We love the holiday season! The decorations, the giving spirit, the food – it all brightens the darker half of the year. But we also understand that the stress of the holidays can take a toll on people’s mental wellness and our planet’s health. That’s why we want to help you shop sustainably for the holidays – for you, for your loved ones, and for our planet.

Here are Free the Ocean’s top tips for an eco-friendly holiday season:

This is one everybody can get on board with. No one wants to waste their money on a gift that is going to end up in the trash before Spring. By shopping for quality products made from sustainable materials, you are ensuring that the gifts you give continue to bring joy past the holidays.

It is astonishing how much plastic goes into everyday products we buy. Consider giving meaningful gifts that help your loved ones on their plastic-free journey. You could even put together a zero-waste starter kit with reusable straws, tote bags, and traveling utensil set!

So many more people are making the environment a priority in all of the decisions they make. But it can be hard to know what purchases are genuinely having a positive impact and which companies are using superficial marketing to make consumers think it is a responsible purchase. Read labels, check for transparency, and choose brands that support ethical practices all around.

Did you know that 40% of the plastic in landfills come from the packaging? And the biggest offender is kid’s toys. Look for plastic free toys with minimal packaging, and keep the momentum going by wrapping it in eco-friendly paper and all natural ribbon.

We get it. Being able to click a button and have your purchase show up at your doorstep the next day feels really convenient. But by planning ahead just a little bit and being able to wait a few extra days can reduce the carbon dioxide emissions by about 30%. Look for businesses (like Free the Ocean!) that promise carbon-neutral and plastic-free shipping options.

While producing sustainable products and shipping them in an environmentally friendly way would be good enough, many brands take it a step further. Find companies that give back to non-profits or invest in sustainable practices. You’ll feel even better knowing that the profit is going toward making a difference.

While producing sustainable products and shipping them in an environmentally friendly way would be good enough, many brands take it a step further. Find companies that give back to non-profits or invest in sustainable practices. You’ll feel even better knowing that the profit is going toward making a difference.