With the season of giving just around the corner, this is a reminder to consider the environmental costs of Christmas. The commercialization of holidays means excess waste of gift wrappings, cards, food, fast fashion, festive decorations, and more. The environmental impact of overconsumption during this season is staggering worldwide: the French emit over 6.3 million tons of CO2 annually, accounting for 1% of greenhouse gas emissions; lighting in American households makes up 14% of residential electricity consumption; and in the UK, the holiday season generates 338,251 tonnes of cardboard, 35,877 tonnes of plastic, 1.3 billion cards, and 269,423 miles of wrapping paper. So, before going gift shopping this year, let's try to embrace greener habits to reduce waste.
Amsterdam was named one of the most sustainable cities in 2024. It has made significant strides in combating the climate crisis with community-driven projects and sustainability progress. This means there are plenty of small businesses, NGOs, and campaigns that can inspire your seasonal gift-giving this year.
Drawing inspiration from Amsterdam’s sustainability achievements, here are some sustainable gift ideas.
🌱 Walter The Walrus - Dille en Kamille x WWF
Sustainable home goods store, Dille en Kamille has been partnering with WWF for six years to protect wildlife habitats. After Elin the Snowy Owl in 2022 and Nio the Narwhal in 2023, this year it’s Walter the Walrus' turn. Dille en Kamille is contributing 1 euro to each plush purchased which directly goes to WWF research on the consequences of climate change and the preservation of walrus habitat in the Arctic.
🌱 Subscription To Zero-Waste Stores - Pieter Pot
Pieter Pot is a sustainability-driven packaging-free grocery store that delivers in reusable jars. Think of the single-use plastic we use every day like ketchup bottles, mesh fruit bags, and ice-cream containers. Using these kinds of services encourages a zero-waste lifestyle while reducing single-use plastic. This is a practical gift for anyone looking to live more sustainably and simplify grocery shopping.
🌱 Adopt an Endangered Animal - WWF
WWF offers an adoption package so you can contribute to the protection of your favorite animals. The gift will include a cuddly toy, an adoption certificate, and updates about the animal’s habitat and safeguarding efforts. The boxes used for the packaging can also be recycled and cut into 6 postcards. This purchase will directly fund WWF's vital conservation work such as combating poaching and expanding habitats around the globe.
🌱Hortus Botanicus Membership
In 1638, the Hortus used to be a herbal garden for apothecaries. Today, it has amassed a wide collection of plants, trees, and insects and is a heritage of science in Amsterdam. Do you know a nature lover? Supporting the Hortus through membership is a great way to enjoy a bit of peace and serenity in busy Amsterdam. It allows unlimited entry to Amsterdam’s historic botanical garden for a year. You can also get exclusive access to members-only events, workshops, and discounts. This gift contributes to the conservation of rare and endangered plant species while offering an escape.
🌱The Sustainable Christmas Market - De Ceuvel
De Ceuvel is a self-proclaimed “city playground for innovation, experimentation and creativity” where sustainability takes center stage. Their annual Sustainability Christmas Market includes ethically sourced and handmade goods from sustainable entrepreneurs. You can also enjoy live music and sit by the fire while enjoying food and drinks while you shop. This year the market will be held on December 14, 15, 21, and 22 with free entrance.
🌱Thrifting
Amsterdam is a hub for second-hand stores and a perfect place to find unique and sustainable gifts. There are plenty of flea markets, vintage shops, or ‘kringloopwinkel’ scattered around the city. Markets like Waterlooplein Flea Market, Noordermarkt in Jordan, and Nieuwmarkt have second-hand items as well as handmade goods, records, and books. Popular outlets like Episode, Zipper, Marbles Vintage, The Swapshop, Kilostore, and ReLove also offer various second-hand options for clothes.
🌱 Buying From NGOs
If you know someone who is a supporter of a certain environmental cause, opt to shop on websites of organizations such as WWF, Amnesty International, and Fahlo. Their shops offer products such as reusable bags, homeware, books, and merchandise that directly contribute to the funding of various sustainability projects, wildlife conservation, and human rights initiatives.
🌱Buying from Sustainable Wellness Brands
There are various sustainability and eco-focused brands such as Lush, The Body Shop, and Last Object that use recyclable packaging, source ethical ingredients, and support ethical working practices. Shopping from sustainable brands means that we focus on quality over quantity. Buying from environmentally conscious brands also means your purchase contributes to a fairer, more ethical global economy.
Sustainable gift giving
The winter months bring along a shopping season, traditions, good food, and a festive atmosphere. But having an environmentally conscious celebration does not necessarily mean we have to sacrifice these moments, it just means we have to be deliberative about the choices we make and the reality of their impact on the planet. As we all start our shopping for the season, let's remember the words of Annie Leonard: "There is no such thing as 'away.' When we throw anything away, it must go somewhere."
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