Eco-friendly gift giving ideas for your customers and colleagues

What better way to celebrate the season of giving than being generous to our planet?

According to Zero Waste Canada, we produce 25% more waste than the rest of the year during the holiday season – thanks to the billions of cards, wrappers and bags that cannot be recycled, and the tons of uneaten food sent to the dumpster every holiday season.

One of the first steps to putting an end to this trash tradition during the holidays is by being mindful about the gifts that we give. However, it is also noteworthy that while the goal is to reduce our negative environmental impact, it is equally important that we choose gifts that our clients and colleagues will love and use.

Here are some ideas for an eco-friendly gift-giving holiday season:

REUSABLE STRAWS

Disposable straws contribute to a huge chunk of plastic waste that we produce every day. Fortunately there are many better alternatives that are made out of sustainable materials like bamboo, glass, and stainless steel which you can easily find online and in physical stores. On Amazon, a reusable straw set contains a variety of straw sizes and cleaners that you can purchase for a reasonable price (most average around $7 to $15).

REUSABLE BOTTLES AND TUMBLERS

Another way to help eliminate single-use plastic is by ditching disposable bottles altogether and opting to carry around a reusable bottle or tumbler. If you have a colleague who loves to hike, a Nalgene water bottle is the perfect gift – it is lightweight, durable and is made with BPA-free copolyester which makes it resistant to stains and odors. For your coffee-loving peers, they might like the Contigo vacuum-insulated bottles which are leakproof and will keep their iced coffee cold for hours.

PLANT-BASED AND ETHICALLY SOURCED CLOTHING

What can be more sustainable than wearing fabrics that are plant-based and 100% natural? Some fabrics are made from natural fibers or organic cotton which is grown without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers, and are ethically sourced - so it can make very fashionable clothing without harming the environment. Everlane and Pact are some of the brands that make organic, high-quality and affordable apparel, shoes and accessories. Also, be sure to check out Kotn (great company and people and a client of ConnectCPA).

NATURAL BEESWAX CANDLE

With the dreary winter weather outdoors in many parts of Canada, there is nothing like the faint glow of a warm candle. Unlike ordinary candles which are mostly made with petroleum-based wax, beeswax candles are non-toxic and purify the air when burning. The Honey Bee has some nicely packaged beeswax candles ready for gift-giving!

RECYCLED COTTON SOCKS

A thoughtful way of ensuring that your friends and colleagues will stay warm this season is giving them a pair of nice knitted socks made with recycled cotton. Recycled cotton socks are made from the leftover cotton from the textile industry. To achieve this special type of cotton, it forgoes the use of chemicals and aggressive agents, creating vibrant multi-colored socks from its natural process. Eartheasy offers a variety of designs for recycled cotton socks at affordable prices, all the while supporting a great cause. This will not only keep your recipients warm and cozy, it also promotes sustainable living. 

Bonus tip: If you aren’t really into partaking in the shopping craze this season, then…

DO IT YOURSELF!

There is nothing more special than creating a handmade or homemade gift for your customers and colleagues. If you enjoy painting, knitting, baking, or have any other creative talents, you can cut back on potential waste and save some money in the process.

There are tons of recipes online for pastries and sweets. Baking a batch of lemon shortbread cookies and nicely stacking them in a mason jar will make a really nice gift for a colleague or client. Everyone loves to receive a festive and delicious treat!

With these gift ideas, you are not only making your clients and colleagues happy, but you are also taking a small step in cutting down on waste.

Happy Holidays from the ConnectCPA Team!