From the get go, the phrase «sustainable shopping» seems like an oxymoron.  It’s especially impossible during this holiday season, a time when malls are jam-packed with various new exciting merchandises that tickle our every fancy.

Given the countless irresistible things we can buy to spruce up all aspects of our lives, how is one supposed to shop sustainably this holiday season?

You’re probably saying sustainable shopping is best left for hard-core treehuggers.  We’re used to shopping indulgently, it’s our money after all.  We shop for pleasure and as a way to reward ourselves, to have something tangible, to finally obtain that sweet, sweet fruit of our labors, so why edit ourselves?

But here’s the thing: everything we do leaves a ripple of consequence for the environment.  It’s called a carbon footprint—the total sum of greenhouse gases caused by all our activities—whether that be traveling by car, or watching TV, or eating dinner, or manufacturing the endless array of products that define our commercialized lives.  Even something as trivial as a cutesy disposable smartphone case or yet another fancy thingamajig that will eventually just end up being forgotten in the drawer—those little things add up and impact the environment because of their carbon footprint.

Of course, it’s the holiday season and we have to do some shopping at one point or another.  We won’t be a wet blanket and beseech everyone not to shop.  But we can at least give you a few tips on making your purchases as sustainable as they can be.

BYOB!

Bring your own reusable bag.  This is the most basic.  Say no to the paper or plastic bag offered to you, and instead whip out your own sturdy canvas bag or nylon bag for carrying all your purchases.  Not only are you doing your part for the environment, you’ll also be inspiring your fellow shoppers at the checkout counter to do the same (hopefully).

Resist the impulse.  Perhaps tied to the concept of sustainable shopping is mindful buying.  When we think twice about buying things, we’re less likely to end up with a regrettable purchase, and actually get to buy the stuff we truly need.

• Ask yourself: Do I really need this item in my life right now? What special purpose will this item fulfill in my life?  Will this my life be any less richer without this item?  Big questions, we know.
• Identify your urges. Am I just buying this out of impulse, or because of that rather tempting advertisement, or simply because my friend already has one?
• Think longevity. How will this item last?  How long before I outgrow my interest in this item?  Can I hand it down to my kids, friends, and loved ones, and will they actually find use for it?

There’s (absolutely) nothing wrong with regifting.  We’re bound to receive that weird Christmas gift we really have no use for, or just doesn’t fit in our lives.  Don’t worry, you can always regift it as long as you’re sure your recipient will have better use for that item than you’ll ever will.

Try experiential gifts.  We’re all for experiential gifts because, in terms of value and memories, they certainly trump material gifts.  The trick is to tailor-fit your experiential gifts for people so that it’s something that’s out of the ordinary but also one they’ll actually enjoy.

• Especially welcome are tickets to the museum, a play, a concert, or an art exhibit.
• Schedule permitting, you can also enroll your giftee in cooking, baking, or painting classes, or even a session at the gym, spa, or the beauty parlor.
• Conspire with your tailor and have your giftee visit his shop for a bespoke suit.
• Lessons in swimming, fencing, bowling, or any other good ol’ sports are also welcome.

There’s a certain inexplicable triumph finding that unique item at thrift shops.

Take a trip to the thrift store.  If you just take the time to comb through the shelves and racks of thrift stores, you’ll discover lots of fantastic finds that are actually gift-worthy, whether that be a vintage copy of Mrs. Dalloway (for your bookworm friend), an ornately carved lamp (for your aunt), a vinyl record of Led Zeppelin (for your music aficionado cousin). Don’t be afraid to buy for them, especially if you know they can appreciate it.  What’s nice and sustainable about thrift stores is that no new products have to be manufactured (entailing carbon footprint in the process)—they only sell already existing things.  Of course, learn to draw the line between what’s an acceptable second-hand gift and what’s best bought new instead.

Heroically wrapped. (Photo courtesy of Treehugger)

Mind your wrapper.  Honestly, we don’t really need to buy gift wrappers at the bookstore, we actually have plenty right in our own homes: old calendars, the comics section of the Sunday paper, old magazines, scraps of wallpaper, even leftover art paper from kids’ school projects.  Even gift tags can be made from sturdy cardboard packaging, such as cereal, chocolate, or donut boxes—just be creative.  If you really insist on using a new gift wrapper, at least write a note to the recipient to reuse the paper for his or her own gifting purposes.

Write to the manufacturer.  In this day and age when voicing our thoughts and opinions is just a click away, whether that be on Twitter or Facebook or plain old email, there’s really no more excuse not to let companies know what you think about their products and how they can still improve it.

• Tell those companies, for example, that they need to ditch the excess packaging or opt for a more eco-friendly formula for their ingredients.
• Want to know if companies are operating sustainably as best they could? Check out the Buycott app for info on companies and their products, and even lets you support campaigns regarding fair trade, child labor, animal rights, GMO labeling, etc.
• Share your discoveries with your friends on social media.

The Takeaway.  When we think of greenhouse gases we think big factories spewing out billows of dark fumes.  Or the millions of vehicles on the road each and every day, with their exhaust pipes full blast.

But few people take time to acknowledge that our own indulgent lifestyles—which is more and more defined by our purchases—also has a direct link to what’s happening to the planet today.  When we buy stuff it sends a message to companies that there’s a demand for their product, which will prompt them to create more.  Sustainable shopping doesn’t really have to have that killjoy ring to it.  It’s all about taking the time to carefully choose what to buy for ourselves and the people in our lives.