The holidays may be the most wonderful time of year, but it’s also the most wasteful. Americans generate 25% more waste than average from Thanksgiving to the New Year, and a lot of it is due to our favorite tradition: gift-giving.
Buying sustainable gifts doesn’t necessarily limit your options. We prepared a few of our favorite — and some reader-suggested — tips for giving eco-friendly gifts.
Buy your gift secondhand
A thrifted gift can make for an excellent conversation starter and comes in all different shapes and sizes. Here are a few stores fit for finding a previously used gift.
- Half Price Books | Multiple locations | Give the gift of knowledge in the form of used books, records, and games.
- Moss Designer Consignment | 705 S. Lamar Blvd. | Peruse through racks of luxury brands in-store or virtually from your couch.
- Pavement | Multiple locations | Sort through vintage and new styles at this local chain, which is famous for its fill-a-bag sales.
- The RealReal | 11700 Domain Blvd. | This online authenticated luxury “recommerce” company now has a brick and mortar in The Domain.
- Recycled Reads | 5335 Burnet Rd. | This bookstore sells the Austin Public Library’s weeded material, often for just a few dollars apiece.
- Shop Slow | 2058 S. Lamar Blvd. | This shop makes creative and cozy clothing from used textiles — you can even commission a piece made from a blanket or piece of fabric that is meaningful to you.
- Uncommon Objects | 1602 Fort View Rd. | If you’re in the market for an antique, or maybe just something a little bizarre, stop into this local legacy store.
- Uptown Cheapskate | Multiple locations | This mini-chain offers gently used yet recent fashion trends and accessories.
We’ve got even more used shops to peruse for pre-loved goodies in our thrift shop guide.
Make your gift
You can’t buy love, but you can make something to show it. Consider unleashing your inner artist by making gifts for your loved ones — starting with Pinterest if you need some inspiration.
Bonus points if you buy your material from Austin Creative Reuse, located at 2005 Wheless Lane, where you can find reclaimed and used art supplies for quite literally pennies on the dollar. This spot is a favorite of reader Sheila G.
Give the gift of experience
Gifts don’t have to be something tangible — you can give the gift of knowledge or experience in a way that can be even more meaningful than something you put under the tree.
Sign someone up for a glass-blowing class with Ghost Pepper Glass, a session in the flying chamber at iFly Austin, or a cooking class at Barton Springs Mill. Check out our guide to classes for adults and unique experiences for more ideas.
Wrap your gifts with something reusable
Not only does wrapping gifts in something non-disposable help cut down on waste, but it has the potential to look even better than something traditionally gift-wrapped.
Use fabric scraps, tote bags, ribbons, or anything that can be stored away for future use. If you choose traditional gift bags or wrap, encourage the recipient to reuse them. Some stores, like Lush, sell gift wrap made from recycled paper or cotton that can be used dozens of times.
Dispose of waste properly
It’s inevitable to have some waste, but you can still dispose of it thoughtfully. Make sure you know your local recycling guidelines and utilize the Austin Reuse Directory to find ways to dispose of miscellaneous objects.
Reader Judith F. recommends using Austin-based company Ridwell to responsibly dispose of hard-to-recycle items like batteries, light bulbs, fabric scraps, and more. The company will pick up the items from your doorstep and redirect them to local nonprofits to either be recycled or upcycled for a monthly fee of $12-16.
Have any suggestions? Let us know.
