Be an eco-gift giver and help save the planet; think ‘experience’ gifts, recycled gift wrap

Ho, Ho, Ho. Soon the jolly old gentleman will be hefting his pack and slipping down your chimney. How does he get so many gifts into so little space? Well, for one thing, his elves try to ensure that unnecessary packaging is held to a minimum. Less bulk. Less to recycle. Less to throw away. And if you’re consumption-conscious, then you appreciate Santa’s helpers’ efforts.

Container and packaging waste is a significant component of the nation’s waste stream, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Bob Lilienfeld writes in his book, “Use Less Stuff,” that during the Thanksgiving to New Year’s holiday period, Americans generate 25 percent more waste than during any other time of the year. On average, that amounts to an extra 100 pounds of waste per family.

“The added food waste, shopping bags, packaging, wrapping paper, bows and ribbons add up to an additional 1 million tons a week to the nation’s waste stream,” says Tom Watson, King County’s Waste Free Holidays program project manager.

The King County program encourages people to give tickets, memberships, or gift certificates for “experiences,” like concerts, plays, sporting events, recreation, museums, restaurants, massages and other services. “Giving experiences, rather than merchandise, can be a welcome change for friends and family,” Watson says.

A welcome change indeed. In 2004, the nonprofit organization Center for a New American Dream conducted surveys that revealed:

•91 percent of respondents believe that most of us buy and consume far more than we need.

•33 percent said they have thrown a Christmas present straight into the trash.

•35 percent said they have an unused present sitting in a closet.

•27 percent said they couldn’t remember what they had received for Christmas the previous year.

Now, no one expects you to completely stop giving gifts of “stuff” but the center suggests “buying wisely…using your purchasing power to support business practices that are safer for the environment and better for people.”

That could mean doing a little research in order to purchase an energy-efficient appliance – not just the first one that’s on sale.

Or perhaps you could buy cosmetics or soaps that are all natural and nontoxic.

Or check out just where that sweater was made, choosing to only spend your dollars on sweatshop-free clothing.

This one is an easy one for every gift giver: wrap your gifts in reusable containers/packages, or in already used containers and wrapping. Newspaper is always a good idea, perhaps tied with string the old-fashioned way. Or you can decorate brown paper bags with colorful holiday motifs, add a sprig of holly and – voila. Even if you don’t like to recycle the actual gift wrap, hold on to any fancy bows that may come your way, they can easily be reused.

Virtually waste-free, the packaging for gift tickets, memberships and/or certificates is usually just an envelope and likely it’s recyclable. Experiences are often more memorable than “stuff” because they’re inherently participatory – and they can be shared with friends and family.

Just think of all the events at the Opera House, Convention Center and Arena, or the performances at The Met or plays at the Spokane Civic Theatre and Interplayers and other theaters.

If there’s health nut on your list, perhaps a healthy-body activity such as a spa treatment or gym or yoga classes may be great.

For those who enjoy the outdoors, gift certificates for hot-air balloon rides, cross country and downhill skiing or snowboarding, are great ideas.

“Being an eco-consumer isn’t about being ‘politically correct’ or even ‘environmentally correct.’ It’s about spending your money and time wisely, while keeping in mind your impact on the environment,” says Watson. “Giving experiences is better for the environment because it helps reduce waste.”