As the holiday season approaches, so does the avalanche of gift-giving and, unfortunately, waste. Did you know that during Christmas, the United States alone produces an astonishing 25 per cent more waste?
From discarded gift wraps to disposable decorations, the environmental toll of our festivities is significant. But fear not; you can make a difference this Christmas by opting for sustainable stocking stuffers that bring joy without compromising the planet.
Enter the world of eco-friendly goodness that warms our loved ones’ hearts and reduces our collective carbon footprint. From reusable beeswax wraps to stainless steel straw sets, these stocking stuffers are a small yet impactful step toward a more sustainable and joyful holiday.
Reusable Beeswax Wraps
Where to get them: Online retailers like Bee’s Wrap or local zero-waste stores
Price: $15-$20 for a pack of three
These wraps are an eco-friendly alternative to plastic wrap, made from organic cotton infused with beeswax. Perfect for keeping food fresh while reducing single-use plastic waste.
Stainless Steel Straw Set
Where to get them: Various online marketplaces like Amazon or package-free stores
Price: $10-$15 for a set of four with a cleaning brush
Say no to disposable plastic straws with this reusable stainless steel straw set. Compact and easy to carry, it’s a simple yet effective way to reduce plastic pollution.
Seed Packets for DIY Herb Garden
Where to get them: Local gardening stores or online seed shops
Price: $2-$5 per packet, depending on the plant
Encourage green thumbs with seed packets for a DIY herb garden. These packets promote sustainable living by fostering homegrown herbs and reducing the need for store-bought, packaged varieties.
Reusable Produce Bags
Where to get them: Ever Eco or sustainable shops online or retail
Price: $10-$15
Ditch single-use plastic bags with these reusable produce bags. Lightweight and durable, they make grocery shopping more sustainable by minimising plastic waste.
Bamboo Toothbrush
Where to get them: The Bamboo Company, eco-conscious online retailers, or local zero-waste shops
Price: $4-$8 each
Bamboo is an easily renewable resource. It’s easy to plant and grow, making toothbrushes from the plant sustainable. It offers an eco-friendly alternative to plastic toothbrushes, contributing to a reduction in plastic pollution.
Recycled Material Phone Case
Where to get them: Online retailers like Pela, Casetify, or major tech accessory stores
Price: $20-$40, depending on the brand
Protect your phone sustainably with a case made from recycled materials. These cases give new life to old plastic, embodying the principles of “reduce, reuse, and recycle”.
Homemade Beeswax Candles
How to make them: Melt beeswax and pour it into moulds with a wick. Here’s a video tutorial you can use as a guide.
Price: DIY, cost of materials around $10-$15
Crafted from melted beeswax, these candles provide a warm, natural glow. A perfect DIY gift, they add a touch of eco-friendly ambience to holiday celebrations. Not to mention, it’s extra special because they’re homemade!
Upcycled soda tab keychain
How to make them: Collect used soda tabs and connect them to metal keychains. Here’s a video tutorial you can use as a reference.
Price: $5-$10 each
Upcycled soda tab keychains transform old caps into functional accessories. These unique keychains not only serve a purpose but also contribute to reducing waste.
Eco-Friendly mini notepads
Where to get them: Craft stores like Papemelroti or online retailers
Price: $8-$15 depending on size and brand
These notepads are made from sustainable materials and are perfect for jotting thoughts or sketches. It encourages eco-conscious note-taking while promoting sustainable forestry.
WWF Wildlife sock collection
Where to get them: WWF, Big W, Woolworths and online at underworks.com.au
Price: $60 for a pack of three pairs
The socks are made from 97 per cent recycled fibres (cotton, polyester and elastane) and come with a recyclable label. At the same time, the title is secured with a Rumi stitch, which eliminates the use of single-use plastic and the FSC-sourced films and coatings were removed and printed in soy ink.
Five per cent of each sale will go towards supporting WWF’s goal to Regenerate Nature by 2030, an initiative that works to protect endangered animals such as the koala and tiger.
Final thoughts
The holiday season can be a time of joy, but it’s also essential to remember the impact of our actions on the planet.
By giving such gifts, we can reduce the amount of waste we produce and promote a more sustainable lifestyle for ourselves and the planet.
So, let’s embrace this opportunity to celebrate the holidays in a way that is both joyful and mindful of our environmental impact.
