Green Living Series: Alternatives to Christmas Returns

After looking into and understanding the Environmental Impact of Returns especially heightened during the Christmas season, what do you do now with the products you were planning on returning?

First off, be informed. Start off with understanding your shop’s return process and where the returned products actually go, since this will depend on each company’s return policy. Especially for perishable products or bulkier items, some companies would give you a refund and let you keep it. So it’s definitely worthwhile to do your due diligence in finding out and asking. If the answer does not meet your green and sustainable standards, then consider the following options:

1. Donate
Spread the love and blessings and donate it to those who are actually in need. From perishable items or other essential items (clothing, body care, etc), give your local Goodwill, shelter, church or other local organizations that accept donations a call. You can drop off the products yourself or some organizations even offer free pick-up services locally, such as - Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, AMVets, Pickup Please to name a few.

2. Regift
One man’s return can definitely be another’s treasure. So keep the package intact and in pristine condition so you can regift it to a friend or a loved one who will actually use and/or enjoy the gift. Saves you a trip (or a shipment) when a special occasion that calls for a gift is around the corner.

There are also several local/neighborhood “Buy Nothing” Facebook groups around the world. As of 2021, there are about 6,800 local “Buy Nothing Project” groups wherein it allows users to post, search and eventually trade one gift for another with no monetary implications, just gifting.

3. Resell
Earn a few extra bucks and sell it online. Whether it’s brand new items, slightly used or completely second-hand, there is an online platform out there for you to sell items you don’t need or want anymore. Some specialize in certain categories (clothes, furniture, plants or whatnot) so make sure to check so you can have a successful experience. Also, aim to deal with someone local to minimize shipment and additional travel.

Examples of online selling platforms: Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, Depop, ThredUp, GoodFair, Etsy and many more

4. Repurpose
If you can’t trade it for store credits or even return it completely, then make something new out of it. Get creative and repurpose that decorative pot into a storage container, a trash can or use it as a vessel for your next candle-making project. There are a lot of creative ways to up-cycle different products and all you need is creativity and a little bit of time on your hands. If all else fails and a home DIY project is just not on your book, then look for a local “Swap Market” where you can trade one item for another, you just might find something you absolutely love to swap.

This by no means implies that only these 4 alternatives are viable options. If you must, choose the most carbon-efficient way to make the return, such that consider dropping it off instead of shipping it back, if/while the shop is en route. The practice of mindfulness and the habit of living sustainably will go a long way in finding other options that work for you and your situation.