Who doesn’t love to shop, especially in the run up to Christmas! 🎁
Whether it’s on the high street or online we all buy stuff.
Shopping is a positive thing.
We have to buy food to live. We have to buy clothes to wear. We need kitchen appliances, furniture and decoration for our homes.
We want to feel good with what we buy (inside and out).
Plus shopping makes the economy run.
But, then there is overbuying, excessive buying, compulsive buying…
With Black Friday coming up, have you stopped to think about what you are buying this festive season?
💫I want to give you a few pointers on how you can buy more consciously when you do your Christmas shopping.
🎁Buying for new gifts
-Do you know what the person (people) you’re buying for really wants?
-Look out for quality. A good quality item will last for ages
-Buy local. Chances are that there are lots of local creators who will sell either in a shop or online. For the latter, check out online creator-platforms like Etsy!
-Think about brand sustainability, this includes:
*Fairtrade, transparency & green credentials – where and how are products made, and what’s their supply chain (from raw material to production)? Do they have this information on the actual product/packaging?
-And take your own shopping bags along!
🎁Other ways to shop for Christmas
-Consider buying experiences when you are buying presents. Both adults and kids alike like activities
-Some people don’t necessarily want presents but anyone would be very happy with a donation to a charity in their name
-Second-hand buying! Think:
*charity shops
*online – Vinted & eBay – plus every country has their own second-hand buying/selling platforms
*item swapping – where you swap something of yours with someone else
💡Also, think of eco ways to wrap presents; in cloth, use kids’ drawings and cover huge presents with a blanket
🎄🍽️What about buying Christmas decoration and food?
-The Christmas tree is a big one. Are you ready to explore eco alternatives?
-Reuse ornaments that you already have. Your kids will make memories with ornaments year on year
-Make ornaments and decoration with ‘rubbish’. Think: toilet roll, candy wrappers and more
-Add more vegetarian and plant-based foods into your festive cooking
-Buy foods that are locally grown
-Use leftovers! Do you have pumpkin soup left? Use it as a sauce the next day
-Compost any waste foods. If you don’t have one, contact your local authority, or set-up your own
In my EcoKids Christmas guide you’ll find lots of tips and how tos on festive decoration and food.
Happy responsible-festive shopping!
And while you are here, have a look at all my services to see how I can help you on your eco journey!