Whenever there are people giving gifts and exchanging cards, we can’t help but wonder how much waste the holiday season will produce and how it will affect the environment. Gift wrappers are one of the main holiday waste culprits, and we can minimize this problem by choosing eco-friendly wrapping methods instead. You can also give environmentally smart gifts like homemade products and practical items that won’t end up in your giftees’ trash bins after the holidays.
[READ: Skip the gift wrapper and do these eco-friendly wrapping tips instead]
But what if we can further step up our efforts to have a greener Christmas? This year, we encourage you to consider these nature-friendly gift ideas for your loved ones. Trust us, it will make Mother Nature merry too.
Adopt a seedling
Help Philippine native trees like narra, dao, kamagong, makaasim, and lauan grow in the country by adopting a seedling as a Christmas gift. For a minimum amount of P362, you can adopt a native tree seedling at Haribon Foundation and even get a free e-card as a token of appreciation for your loved ones. The seedling that you adopt will be taken care of by the organization for three years—definitely a long-term gift that Mother Nature will appreciate.
Get a book-a-bucket composting subscription
Instead of adding waste to landfills this holiday season, why don’t you get your loved ones a book-a-bucket bokashi composting subscription from Green Space instead? The local environmental initiative will deliver buckets and bran to their home, and all your giftee would need to do is fill it up with their food waste. Green Space will do the bokashi composting for them—perfect for people who are busy or don’t know how to do it on their own.
Try out Green Space’s Christmas buckets, which you can book from Dec. 1-12, 2021. Take note: This composting subscription is available in selected areas only.
[READ: Food waste in landfills is a recipe for disaster. Try bokashi or vermicomposting at home instead]
Choose gifts with a cause
If you really want to give “usual” gifts this Christmas, consider getting ones from shops and organizations that will pay the love forward to Mother Nature.
For your friends and family who love to plan and take notes, you can score this Seas The Day digital journal from youth environmental organization Wavefarers for only P300. With eye-catching designs made by small artists, the digital journal has a calendar, mood tracker, sustainable lifestyle checklist, and coupons from sustainable local businesses. And the best part? Out of its proceeds from Nov. 13, 2021 – Jan. 31, 2022, 20% will be donated to tree planting initiatives!
Scented candle enthusiasts will also appreciate this nature-inspired collaboration product between candle shop La Vela Manila and non-governmental organization Lokal.Lab. Reminiscent of Siargao’s fresh and relaxing atmosphere, this candle features a blend of neroli, fresh bamboo, vetiver, lily of the valley, and sandalwood. A portion of its proceeds will be donated to Lokal.Lab’s regenerative farming efforts in remote areas of Siargao Island.
Adopt (or sponsor) a furry friend
Animals are also part of nature, and bringing them to a loving home may be a wonderful idea for the holidays. If any of your loved ones want to have a new pal this Christmas, visit your local animal shelter or check out the rescued dogs up for adoption at Lara’s Ark.
Sad news: Marikina’s first cat cafe Cats and Crumbs announced that they will be closing doors to the public after Dec. 31, 2021. What happens to the cats, you ask? They are going back to the Philippine Animal Welfare Society… or you can adopt them and give them a loving home instead this holiday season! If you are interested in keeping them, you can message the cafe on Instagram to start the adoption process.
If your loved ones can’t commit to adopting, you can also sign them up as a remote sponsor for puppers like these retired K-9s through nonprofit organization Hound Haven.