'Tis the season of abundance and no-holds-barred generosity (aka lots of waste coming our way). But good news: it doesn't need to be! 

Read along for how we can help you create a low-waste holiday experience using a 7-step eco-hierarchy.

#1 Give Memories

Experiences are priceless. In fact, science shows that experiences create more happiness than material things. Create memories with event tickets, experience days, or memberships that'll be cherished for a lifetime.

Local Experience Gift Idea:

In addition to being one of the best zoos in the country, Omaha Henry Doorly also sends us their animal manure for composting. Get a gift card here.

#2: Give Your Time

Spend time (not money) by giving time. Think helping run errands, cleaning, or volunteering together. Consider sharing your skills or spend the day planning your veggie plot.  Plot twist: it’s funner that way.

How to Do It:

Use this science-based practice guide for giving your time.

#3: Upcycle & Re-gift

Let’s normalize re-gifting!

Instead of donating unwanted items or returning Amazon purchases — just regift them to someone you know would enjoy it.

How to Do It:

Designate a spot in your home for regiftable items. Whenever the holidays or a birthday come up, scan it to see if anything matches up.

#4: Buy Second-Hand

Finding the perfect pre-loved gift bypasses all the carbon waste of new gifts.

Where to Shop:

Hand Me-Ups & Society of St Vincent De Paul are avid recyclers & composters with us.

#5: Make

DIY is the way of the future (and past)! Do it right and you’ll save money while giving your gift the love only found in a personal touch.

How to Do It:

Sign up for the Bonus Content at the top if this blog post and we’ll send you our favorite DIY toothpaste and spray cleaner recipe.

Also, if you're making homemade gifts, it's more sustainable to use what you already have than to buy new. 

#6: Ethically Buy

If you must buy new, try to purchase from businesses that don’t exploit people, animals, or the environment.

There are plenty of retailers that promote their ethical attributes. But it can also be something as simple as shopping from local businesses that also purchase local goods.

Ethical Gift Ideas:

#7: Conventionally Buy

If all else fails & you need to purchase new from a conventional source, then consider it a win if you can gift something that will last a long time or is easy to repair.

Be Imperfectly Zero Waste 

Please don't feel overwhelmed by trying to fit every single gift into this hierarchy.

If you're reading this and trying, you’re doing a wonderful job.

To get wider adoption for the eco-movement, we have to make a big tent full of imperfect zero-wasters.