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What’s your favorite holiday? One that doesn’t cost the planet anything?
Whatever the season, there’s always the opportunity to do a little sustainable giving! While holidays (birthdays, Christmas etc.) are a great excuse to break from diets, school, and work, they’re not an excuse to break from our sustainable efforts.
Climate change doesn’t go on holiday vacation.
And the biggest perpetrator during the holiday season surprisingly isn’t travel emissions. It’s gift-giving, and the over-consumptive theme of modern holidays.
The sad reality is, we don’t even want (let alone need) a lot of the stuff we end up getting.
Then there’s the association between the monetary value of the gift and the perceived value of the relationship… which shouldn’t be the case.
We think, as cliche as it sounds, it’s the thought that counts.
So we set out to find the best eco friendly gifts for him and her that truly say “I care about you (and the future of our planet)”.
1. T-SHIRTS
Eco tees? Yes please!
T-shirts are a wardrobe staple, and while some people certainly have plenty in their closets already, your loved one may very well be in need of a new tee or two. Ladies, if your man insists on wearing the same holey and stained tees day after day, this one’s for you.
Our go-to is The Classic T-Shirt Company. If the name doesn’t tell you why this brand is an eco-friendly favorite, then consider that all their tees are made entirely from GOTS certified organic cotton and in adherence to fair trade principles.
And if it wasn’t already obvious, they’re style is, well…classic. Which means they’ll go with any outfit. Since the biggest factor of sustainable fashion (and a capsule wardrobe) is durability and the ability to replace lots of other garments, this one’s a real winner.
2. UNDERWEAR OR LINGERIE
Socks have become somewhat of a cliche Christmas gift (though not necessarily an unwanted one if they’re eco friendly socks), so why not put a little spin on the holiday essentials by giving a pair of ethical underwear.
Underwear as a gift?! Are we serious?
As serious as silk (as long as it’s cruelty free, that is).
Think about it: everyone (nudists aside) needs underwear and it’s usually the item we run out of first, forcing us to do laundry. So, giving more underwear will reduce the number of times they flip the switch on the washing machine.
Start by checking out WAMA’s organic hemp and organic cotton panties for that special someone who loves to lounge in a bit of luxury.
Or Organics Basics if your giftee is an active person. Their design is heat-regulating, anti-bacterial, and odor-controlling (don’t worry, they’re certifiably non-toxic).
Of course, if you’re looking for an intimate eco friendly anniversary and Valentine’s Day gift, some sustainable lingerie (like that from Reformation) says, “You’re sexy and so is saving the planet.” Ooh la la!
3. SUNGLASSES
Escaping the cold and snow this holiday season for a vacay somewhere sunny? Then gift your loved one a new pair of sustainable sunglasses abto sport while relaxing on the beach (just don’t forget the reef safe sunscreen, too!).
There are two brands that we think shine particularly bright, both in a stocking and on the sand.
Pela Vision makes bioplastic sunglasses that are 100% biodegradable (!). How? By using all-natural flax combined with bioplastic (a material they call Flaxetate). Now that’s some flax-tastic sun protection.
And Pala eyewear is great for a classic yet understated feel. Their biodegradable frames come from unique materials like recycled skateboards, FSC-certified sustainably-sourced wood, and recycled aluminum. They also have a few bioplastic models, made from biodegradable cotton-based acetate.
To put the shining star on these brands, both give back to causes like ocean cleanup and donate glasses to those in need.
4. PLAN A DAY OUT TOGETHER
Give the most environmentally friendly gift of all – time!
The best gifts are those you can share together. Maybe it’s a day out harvesting fruit at an orchard or berry picking. Maybe it’s a bike ride, a few games of golf, or a hike with a self-made picnic. Maybe it’s take-out at their favorite restaurant and a drive-in movie. Using Built-in Windows recover adobe audition file 8 Recovery Tools
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If you’re looking for eco friendly anniversary or Valentine’s gifts, make it something a little more romantic, like going dancing followed by a nice, private candle-lit dinner. Even though sustainble and ethical jewelery can make for some great birthday bling, a doting day with your true love is honestly the best.
Not only can these be inexpensive eco friendly gifts, but they can also be practically free! Being on a tight budget doesn’t mean you can’t give something memorable and treasured.
5. A NIGHT FOR TWO AT AN AIRBNB GETAWAY
If you want to give more than just a gift certificate for dinner, give a night they’ll never forget. Eco friendly travel gifts don’t have to be big and extravagant, after all.
This idea is especially great for busy couples who maybe don’t get the chance to spend much quality time together. If they have kids, volunteer to babysit while they’re gone to truly take away all the stress that comes from planning a getaway.
AirBnB has tons of unique (and eco friendly!) housing options, from tiny houses and yurts to an Earthship. To add a little something extra, you can even find retreats that offer additional activities, from horseback riding to rafting.
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