifts that may do more harm than good, meaning suddenly our Christmas shopping doesn't seem so difficult after all …

“Ask anyone that knows me personally and they will confirm that I'm slightly ridiculous when it comes to buying Christmas presents. 

I've been known to have a long list on my phone months in advance with ideas of what to get people. I wrap everything meticulously so that it looks like it was shipped directly from the North Pole. And I'd probably go as far as saying that my favourite thing about the festive season is giving someone a gift that I know they will love. 

Well, either that or drinking my body weight in mulled wine whilst watching Gavin and Stacey.

So, as you can imagine, when I embarked on this sustainability journey of mine, it was how it would impact Christmas that worried me the most. After all, the most earth-friendly way to give gifts is to not give them at all. But that just ain't going to happen. Not in my festive household!

Instead, over the past couple of years I've had to slowly learn the principles of making my gifts as ethical and environmentally-conscious as possible, without losing any of the Christmas magic. No, I don't give everyone zero-waste, vegan bird feeders that I craft from old socks. But I have made small shifts which I like to think make a big difference collectively.

One of those shifts has been simply being more conscious whilst shopping. Instead of stuffing my basket with everything that I can imagine someone unwrapping on the big day, I really think about what its ultimate impact on the planet may be.

With the festive season just around the corner (someone get me a cracker crown!), I thought I would break down this thought-process for you, with my seven questions to ask for more sustainable gifting. 

1. Can I give this person an experience?

There's nothing more sustainable than a gift that isn't physical! And whilst I would probably forgo the whole "I owe you one hour of sexy time" thing, experience days or the promise of taking someone to do something they love will always go down well. Whether it's afternoon tea in a fancy hotel, or something a bit more low-key, making memories is pretty damn ethical.

Not only does it mean that you’re not creating waste, but it can also give you the opportunity to support local businesses, as opposed to highly polluting corporations. 

2. Can I give this person consumables? 

Consumables are second best after experiences in the "things that don't stick around on the planet for long" category.

Plus, who doesn’t love finding chocolates or champagne under the tree?!

If you’re not able to get your consumables from dedicated low-waste shops, opt for those in more sustainable packaging. For example, drinks in glass bottles, sweet treats from your local bakery or preserves in glass jars. Another great option is to buy food in bulk and then split it up so that you can tick a few people off your list and cut down on packaging at the same time.

3. Can I make this myself? 

If you're one of those people that are blessed with a talent like knitting or painting or baking or the patience to pursue any of those hobbies, utilise it! Creating something yourself from scratch is almost always the more sustainable option than buying it from a shop. It cuts down on transport emissions, unnecessary packaging and can stop you from supporting low-quality working conditions.
Plus, there's little nicer than opening a gift that has been handcrafted just for you!

4. Will the person I'm buying this for actually use it, or is money/a gift card the better option?

I know, I know. There's just something not as magical about a gift card or cash in an envelope. 

However, in terms of sustainability levels and the happiness levels of the person you're buying for, giving the equivalent in cash of a gift you're not certain on is the better option. It means that your loved one can get something they really cherish, instead of something that sits on a shelf for a respectful amount of time before going straight in the bin.

Stick a bow on the envelope to make yourself feel better!

5. Can I get this with less packaging, or in packaging without plastic? 

Listen, I'm not expecting you to have a zero-waste Christmas. God knows mine won't be!

However, there are often a tonne of options with less plastic, even if not none. Try to find things in either biodegradable packaging like paper and cardboard, or at least recyclable materials like tin or glass.

Think food in cardboard boxes, bubble bath and oils in glass containers and cosmetics bottles made from recycled materials. 

6. Could I avoid fast fashion?

Whether it’s a scarf, a pair of fluffy socks or a new bag, clothes are a go-to for a lot of people when it comes to gifting. However, in case you haven’t heard, the fast fashion industry is pretty awful for the planet. 

In fact, it’s estimated that in 2015 alone the industry was responsible for 1,715 million tonnes of CO2 emissions!

So, wherever possible this festive season, avoid fast fashion. Either opt for other gifts or, if you’re set on the idea of giving clothing, buy it from slow-fashion brands. 

Hopefully, by asking yourself these questions whilst shopping this Christmas you can take the stress out of wanting to be sustainable, whilst also wanting to buy the people you love the perfect gift. But remember that it’s okay to not be perfect.

Even if you’re focusing on one of these things, that is a step worth celebrating, especially at a time when consumption is king!”

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Thank you so much to Bethany for sharing such an insightful post on TIGC! If you want to read more of her achievable and simple eco switches then you can find her on her own blog at bethanypaigeaustin.com or follow her on Instagram at @bethanypaigeaustin to keep up with her everyday ethical lifestyle.