Are you searching for environmentally friendly gift options for the holiday season?

The holiday season tends to be when the most waste accumulates; Christmas is number one on the list for the most wasteful holiday! There is no denying that opening presents on Christmas and tearing into that wrapping paper is a rush of excitement. We won't tell you to stop doing that, but we have some tips on how to help reduce waste. This year, opt for the sustainable approach and give a gift that won't negatively impact the environment.

Here are some sustainable gift options for you to consider this holiday season!

1. Reusable water bottle
Single-use plastic water bottles cause significant pollution to the environment. Unfortunately, more than 80% of these bottles end up in landfills. Additionally, plastic bottles take about 1,000 years to decompose, further increasing the risk of environmental degradation. To help tackle this problem, consider alternative options such as stainless steel, glass, and aluminum, which are all great plastic-free alternatives. These reusable water bottles can be used multiple times and are safer for people and the environment. This Christmas, instead of buying single-use items, why not consider giving a reusable water bottle to your loved ones? It's a thoughtful and practical gift that promotes sustainability and helps to tackle plastic pollution issues.

2. Buy secondhand
If you are eyeing something special that you want to buy, consider buying it second-hand. Purchasing used goods helps to reduce the use of natural resources, as well as the amount of energy and pollution emitted. Your local thrift store, marketplace, or online reseller sites may have an exact match or something similar. According to a ThredUp report, if every consumer bought just one second-hand item instead of a new one, it could lower CO2 emissions by more than 2 billion pounds. Something as simple as buying secondhand can make a significant difference!

3. Online gift cards
While a gift card may not seem like the most personal gift, it does offer the benefit of allowing your friends and family to choose a gift that they will actually use. The primary goal is to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. By opting for gift cards, you can help eliminate unnecessary waste and promote sustainability. Additionally, online gift cards are a more eco-friendly alternative to traditional gift cards, which are often not recyclable and end up in landfills, contributing to environmental damage.

Not sure where an item goes? Check out our AmIRecyclable? App. View our resource guide for guidelines on your city, town, or village.

EcoDrop Utica

824 Sewage Plant Road, Utica, NY

Hours of Operation:

Monday – Friday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Saturday: 7:00 am – 2:00 pm

EcoDrop Rome

575 Perimeter Road, Rome, NY

Hours of Operation:

Monday – Friday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Saturday: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm