As the cold holiday breeze whispers in December, the shopping frenzy that takes over malls will soon create piles of trash that stay for ages in landfills. This is aggravated by the lack of waste management schemes at the barangay level, especially after Christmas, when public trash bins look like they ate a month’s load of household waste. As non-recyclable garbage heats our shared home, the festivity presents a paradox — how the frosty holiday air exists amid a warming planet.
Nonetheless, the season of giving is taking a sustainable turn with the rise of eco-friendly gift ideas. With this magical period unfolding, a present for both the recipient and the Earth could never be more timely. Here are five Christmas gift ideas for you to celebrate the holiday with a dedication to sustainability.
1. Maginhawa St. Eco-Store
This gift set from Maginhawa St. Eco-Store, an eco-friendly shop offering sustainable and locally sourced products, includes trail mix, coffee beans, dried stevia leaves, and a woven bag. The assortment is a perfect present at Christmas for students or workers burning the midnight oil.
2. Kultura Filipino
The ethnic bag from Kultura Filipino, a locally sustainable store, makes the best gift for fashionable individuals who want to approach the holidays with a passion for the planet.
3. Echostore
This gift bundle from Echostore, a place for personalized sustainable items, offers a breakfast set that includes tea sourced from Romblon farmers, tomato jelly from Nueva Ecija workers, Masco Rocks from Negros producers, coffee, toast, and an eyelet bag, ideal for buyers who want to support local agriculture.
4. Bambuhay
A timeless bamboo tumbler from Bambuhay, a social enterprise selling various bamboo products, never goes out of style as a gift for individuals who seem to purchase a lot of plastic bottle-packaged water throughout the day. Plus, bamboo is an incredibly durable material.
5. Simula PH
These sunglasses from Simula PH, a shop making zero-waste accessible, are made from bio-acetate and feature anti-reflection coating for added sun protection. They are a perfect present for posh people who love attending events or those living in hot regions.