How climate friendly are 'green' Christmas gifts?

There's no shortage of low-carbon options for Christmas presents these days, from reusable bags and clever containers to clothes made from natural fabrics and an endless supply of bamboo creations. But before filling up the shopping cart, it doesn't hurt to take a closer look. How was it made? Where did it come from? And is it a gift that's going to last?

It's easy to find brands that use natural fabrics like cotton and wool instead of synthetics derived from polluting petroleum. But that alone doesn't make them green. Important is whether brands use renewable energy or reduce waste and CO2 from manufacturing. A 2020 McKinsey report showed that the fashion industry produces some 2.1 billion tons of emissions every year, 4% of the global total.

When it comes to low-carbon gifts, the supply chain also plays a major role. A Christmas sweater knitted on the other side of the world is responsible for transport carbon emissions in a way that a locally made one is not. The same goes for sustainably sourced toys or artisanal soaps. Consider shopping closer to home — or find a treasure in a quality secondhand shop.

Most packaging and many products are still made from nonbiodegradable plastic. But bamboo — fast-growing, low maintenance and versatile — can also be used in everything from towels to bikes to beer. But like any crop, it also has downsides. Monocultures and the use of pesticides can cause deforestation and biodiversity loss. Making the products can also involve chemicals and be energy-intensive.

Streaming service subscriptions or a digital copy of a favorite film or book sound ideal: all the enjoyment, no waste. But those files are stored somewhere, and that eats up lots of energy. A 2019 study showed that 4% of all CO2 emissions were due to global data transfer and infrastructure — and rising. Using Wi-Fi and smaller screens can help, but increasing the use of renewables would do more.

Tasty treats won't add to the clutter — and, if sustainably packaged, can be low-waste. But here too, it's worth considering carbon footprints — not only in terms of shipping, but also in terms of how the food is produced. Cheese and chocolate, for example, can generate up to 20 times more greenhouse gas emissions than a selection of fruit or mixed nuts.

Experiences are another low-carbon present — movie or concert tickets, a meal or a trip. To reduce travel-related emissions, swap out trains for planes, for example, or opt for a smaller local inn over a far-flung resort. But watch out for greenwashing. A hotel might encourage towel reuse, but what about all those single-use toiletries?

Instead of a low-carbon gift, what about going one step further and choosing one that's carbon negative? By funding a forest, adopting coral or supporting sustainable energy sources in less-developed places in Africa and Asia, this holiday gift could help to actually remove carbon from the atmosphere. Of course, it's important to do some research and know how the money will ultimately be spent.