Shop Green This Holiday Season

November 10, 2021

Buying gifts during the holidays can be a hassle, and with the added stress of supply and demand issues, this year will be no exception. Back in October, experts predicted that this season might be the toughest yet. Don’t worry if you haven’t already wrapped your gifts or even put your list together, there are still many ways to combat the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic while keeping in mind your efforts to shop green.

You might be asking: how did we get here in the first place? Long story short, it’s a combination of factors, from the worker shortage to transportation delays and an influx in global waste products – think disposable masks, increased online shopping packaging and an abundance of food waste from restaurant shutdowns and other supply chain disruptions.

Despite these challenges, the bright side is that we’re seeing more consumers consider changing their shopping habits in order to go green as awareness spreads. So, what can you do? Well, the good news is that you have options. Wherever you’re at in the process, whether it’s brainstorming your list or tying up loose ends, having a game plan will help you move forward.

One of the best ways to get ahead this season is by starting now. Gather your list and order online or go out to the store yourself before Black Friday. If you’re worried about missing out on Black Friday deals, consider that many stores have launched holiday sales already or will offer fewer discounts due to the supply shortage. By shopping now and ordering at once, you can avoid the supply shortage and lessen the number of packages delivered to your house – resulting in less plastic waste and driver mileage for your deliveries.

If you’re not up for shopping early this year, there are still alternatives available. Consider buying gifts that don’t require shipping like virtual subscription boxes or online gift cards. These are great last-minute gifts and will allow you to skip unnecessary shipping. You can also purchase memberships – the gift that keeps on giving. Check out deals on local memberships to museums, gyms and more. Lastly, don’t forget about memorable experiences, from a day at the spa to a night out to an adventure in the wild. We’ll also be featuring some great local businesses in the upcoming weeks, so stay tuned!

As you make plans to shop green in the next month or two, check out these tips from our friends at Green Matters for ways to make your entire season more sustainable.