Did you know that the glitter on greeting cards is plastic? With a few rare exceptions, the vast majority of glitter (on cards, holiday decorations, crafts, etc) is microplastic. And like everyone who has ever tried to clean up glitter knows, it’s impossible to get rid of it!
I get a lot of questions about one particular problem when it comes to minimal and low-waste gift giving: what about well-meaning loved ones who just don’t get it?
It’s tough, I know. Whether it’s a very generous grandparent who wants to shower your child with gifts or an aunt who doesn’t respect your wishes for experience gifts, it can sometimes feel like no one understands what you’re trying to do or why. Here’s how I handle the situation.
Continue reading “What if others aren’t on board? Troubleshooting low-waste gift giving”
It’s easy to make grand statements about doing completely non-material gifts, instead opting for experiences, cash, or donations alone. But the truth is that when it comes to kids, it’s not that easy. Kids need “things” more often than adults, as they outgrow clothing and require age-appropriate toys and games. That’s okay! There’s still a way to save money, packaging, and the resources that go into producing new goods, and that’s by shopping secondhand.
Continue reading “Holiday secondhand shopping for kids: Some tips and tricks”
What makes a gift truly thoughtful? When I think about gift giving, one story is permanently stuck in my brain.
Full disclosure: I love the holiday season. I love the music, the food, and the festive energy in the air. And if you stop and think about your personal favourite Christmas memory, it’s likely spending time with loved ones.
How do we enjoy the holidays without overspending and creating waste? By building holiday traditions to savour every year.
Continue reading “Build holiday traditions that the whole family will love”
