Fifteen eco-friendly presents, guaranteed to be practical and beneficial for the environment
In the spirit of the upcoming holiday season, consumerism has been under scrutiny for its negative impacts on holiday cheer, particularly regarding waste and ethics. However, a shift towards underconsumption and sustainable shopping has become increasingly popular, with people using their dollars to make a difference at the individual level.
The trend of sustainable shopping, which gained momentum on the internet in 2024, is a tangible way to get involved in addressing climate change and pollution. One can choose eco-friendly options that are not only environmentally responsible but also often durable and come from ethical sources.
For nature lovers, eco-friendly subscription boxes like Earthlove and Blueland offer fair trade, sustainable, cruelty-free products with low-impact packaging and carbon-neutral shipping. Earthlove supports environmental nonprofits, while Blueland provides customizable zero-waste cleaning kits featuring plastic-free, refillable cleaning products and compostable packaging.
Sustainable kids' toys and craft kits made from natural materials like FSC-certified wood, beeswax crayons, and recycled paper promote safe, eco-friendly play and creativity.
Reusable and zero-waste household items such as Swedish dishcloths, beeswax food wraps, stainless steel water bottles, and bamboo utensils help reduce plastic waste. Eco-conscious fashion and home accessories like reusable tote bags, organic skincare, sustainable fashion accessories, upcycled home decor, biodegradable stationery, and artisanal wellness products made from materials like organic cotton, bamboo, recycled wood, and plant-based wax are also popular choices.
Practical sustainable gifts for men include outdoor compost bins, wooden laptop stands, eco-friendly safety razors designed for lifetime use, water filters to reduce chlorine, and wool slippers that are both comfortable and sustainable.
Premium eco-friendly gifts include items made from recycled plastic bottles, such as a matching workout set or a comforter. Affordable sustainable gift ideas include dishwasher-safe sandwich bags.
As extreme weather exacerbates the climate crisis, many people are looking for ways to help, including shopping and gifting sustainably. By choosing eco-friendly options, we can collectively minimise waste, reduce our ecological footprint, and contribute to a greener future.
Plastic in the ocean can have deadly effects on marine life, interfere with the ocean's ability to sequester carbon, and even end up in our drinking water. Single-use plastic has a lifespan of just 12 minutes before being discarded, and plastic dumped in the ocean contributes to the eight million metric tons of plastic that are dumped every year.
The concept of carbon footprints was created and popularized by BP, a major corporate carbon contributor. However, by making conscious choices in our shopping and gifting, we can help combat the negative impacts of consumerism and work towards a more sustainable future. The documentary "A Plastic Ocean" on Netflix, viewed six years ago, significantly influenced the author's lifestyle, demonstrating the power of media in raising awareness and inspiring change.
Let's make this holiday season a sustainable one by choosing eco-friendly gifts that not only bring joy but also contribute to a greener and cleaner planet.
- The internet, a powerful tool, accelerated the trend of sustainable shopping in 2024, offering eco-friendly options for consumers.
- Subscription boxes like Earthlove and Blueland, available online, provide sustainable, cruelty-free products that support environmental nonprofits and offer low-impact packaging.
- Sustainable living extends to kids' toys and craft kits, which use materials like FSC-certified wood, beeswax crayons, and recycled paper.
- Reducing plastic waste at home can be achieved through the use of reusable items such as Swedish dishcloths, beeswax food wraps, and bamboo utensils, all of which can be found online.
