Become a carbon footprint-friendly gift-giving hero!

Happy holidays from me – Holly, your Earth Ranger’s gift specialist! What’s that you say? You’re not out of school yet? Well, you can still plan your winter gifts anytime, can’t you? Animals like me don’t have school, so we have all the time in the world to think up AWESOME GIFTS!

What’s all the hubbub about gifts? Simple! Earth Rangers asked me to share my gift-giving knowledge with all of you. Since it can be easy to forget about protecting the planet during the festivities, I figured why not help you find special gifts that also fight climate change? So, I’ve prepared a handy guide to help!

Holly’s Holiday Eco-Guide

Did you know that in winter plants reduce their photosynthesizing, releasing more carbon dioxide back into the air? And people also spend more carbon emissions while traveling for their holidays. Cutting back in small ways, on your car travel for example, even if it’s just a little can make a huge difference. 

Shop Sustainably:

If you are a Carbon Footprint Investigator, you probably know all about ways to reduce your carbon footprint. But did you know you can also do so when shopping for gifts? Here are a few ways how:

• Buy local (support small businesses): Shopping local (like local artisans, farmers’ markets, and small businesses) helps support the local economy and has a lower carbon footprint because of the lower transport emissions.
• Pick eco-friendly & ethical gifts: Look for products made from sustainable, organic, or recycled materials.Gifts like reusable water bottles, metal straws, zero-waste starter kits, solar-powered gadgets, or eco-friendly cleaning products are a great way to encourage saving the planet. Choose fair-trade certified goods or gifts from companies that have good environmental practices.
• Make handmade or DIY items: Instead of buying new, create your own gifts! You can make homemade crafts, baked goods, or personalized items using sustainable materials. Check out Earth Ranger’s Creative Corner section in the App for some ideas
• Offer experience-based gifts: Instead of a present that’s wrapped up, why not make it a whole experience?! Gift cooking classes, adventure trips, concert tickets, or even donations to a cause that your friends or family love. Experiences create memories without the carbon footprint of physical goods.
• Buy second-hand gifts: Giving new life to older items is a great way to reduce the large carbon footprint that comes with the creation of new products. Search thrift stores, vintage shops, or online second-hand places to find something special!
• Limit travel and shipping: If possible, shop in-store or in one single online shopping order to minimize shipping emissions from transport. If you are mailing gifts to faraway loved ones, send them through carbon-neutral shipping or local online retailers to lower pollution.

See? There are a TON of ways to help the planet while spreading winter joy. Be sure to check out the Creative Corner in the Earth Rangers app where you’ll find fun ideas like how to make a Moose Card, Pine Tree Cookies, or plenty of other fun crafts and recipes to DIY your gifts.

Ready to take your gift-giving skills to the next level? Join the Carbon Footprint Investigation mission today and find even more ways to shrink your carbon footprint this winter!

Did you know you can lower your carbon footprint by making smarter choices when you shop? Learn more in the Carbon Footprint Investigation Mission in the Earth Rangers App!