8 Eco-Friendly Christmas Gifts

The spirit of Christmas generosity is already being felt, and many people are looking for gift ideas. One of InPost’s focuses is environmental sustainability and, therefore, we wanted to compile a list of suggestions that would please both the gift recipient and Mother Nature.

Most of our suggestions are inexpensive and versatile, and will be well received and well used by most people, whether it be a colleague in a workplace gift exchange or a family member.

These are our 8 eco-friendly gift ideas for this Christmas.

1. Wool clothing

Wool clothing, like cotton clothing and other natural fabrics, is generally biodegradable, and therefore does not contribute to the pollution generated by the tons of clothes that end up in the trash every year. The same applies to footwear made with sustainable materials or recycled plastics. And of course, we should remember that the most sustainable way to buy clothes is the second-hand market.

2. Recycled paper notebook

A small perfect gift: beautiful, useful, and sustainable. The use of recycled paper reduces the environmental impact of the paper industry, and is yet another example of an application of the principles of the circular economy.

3. Reusable water bottle

Another small gift that is not only eco-friendly, helping to combat the huge amount of plastic bottles that are thrown away, but also very practical, keeping water at a pleasant temperature much more effectively than a plastic bottle.

4. Peace lily

Not only a real way to contribute to the air quality in our homes, but also an eloquent and symbolic reminder of the importance of plants for our well-being. NASA recently compiled a list of the indoor plants that help purify the air the most. The peace lily, spider plant, and snake plant are three of the most common examples.

5. Basket of fruit and other local products

Encouraging local commerce is one of the ways to create a more sustainable world. Among other qualities, local production and traditional trade strengthen human relationships and reduce the need for long-distance transport. And of course, there is nothing like fresh produce.

6. Compost bin

For those who have a garden, a compost bin is a very useful gift, allowing organic waste, such as food scraps, to be recycled, speeding up its decomposition and helping to turn it into compost or fertilizer for plants. One of the principles of sustainability is to reduce the amount of waste and reuse whenever possible.

7. Birdhouse

Speaking of gardens, anyone with an outdoor space can get a lot of pleasure and entertainment from installing a birdhouse. It is interesting to make friends among the new “neighbors,” who will be grateful for the shelter.

8. Cork bag

Cork is a very local and typical example of a sustainable material, since its harvest does not damage the cork oak tree. It has been used for various purposes, from insulation in homes to hats and wallets. A cork bag is practical and durable, and also serves as a timely reminder of the importance of avoiding plastic bags.

A tip about wrapping paper

Packaging and wrapping paper are quite significant and often unnecessary sources of pollution. Keeping with the theme and spirit of sustainability, look for alternatives. Simple solutions are to reuse wrapping paper from one year to the next, or use a basket, which then becomes part of the gift.

The most sustainable way to receive and send parcels

InPost’s delivery service is based on a network of pickup points spread throughout the country and Europe, and represents an approach to parcel transport that involves a significantly lower volume of CO2 per delivery.

This is just one of many advantages: our service is designed to be an economical, convenient, and efficient way to send and receive parcels. And, if you are ordering something for someone in the household, it avoids spoiling the surprise, as could happen with home delivery.

When ordering your gifts this Christmas, or if you need to send someone a gift, make the sustainable choice and opt for out-of-home delivery with InPost.