To expect people to stop buying me plastic-packaged gifts?

[CoralFish]

I know I am, but I just want to sound off! I have always been interested in moving towards a more 'zero-waste' lifestyle and now kids are older and in the post- Blue Planet 2 environment little steps towards this seem more and more achievable.

I have chatted to friends about the steps I'm taking, but it was my birthday last week and more than one friend has given me toiletries in plastic bottles as a present. I know they know what I'm trying to do, but I can't keep going on about it (because that would be boring and annoying and possibly rude). I specifically mentioned that I had asked my family for no presents for reducing waste reasons, and assumed that they would infer from this that I didn't want them to get me anything either. I really hope that they didn't get me things because they felt sorry for me not getting anything (CRINGE!)

Anyway, not really AIBU because I know I am!

You know you are. I applaud your efforts but you can't police what other people do. Just buy them low-waste presents and the universe is balanced!

Perhaps tell people that from now on, you don't want gifts as you're moving to a low waste lifestyle. Maybe suggest a donation to an eco charity instead?

I don't want to tell people I don't want gifts as then it sounds like I was expecting a gift from them and/or I am not grateful for things I've received in the past! (I'm probably overthinking this!)

That's a good way of looking at it MrsT - that makes me feel better about it!

Well, you can't move to a zero waste lifestyle then. Plus everyone likes getting gifts.

In my experience most people buy presents they would like. So no doubt they've bought you toiletries they would like. When it's your birthday you can buy them low-waste stuff that you would like.

*when it's their birthday

YANBU, toiletries I can handle but I can't stand plastic tat gifts, id rather have nothing.