The holiday season will arrive soon enough. Shopping centers are already in Christmas mode. Overconsumption is once again in the spotlight and advertising budgets are at their maximum. Santa Claus doesn't seem to care about the fate of the planet. However, many people want to go back to basics by trying a zero waste Christmas... Can it be?
Zero waste Christmas in Quebec, what is it?
The principle of Christmas is well known, we meet in front of a Christmas tree and we give each other a multitude of gifts. The bill is salty and the happiness short-lived. Every Christmas, we receive several useless things. All-purpose gifts like boxes of chocolates, bath bubbles, beauty wraps and a whole host of “unpersonalized” products. Easy gifts to spoil someone you don't really know. Unfortunately, this type of gift is often doomed to pollute, be overwrapped and without real emotional value. Offering a zero-waste Christmas means offering a celebration centered on the pleasure of getting together and giving meticulously. Chances are it won't be 100% zero waste, but if everyone reduced their purchases by 50% before the holidays... Maybe we'd be entitled to more personalized, unique or handcrafted?
Useful gifts for a more eco-responsible Christmas
By making sure to offer gifts that are necessary and useful to the desired person, we also ensure that it will not be thrown away or forgotten. Dare to question the person about their needs and values. You will probably understand his needs better. Maybe she'll make it clear to you that she doesn't want any gifts or that she'd rather have an activity with you. Zero waste or eco-responsible gifts are also available. Attention! Don't buy a zero waste product if you think it might be thrown away. The aim is obviously to be used, durable and to replace a disposable option. A sustainable product in the trash is not so much better!
The return of love and time in a zero waste Christmas
Most people don't need fancy gifts. Several gifts from the heart or giving them your time will give a better effect. Here are some suggestions:
1- A handmade card with a touching text from your pen
2- Her favorite handmade cookies in a pretty eco-responsible bag
3- A plant she liked in your home that you would have grown yourself from yours
4- A drawing or a painting if you are talented
5- A favorite activity that you can do together (climbing, going to the cinema, eating out, etc.)
6- Help for a project close to his heart (renovation of a room, restoration of a piece of furniture, spring cleaning)
7- A photo session with a talented professional photographer to have memories of your relationship
There are plenty of opportunities for gifts that don't require large purchases or produce waste. Just be creative... Even if it takes more of your time!
Réno-jouets, an eco-responsible solution to give a second life to children's toys in Quebec City
As we know, grandparents often want to offer toys. And this, even if the living room, the bedrooms and the playroom are already overflowing with plastic. The Réno-Jouets used toy store offers children's toys, games and accessories at good prices, as well as used ones. The creation of new plastic toys is therefore not mandatory to amuse the little ones. By ceasing to consume new, the production of new toys will have to decline and adapt in the long term.
Zero waste Christmas packaging
The abundance of papers, bags, ribbons and sequins can make you dizzy. However, wrapping a Christmas present doesn't have to be so heavy. Opt for brown paper packaging from your grocery bags or even colored magazines. Use your children's drawings rather than putting them to recycling, they will also have the impression of participating. Reusable bags can also make excellent packaging.
You will find on the Marie fil online store a host of gift ideas for a zero waste Christmas, but above all to change your way of life. When you shop with us, be sure to bring something useful into your life or that of a loved one. Even in an eco-responsible shop, it is possible to over-consume. ;)