Climate-Friendly Christmas Presents

At this time, some may already have completed their gifts to be displayed under their Christmas trees; but for last-minute shoppers who are tearing their hair out, wondering what to buy for friends and family, Panahon TV came up with its own list of gift suggestions, which have great sentimental value, but low environmental impact.

Water Tumbler

A plastic bottle takes over a thousand years to biodegrade and if burned, it may produce toxic gases, which contribute to Climate Change. The escalating demand for plastic bottles produces unnecessary garbage, and consumes large quantities of energy, particularly fossil fuels, such as crude oil.

In the Philippines, these plastic menaces litter our seas and other bodies of water – a problem that incessantly occurs and affects us during heavy rainfall and flooding.

Gifting someone with a water tumbler not only lessens the use of plastic, it also encourages the recipient to eliminate the habit of spending or buying mineral water.

Reusable Bag

These eco-friendly bags are the perfect gifts for moms, titas and sisters, who are fond of shopping or doing errands that require safekeeping, carrying and organizing stuff.

A reusable bag is the perfect alternative to plastic or paper bags. It can be used anytime, anywhere, while avoiding of additional waste.

Sneakers

If your friend loves fashion, as well as comfort, a pair of sneakers is a no-brainer gift. Make sure to enclose a note to remind the recipient how walking can be a great alternative to driving. Vehicles uses up fossil, and its emissions contribute to air pollution – which according to the World Health Organization, is linked to millions of premature deaths every year.

Bicycle

If you’re generous enough, giving a bike as a gift is also a good option. Based on a study of the Institute of Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP), cycling may help cut down carbon emissions from urban transportation by about 11% by 2030.

Aside from walking, biking is a clean and healthy source of community transportation. Biking does not only lessen emissions and traffic, it is also a great way to be fit and healthy!

Indoor plants

For a friend blessed with a green thumb, a perfect gift to give this Christmas is an indoor plant. There are a variety of plants that could be taken care of within your home or office.

Plants are vital sources of oxygen and are good absorbers of carbon. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of the leading greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted in the atmosphere. In a greenhouse gas bulletin released by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the average global atmospheric CO2 level in 1750 was at around 278 parts per million (ppm). In 2014, it increased to 397.7ppm, and by 2016, it is expected to crawl up to more than 400ppm.

Plants and trees are an effective way to combat the adverse effects of Climate Change. These plants could lessen the carbon concentration while providing us with clean air.

Museum Trip

Giving toys to children may be a common gesture, but why not try something more exciting and educational? You can opt to give kids a free museum trip this Holiday Season. This way, they learn to appreciate science, arts and culture while enjoying the spirit of Christmas.

These are just some of the eco-friendly gifts you can give to your loved ones. Remember that no matter what the season is, Climate Change will always be an important concern. In choosing and buying your presents this Christmas, also consider its long-term impacts to our planet.

Sources:

World Health Organization
World Meteorological Organization
Institute of Transportation and Development Policy
http://thewaterproject.org/
www.railstotrails.org
http://usa.streetsblog.org/