Gifting for the Environmentally-Conscious Consumer
Sometimes, gifts can be wasteful, can’t they?
We use cards, envelopes, gift wrap, tape, gift bags, and other wrapping supplies that will soon be thrown away. Many may see these items as fun or festive; however, the conscientious consumer in your life may disagree. So, how can you take a waste-free approach to gift-giving? In this article, we’ll share a few tips to keep in mind when thinking about our eco-friendly customers.
1. Virtual Gift Cards
The purchase of single-use plastic is declining, especially for those working hard to lessen their negative impact on the environment. Virtual gift cards provide shoppers with an opportunity to give a gift without creating even a single piece of waste. To make the gift more personal, customers can add a thoughtful note to accompany their virtual card to let their loved ones know that they’re thinking of them. As an added bonus, virtual gift cards provide you with a quick-and-easy gift option that can be purchased right up to the last minute.
2. Eco-Friendly Gift Wrapping Options
Gift wrapping doesn’t have to be a wasteful process. There are plenty of options for wrapping that follow the reduce, reuse, and recycle guidelines. For example, newspapers or leftover fabric make excellent gift wrapping alternatives. With a little imagination, you can wrap your and decorate your gift boxes without ever leaving your house to buy new materials. Take some time to consider what you may have on hand that you can use—not only is this option eco-friendly, but it also saves you time and money.
Tip: Try wrapping your next gift with newspaper, tying a bow with twine, and decorating with found objects from your yard—twigs, leaves, acorns, pinecones, whatever you can find!
3. Reuse Gift Bags and Boxes
If anyone will appreciate that you’ve reused a gift bag or box, it will be your eco-conscious friend. Start saving the wrapping materials on your gifts throughout the year. Save every piece that you can: ribbon, bows, bags, and even paper that hasn’t been crumpled. Store them all in your closet, and when it’s time to give a gift, voila! You already have everything you need.
Tip: Be careful when you’re opening gifts. Try not to damage the materials you want to save.
4. Give Experiences Rather than Things
Who doesn’t love a good adventure? Another waste-free gift option is to give experiences rather than things. Instead of buying your loved one a scarf, try purchasing a virtual gift card for a nice dinner, a museum tour, or a day at the zoo. By gifting an experience, you can make a more lasting impression. They’ll enjoy a day out, making memories that will last a lifetime.
5. Donate to Charity
Finally, this gifting alternative is sure to make everyone feel good about their impact on the world. Try donating to charity in your loved one’s name instead of giving a physical gift. This option reduces waste and provides an organization with funds to make a difference.
Meet the Needs of Your Environmentally-Conscious Customers
We can help you add virtual gift cards to your current website so that you can better serve your environmentally-conscious customers. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!
