I will reduce my carbon footprint this holiday season. Fact: In its brief history of wrapping paper, the Atlantic reports that in Britain alone, people throw away enough wrapping paper over the holidays to stretch nine times around the world.
Hand-made gifts are a great alternative. They’re always special and unique. Your garden is a great resource — seeds, plants, a garden starter kit. Preserves and pickles made from your own or locally sourced produce are always appreciated.
Or you could give artwork, a poem, a story, a song, a handmade craft or knitted sweater, baking. Keep in mind to reuse, repair, recycle and locally source materials. (Keep thinking creatively when it comes to wrapping that gift too.)
If you are just not a do-it-yourself kind of person, there are plenty of environmentally thoughtful options for going with a pro. Check out the arts and crafts available from local artisans. In Muskoka we have lots to choose from. This three-minute video from Arts at the Albion shows off some local talent.
Shop local
- Muskoka Arts & Crafts (muskokaartsandcrafts.com)
- Arts In Muskoka
- Arts At The Albion – A Gravenhurst Co-operative Art Gallery
Resources
- Christmas Carbon Footprint – Greenhouse Emissions (popularmechanics.com)
- Gifts You Can Make From Your Garden (treehugger.com)
- 20 DIY Wrapping Paper Ideas to Inspire (thekindestway.com)
- A Brief History of Wrapping Paper – The Atlantic
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