The holiday season is filled with exciting events, quality time with friends and family, and celebration as the year ends. This December, I’m also thinking about how to implement sustainability when it comes to gift giving.
The Community Gardens Program is hosting a gently-used children's toy and book swap on Saturday, December 21 at the Ishihara Park Learning Garden during our free Pancakes in the Park event. Join us from 9 a.m.-11 a.m. to participate in the swap, enjoy a pancake breakfast, tour the garden, and watch a fruit tree repotting demonstration.
Another sustainable gifting idea is focusing on experiences, rather than physical objects. You may gift someone a visit to their favorite restaurant, a museum pass, or a pair of tickets to a sporting event, the movies, or a concert. These are great ways to spend time with someone, and they can be tailored to your loved ones’ specific interests and location.
You can also gift a friend a ticket to a fun class, like painting or dance, and promise to attend with them!
When buying a gift, prioritizing local and small businesses is another way to focus on thoughtful and sustainable gift giving. For me, quality over quantity is a helpful phrase to remember.
Another option is searching for unique gifts at a thrift store, crafting a handmade gift for someone, or gifting something you’ve never used that you know a friend would appreciate. You can also bake a delicious treat or offer a homemade dinner as a gift.
You can also focus on sustainability this month by taking some time to donate excess toys or clothes. These may become a beloved gift for someone else!
You can find more details about Pancakes in the Park and other free garden events at santamonica.gov/events. Also, visit Sustainable Santa Monica on Facebook, and @sustainablesamo on Instagram for more sustainability events.
By Isabel Filson
California Climate Actions Corps Fellow