SUSTAINABLE SHOPPING AND GIFTING
Choose gifts that will last generations such as woollen blankets or pictures rather than disposable trends.
Opt for a 'one in, one out' rule for homewares and clothing - donate or sell a similar item when you're buying something new.
Buy pre-loved vintage books collectibles from Scottish sellers - local second hand bookshops and websites such as Oxfam books are good.
Heard of the 'three-use rule?' Only buy gifts that you know can be used at least three ways (eg a woollen blanket for bed, TV watching, picnics).
TRAVEL MORE SUSTAINABLY
Book to stay in an eco-friendly Scottish hotel - more and more hotels make a point of sourcing local food and some have sustainability certifications
Pack reusable cutlery, cups and thermos for road trips to avoid using single use plastics when visiting Scotland's remote areas
Try slow travel - try exploring by bike, bus, kayak, or on foot rather than always defaulting to the car
MAKE MORE ECO CHOICES AT HOME
Ditch synthetic throws for wool or cashmere made in Scotland as natural fibres are biodegradable and more sustainable.
Buy eco-friendly candles made with soy or beeswax - there are lots of local candlemakers such as Scott's Apothecary on Made Scotland
Have a 'Swap Night' - host a night where everyone swaps along a theme, you could try books, clothes, homewares, kids bikes etc instead of buying new.
Invest in a coffee grinder so you can grind your beans and ditch single-use pods if you're still using them
Grow herbs in your kitchen or garden - it's great fun and reduces packaging waste.
SUPPORT LOCAL FOOD BRANDS
Buy seasonal Scottish produce at farmer's markets - there's such good produce from all corners of Scotland
Choose local craft beers or spirits in returnable bottles as many Scottish breweries now offer deposit schemes.
Host a 'local-only' dinner party - you cook a meal using ingredients grown or made within 100 miles. Or take the pressure off and make it a pot luck supper so everyone brings a local dish or produce
INVEST IN SUSTAINABLE LUXURIES
Invest in a bespoke item such as tailored tweed or custom jewellery - this is a grea way of supporting traditional Scottish craftsmanship while also building up a longlasting wardrobe.
Swap fash fashion cashmere for etihcally sourced Scottish knitwear - look for brands like Johnstons of Elgin, Hawico or Ava Innes which you can find on Made Scotland.
Buy art directly from Scottish artists and galleries - this way you'll be supporting local creatives rather than mass-produced prints.
Repair your favourite items of clothing - find local tailors or cobblers to fix well-loved items of clothing instead of binning them.
MAKE LIFESTYLE TWEAKS
Join a library so you reduce the need to buy actual books and you'll be supporting your local library which is at the heart of your local community.
Switch to eco-friendly cleaning products - if you follow Scott's Apothecary on Instagram its founder Alice has loads of natural cleaning tips.
Find a make-do-and-mend workshop where you can learn skills such as clothes mending, upholstery mending and so on - The Remakery in Edinburgh is a good place for sewing workshops.
YOU CAN FIND A WIDE RANGE OF SUSTAINABLY-MADE SCOTTISH GIFTS AT WWW.MADESCOTLAND.COM CLICK TO SEE OUR COLLECTIONS NOW
