Beatriss Calhoun, Water Resources Extension Agent
The holiday season is fast approaching; however, keeping your water quality in mind is never too late. The increased travel, shopping, and shipping during the holiday season can take a toll on our environment. Below, you will see that with a bit of planning and mindful choices, you can make your holiday season sustainable and save money while doing it.
- Planning Ahead
Diving into the holiday shopping frenzy may be exciting, but planning ahead helps reduce impulse buys that often lead to unnecessary waste. Consider taking some time to create a thoughtful gift list. Planning allows you the time to plan your budget and look into gifts that are more of an experience. For example, tickets to a show or a class to learn something new have less environmental impact.
- Choose Sustainable Gifts
When selecting gifts, look for environmentally friendly items. Here are a few ideas:
• Locally Made Products: Step into your local community when crossing off your gift list. Choosing gifts made in your community helps boost the local economy and reduces the need for shipping.
• Goods for Water Quality: Consider the end life of items you find. Gifts with sustainable, well-made materials have a better outcome on our water quality. Also, make sure the packaging of your purchase has the environment in mind and those items are disposed of properly.
• Secondhand Treasures: Garage/Yard Sales, Thrift Stores, Consignment Shops, online marketplaces, and more have countless treasures to be found. Buying secondhand can save you money and keep valuable items out of landfills.
3. Digital Cards and Gifts
Technology has allowed many of us to reach individuals near and far. If you have plans to send cards to a group, consider using social media platforms or e-cards. This option reduces the chance of litter, and you can still have a personal touch.
- Wrap Wisely
There are so many creative ways to wrap gifts during the holiday season. Below, you will find a few ways to keep water quality in mind:
• Sustainable Material: Focus on using paper-based wrapping material, such as brown shipping paper, newspaper, or recycled paper. You can add decorative natural elements like dried flowers, fruits, twine, and more.
• Reusable Wraps: Gift bags and fabric wraps are great reusable options that someone can use every year.
- Be a Green Shopper
• Reusable Bags: When shopping year-round, bring your reusable bag(s). On most occasions, they are sturdier and help reduce plastic waste.
• Delivery Options Do Matter: During your online shopping, look for keywords related to low-impact products and shipping. For example, Amazon highlights products that take a “Climate Pledge,” or you can reduce the number of separate shipments you receive.
- The Gift of Giving Back
During the holiday season, nonprofit organizations are in full action. Consider donating, volunteering, and supporting organizations to help your local community and environment. To find environmentally focused nonprofit groups, please visit Clemson Extension and many other agencies in your community.
Conclusion
Water quality is essential for the community, and committing to celebrating the holiday season with these tips in mind is an excellent step in protecting it. With planning, creativity, and thoughtfulness, it is possible to make a positive impact one gift at a time.
Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer.
