It’s time to do your holiday shopping, and this year, why not give your loved ones a zero waste gift to reduce the amount of waste produced during the season? The Ann Arbor Holiday Guide 2022 has got you covered with seven zero waste gift ideas that will make your friends and family feel special. From bulk candy to zero waste crafts, there’s something for everyone on your list.
Food and Candy
One of the best zero waste gifts is food! You can easily use jars and containers you (or others) have lying around the house and decorate them to be more festive (a jar with a nice ribbon is a good example of this).
- Teas in compostable packaging: Arbor Teas
- Bulk candy in mason jar: By the Pound
- Homemade treats (cookies etc.) using zero waste ingredients:
- Arbor Farms Market
- People’s Food Coop
- Ypsilanti Food Coop
Experiences
Gifts don’t have to be material possessions. In fact, a lot of people have too much stuff and appreciate receiving gifts that are experiences. Plus, if you gift is an experience you can do together, you’ll create beautiful memories together and deepen your relationship.
- Classes or workshops in a maker space: Maker Works
- Zero waste crafting kits to do together: Scrap Creative Reuse
- Fitness classes: Pilates Barn
- Take your friend to coffee: Roos Roast, Argus
Zero Waste beauty and home products:
Want to make your friends and family feel pampered? Check out these local spots for some great unpackaged options:
Donate in someone’s name to a local charity
Make a donation in someone’s name to a local zero waste organization and send them a note or video about why they inspired you to create positive change:
Gift Certificates to local restaurants
Gift certificates to restaurants make a wonderful gift for anyone on your list. Did you know that Live Zero Waste runs a returnable take-out container program? Support the restaurants that are participating in this program and trying to change the status quo:
Used Books
Local used book shops are a great way to support our community and combat the deforestation caused by printing new books.
Used Home Goods and Clothing:
You’d be surprised how many beautiful pre-loved items you can find at Ann Arbor’s thrift shops. Here are a few of our favorites:
Giving zero waste gifts is a great way to reduce the amount of waste produced during the holiday season and to show your friends and family how much you care for them and the planet!
Got a zero waste business you think should be included? Let us know: [email protected]