UCSD - University of California - San Diego

12/08/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 12/08/2025 13:09

Give Sustainably: Simple Choices for a Joyful, Eco-Friendly Holiday

Published Date

December 08, 2025
UC San Diego Campus Sustainability Officer Carrie Metzgar

As the holiday season approaches, the rush to find the perfect gift often overshadows its environmental impact. However, with a few thoughtful choices, gift-giving can be both joyful and sustainable.

"Environmentally conscious choices can naturally be a part of gift giving," said UC San Diego Campus Sustainability Officer Carrie Metzgar. "Making small changes or choosing low-impact alternatives are simple and rewarding ways to honor both our loved ones and the planet."

Sustainability can easily become a meaningful part of your holiday traditions, adding depth and purpose to the joy of the season. Metzgar and her team offered some ideas to easily incorporate sustainability into your holiday gift giving plans.

Rethink How and What You Give

  • If you are gifting clothing, avoid fast fashionretailers. Fast fashion companies mass-produce garments to chase trends, often relying on cheaper materials and lower-quality production that shortens the lifespan of their products. Consider buying clothing from eco-conscious brands or secondhand clothing stores and websites. Some retailers, like Patagoniaand REI, feature gently used gear directly on their sites.
  • For self care and beauty products on your gift list, choose package freeoptions, like solid shampoos, conditioners and lotions. Some makeup and skincare brands also offer refillable options that can help reduce waste for frequently used products. You can also choose reusable beauty tools, like cotton pads, eye patchesor makeup removercloths.
  • Looking to give an upgrade? Appleand other electronic retailers offer trade-in value and used device recycling. Some brands, such as Stanley, offer used product recycling.
  • For the gourmands on your list, seek out sustainably produced food perfect for gifting like olive oil, teas, coffeeor hot sauce.
  • Shop locally! Local stores can offer unique gifts while also helping to reduce shipping emissions. Holiday shopping pop-up events can offer handcrafted, locally made gifts.

Choose Experiences Over Things

  • Not every gift needs to be something you can unwrap. Sometimes the most meaningful presents are experiences that create lasting memories.
  • Gift cards to a spa are great for people who need a bit of relaxation.
  • For the adventurous, gift cards for paddleboarding, surfing or kayakingoffer the chance to try something new.
  • Skill-enhancing classes, like those offered at the UC San Diego Craft Center or Recreationare also a great way for people to explore their creative side or learn a new sport.
  • Tickets to popular local attractions, such as the Birch Aquarium, are another excellent gift choice for families and adults alike.

Use Sustainable Gift Wrapping & Shipping

  • Reuse gift bags and save cardboard packaging from deliveries for gift wrapping. It's not only more sustainable, it also saves money.
  • Since most commercial wrapping paper isn't recyclable, get creative with alternatives. Grocery bags, newspapers, craft paper or even scrap fabric can all be repurposed into unique and charming wraps. Finish the look with natural materials like twine instead of plastic ribbon for a simple, sustainable and stylish touch.
  • Opt for low-impact shipping. Plan ahead and select shipping methods that help cut carbon emissions. Many online retailers now offer slower delivery options, allowing them to consolidate shipments and make fewer trips. This can reduce the environmental footprint of getting your item to your door.

Incorporating sustainable practices can add meaning to the joy of giving. Whether it's choosing secondhand clothing, giving memorable experiences or wrapping presents with recycled materials, every small decision contributes to a healthier planet.

UCSD - University of California - San Diego published this content on December 08, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on December 08, 2025 at 19:09 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]