How to Give a Zero Waste Gift
I guess we're talking about the holidays. It is that time of year already, and I personally am not someone who really enjoys the holiday season. Not because I'm a total Grinch, but because I think that consumerism has oversaturated our holidays, whether it's Christmas or Hanukkah or any other holiday this time of year that is meant to be celebrating family, love and gratitude.
Over the last few decades, winter holidays seem to have become about gift giving and consumerism. I think that our society focuses way too much on the purchasing of new things, without really accounting for how much waste is associated with giving gifts. Even for myself, I find that I'm telling my loved ones that I don't want more things because I don't want to contribute to the waste of the holiday season. The waste stream of the holidays includes resources to make, package, and ship new gifts, the sheer volume of gift wrapping (whether that’s plastic or paper packaging), and the quantity of returned gifts that people don’t want. These unwanted gifts might be returned and never sold or used again. I am totally disenchanted with holiday consumerism.
Renewable Gifting
Last year we had launched our Dye Lot of the Month and our Community Indigo Vat. After a while a few people reached out to say “Hey! I want a gift card to gift this to somebody.”
It occurred to us that this was an amazing gift to give to somebody else, because you're not buying something new. And there's no new raw materials or packaging or plastic associated with showing someone that you really care about them. Needless to say we got really excited to transform our dye services into a giftable option.
So what does that look like?
The Green Matters Community Dye Shipping Kit
The one thing that comes in each shipping kit is this great compostable mailer. It fits most garments. Not everyone ends up using it, but we find it's nice when somebody is getting this as a gift to have packaging ready to go. This is really nice because it's easy to post. It's recyclable, it's reusable, we really like it.
We also include some instructions, which explain a little bit about what the person has received and why it's important to mend and redye your clothing. This instruction card helps the gift recipient understand how to check out on our website without buying anything.
This kit works like a gift card for the service, and it all comes in reusable gift wrap made from cuts from our development samples through the years. In the above picture, the shipping kit is wrapped in silk, bundle dyed with onion skins and hollyhock. Each one is different, and can be reused as gift wrap in the future.
When you check out on our website you will be prompted to input some details about each shipping kit. You have the option to add a little note if it suits you ;)
Ta da! Here is your really lovely and thoughtful giftable service. You can have this shipped to you so that you can give it to the recipient in person, or there's an option to have it shipped directly to the gift recipient's house.
Oh the Possibilities ~
This gift is really exciting because it gives the recipient control over what they are getting. After they receive it, they could wait for a Dye Lot of the Month color they really like. They can also opt for indigo or natural black when they receive this kit.
We’re really excited to have a gift option this season that doesn't feel like it's creating more waste. In fact, it’s actually helping people reduce their waste. This is little bit more thoughtful and individual than just a gift card.
Something Extra Special For YOU
For every (3) gift kits you purchase, our team will email you with a code for $35 store credit.
You can use this credit right away, or save it 'til the time is right.
It means a lot to us that we can bring some light + color into your life & the lives of your loved ones. Thank you as always for allowing us to do so.
We want you to feel as loved as we do when you submit an order <3