4 Ways to Reduce Holiday Returns with Sustainable Gift Giving

'Tis the season for joy, festivities, and, of course, holiday shopping. While this trifecta is a lot of fun, it brings with it an inevitable surge in returns. 

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In the U.S. alone, our annual returns create a staggering 6 billion pounds of landfill waste and spew out 24 million metric tons of CO₂ emissions. Amazon’s reverse logistics is a great case study in what’s causing this returns pileup. 

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Amazon’s UK warehouses alone mark 130,000 items for destruction weekly because it's cheaper than reselling. Shockingly, half of these are still in their shrink-wrap (yikes!). So what can we do to navigate this challenge as conscious shoppers? Luckily, there are ways to reduce the probability of returns and make this holiday season less about package reversals and more about spreading joy.

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1. Opt for sustainable gifts

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When it comes to sustainable gift-giving, the options are wonderfully diverse. An easy one is gift cards. While some may perceive it as less personal, it provides a gift of unparalleled choice. And you can always add a heartfelt note for that personal touch. This approach not only spares the inconvenience of returns but also guarantees that your loved ones receive precisely what they desire.

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2. Join a Buy Nothing group

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The Buy Nothing movement encourages people to share resources within their community instead of buying new things. By participating in a local Buy Nothing group, individuals can offer unneeded items to neighbors who may find value in them, fostering a sense of community and reducing the environmental impact of returns.

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3. Regift instead of return

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Regifting, once considered a faux pas, has evolved into a practical and sustainable solution. Instead of letting unwanted items gather dust, consider regifting them to someone who might appreciate them more. Alternatively, rather than returning unwanted gifts, donating them to local charities or organizations can also make a meaningful impact.

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4. Shop consciously

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Conscious shopping can look like planning ahead to make intentional purchases, or asking your giftee what they want. Or you can steer away from brands like Amazon that have less-than-stellar reverse logistics practices. Instead, seek out sustainable alternatives that align better with your values will help you and the planet.

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5. Shop in-store

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Did you know that e-commerce returns are 2 to 5 times more likely than in-store returns? Shopping in-store is helpful because it adds an extra layer of assurance, as you can see, touch, and try before making a decision. This significantly reduces the chances of disappointment and the subsequent need for returns. 

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A little tip: consider carpooling or using public transit when heading to these stores to ensure that your conscious shopping efforts aren't counteracted by carbon emissions from your vehicle.

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This holiday season, let's shift the focus from returns and exchanges to the joy of giving and receiving thoughtful, meaningful gifts. By making small changes to our shopping habits we can make big strides in our sustainability efforts. To keep exploring such sustainability tips, download Commons and join our community of tens of thousands of people.