It seems inevitable to over spend during this time of the year. So many things to buy, so much temptation in every single store, so many sales and deals and overwhelming social media posts telling you to buy this or that. I get it. Even though I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that, I do know it can feel like a lot to handle and it’s very easy to just cave in, get into debt and go crazy shopping for unnecessary things for us and our loved ones.
The problem with this though, is that if we fill our lives with things that are not needed, we are doing a terrible thing to our planet without even knowing it. But no worries, I’m here to help and to share some of the things I try to do to minimize the impact this season has on all of us.
Side note: As I shared on Instagram when I published this photo; don’t be ashamed if your Christmas tree is not perfect. Love what you have. Look how tiny and simple mine is and here I am sharing a photo because it has so much meaning to me. So, be proud of yours too and don’t compare yourself to others!
Here are some tips to be more sustainable during the Holiday season:
When buying presents:
Obviously the best way to be more sustainable with this, is to not buy or ask for any type of gifts. That’s a no brainer.
However, I know that’s not reality for a lot of people, myself included. I love giving and receiving gifts so much, but there are ways that you can make it a little less hard on our planet. Here’s how:
- Make and ask for lists. I love giving the perfect gift so much that I keep little lists on my phone for my loved ones, so every time they mention they want something, I just add it there and I simply check it out whenever Christmas or a birthday comes. I know this seems a little crazy LOL but it’s really a life saver. This way you make sure to buy something they actually want and need, so no waste. If you don’t have the list, then just ask. Ask them to give you a few options of things they need. That way it will be kind of a surprise. PS: If you or a loved one has CBD on their list, look no more! Try Equilibria! Here’s a 20% discount. (You can learn more here).
- Support the right businesses. This is your chance to try new stores and brands. Do your research, make sure they are sustainable brands or women owned businesses. There’s a website called Dough, that only features women owned businesses. I wrote a blog post about them, check it out here. I also wrote a blog post with a list of sustainable brands organized by category. Check it out here. If you are spending money, might as well make sure it’s going to to right businesses.
- Shop cruelty free. This ties up with supporting the right businesses, but I wanted to add it separately, so you wouldn’t miss it. If you are buying beauty products, makeup or anything skincare related, make sure the brand doesn’t test on animals. It’s a simple and quick Google search. I’ve tried and tested many brands and products and these 5 brands I can actually recommend: Lexli, Babor, Burt Bee’s, EmerginC and SkinFix (I have a blog post coming soon with more details). There are thousands of brands that are cruelty free, just do a quick Google search before you buy anything, it takes 2 seconds. Another brand I love because they are super eco-friendly and cruelty free is Ecotools. So if you know someone who needs make up brushes, make sure to check them out! They care so much abut our planet, that this year, most of their packages are self-wrapping! It’s really cool!!
- Experiences over things. This is my life motto. Hey, that’s why we are saving money to travel the world for 2 years! Experiences over things always!! Consider giving people an experience or a pampering session instead of buying something for them. Or even better, do it together!! I cannot recommend this enough. Memories with a loved one are worth more than anything money can buy. If you are thinking about a skincare treatment, I have a $50 discount at Images MedSpa (just mention WAYSOFSTYLE). They are amazing and have played a big role on how my skin has transformed this year. Check them out and use the discount if you are interested!
When decorating and wrapping presents:
- Recycle. Old bags, bows, newspapers and that pile of Amazon boxes you probably already have. Try to always save these things because buying wrapping paper or bags for every gift, every time, definitely adds up.
- Share ornaments! We had to do it this year because it’s the first time we actually have a Christmas tree of our own, so my sister lend me a few ornaments because we only have 3 LOL. We try to buy a couple every year, whenever we travel and keep them as souvenirs but since we haven’t been together for that long, we only have 3… But this is something you can do too. Start collecting them, so you don’t have to buy new ones each year and you’ll also have a Christmas tree filled with meaning and amazing memories.
- Think long term. Whatever decoration you invest in, make sure you’re buying things that are classic and timeless, so you can reuse them for a few years.
- Fake VS real. Is it better to buy a fake tree every 5 years or to buy a real tree every year? I personally think is better to buy a fake one and re-use it every year, HOWEVER, when we went to Home Depot to get ours this year, G thought it was outrageous to buy a fake tree, so I had to compromise. Whatever, I tried and I honestly don’t know what’s best. Do you know? Let me know in the comments!
I can’t really think of anything else! Did I miss anything? If you practice sustainability in a different way, please share them in the comments below so everyone can learn from what you do 🙂
Thanks so much for stopping by and Happy Holidays guys!
XO,
Aimara
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