If you're someone who likes to live an eco-friendly lifestyle, why not consider incorporating some sustainable gifts into your gift-giving this year? From wrapping and packaging to the emissions from shipping to novelty gifts that are largely single-use (or never used), so much waste is created during the gifting season. And while you can't combat all of that yourself, you can be the change you want to see by focusing on sustainable gift-giving and taking some of the guilt out of the gift-buying process.
There are so many companies out there that have made sustainability a core part of their business, and we're totally here for it. For a product to be deemed “sustainable,” it means that some part of the process to make that product has to be good for the environment, whether in the packaging or materials used to make it.
So whether you're shopping for your dad, your brother, your best friend, or anyone, really, we've found the best gift ideas that are sustainable or promote eco-friendly ideals. After all, the holiday gifting season comes and goes each year, but we've only got one planet!
Allbirds’ popular running shoes are beloved for their comfort. That’s because they’re made from breathable, moisture-wicking merino wool that makes for a cozy and supportive pair of kicks.
But they’re supportive of the planet, too: By using natural fibers, these shoes require 60% less energy to manufacture than synthetic shoes, and the laces are even made from recycled bottles.
House plants will love these beautiful, lightweight cork planters. Naturally antimicrobial, cork keeps soil aerated and healthy. It's designed to last for years, but both the cork planters and the rice-husk saucers are biodegradable and recyclable. So whether they're perfecting their herb garden, have a plant they tend to like a pet, or just follow the pull of their green thumb wherever it goes, these planters will have their back.
Food Huggers may be little, but they make a big difference! These reusable silicone food wraps stretch to fit around any leftovers (even open cans), eliminating the need for plastic storage bags or wraps. And given that the average household wastes hundreds of dollars' worth of food every year, they'll save money, too.
The plant lover in your life will love this minimalist indoor garden. All they need to do is put their potted plants on the stand, and then the LED grow light takes care of the rest. Its timer is set at 16 hours on and 8 hours off, designed for maximum photosynthesis.
Music lovers appreciate how amazing these earbuds sound, with one jamming reviewer noting, “All registers, low, mids, and highs sound powerful and clear.”
Earth lovers will swoon over the Forest Stewardship Council-certified wood casing, the recycled aluminum features, and the fact that House of Marley donates a portion of its profits to global reforestation. As one reviewer emphasized: “I really love all the recycled packaging and material of the buds themselves.”
Everyone needs at least one on-the-go water bottle, and this sustainable gift is a classic for a reason. Inside and out, Klean Kanteen designs its bottles to the highest environmental safety standards, and they're durable enough to last a lifetime. Plus, its powerful insulation keeps cold drinks cold and warm drinks warm for hours.
For the person who loves their skincare routine but hates the waste, reusable eye masks are the solution. They're meant to be used with their favorite serums, creams, or gels, and the 100% medical-grade silicone promises maximum absorption.
Best of all, Dieux's testing found these masks lasted a full year of daily use before the logo started to fade, so they're built to last.
When infants and toddlers get to their “I can do it myself” phase, dinnertime starts to get messy. The little ones will love having their very own plate with all their favorite snacks, and parents will be thankful for the suction cups that keep this silicone mat firmly in place.
No chemical worries here, either, as it’s free from BPA, BPS, PVC, latex, and phthalates, in addition to being safe for the dishwasher and microwave.
Stasher's food-grade silicone storage bags are the gift that keeps on giving. They're perfect for everything from marinating dinner, making sous vide, and freezing leftovers. Plus, they're easy to clean, making them reusable, unlike wasteful single-use plastic bags. Designed with a pinch-lock, these sustainable gifts replace disposable plastic bags once and for all.
All gardeners understand the value of rich soil, which is why an indoor food composter makes such a great gift. This one is made from durable, sustainably grown bamboo and makes at-home composting super easy. Sending less waste to landfills and more nutrients to their flower bed will bring perennial joy.
Wary of single-use food wraps made of synthetic materials? Organic cotton coated with beeswax, tree resin, and jojoba oil makes one amazing food wrap, and these can last up to a year with repeated washing. Bee's Wraps, handmade with sustainably harvested materials, are a sustainable gift that will certainly reduce the need for plastic products in any home.
You may have seen these trendy metal straws like these all over and wondered what the deal is. Well, you see, single-use plastics are out, and Earth-friendly, BYO utensils like these reusable straws are in. And with good reason: They don't contribute to landfills and ocean waste or harm marine wildlife.
The stainless steel will last a lifetime, and even though they’re dishwasher-safe, the handy cleaning brush will keep them looking brand-new.
Everything about Blueland's cleaning supplies creates a cleaner, healthier home. This starter kit covers the bathroom, general surfaces, and glass and mirrors; simply fill the reusable bottles with water and add the cleaning tablets.
All of their ingredients are cruelty-free, have an EPA Safer Choice rating, and refills are totally affordable at only $2 each.
Wool dryer balls make a great gift for anyone who is working on creating a greener home. Not only do they replace disposable dryer sheets by softening clothes and reducing static cling, but they can also actually reduce drying time, saving a bit on energy bills, too. You can even add a dash of lavender or other essential oils to the wool balls to add a bit of fragrance to your finished laundry!
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Inspiring Words For Trying Times
No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference by Greta Thunberg
15
Inspiring Words For Trying Times
No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference by Greta Thunberg
At age 15, Greta Thunberg decided to skip class one day to draw attention to the world's climate crisis. From there, Thunberg's activism has inspired millions, and she has since addressed the United Nations and been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize.
If anyone on your list needs some motivation for living a more sustainable lifestyle, this collection of speeches will surely do the trick.
Earth-friendly and efficient, these Swedish dishcloths can replace sponges and paper towels, drastically reducing waste in any home. Super absorbent, one cloth equals 15 rolls of paper towels!
They're durable enough for repeated runs in the laundry, and when they're all used up, they're biodegradable, making them a zero-waste wonder.
Disposable razors aren’t just rough on skin, they’re rough on the planet. Bambaw’s beautiful metal safety razors will last a lifetime, with only the blades needing to be replaced as needed. They’ll get a close shave without all the waste of disposable plastic razors. Such a smart, sustainable addition to any beauty routine.
For the runners or hikers on your list, BioLite's headlamp is a treat. Designed for comfort, the moisture-wicking headband is thin but adjustable so it won't slip.
Best of all: No clunky batteries are required. It's rechargeable with a micro USB and can last up to 40 hours on one charge.
Any surface can become a nonstick baking sheet with Silpat’s food-grade silicone mat. This reusable mat replaces the need for parchment paper, foil, or even the oil they’d usually use to grease their pans. To clean it, just lay it flat in the dishwasher, and it’ll be ready for reuse.
If you thought S’well water bottles were great, wait until you see this food container in action. The BPA-/BPS-free inner bowl fits snugly in the insulating outer bowl, and the whole system seals up tight to keep lunch or snacks at the perfect temperature. They’ll never go back to single-use plastics with this stylish bowl in their cabinet.
Michael Natale is the news editor for Best Products, covering a wide range of topics like gifting, lifestyle, pop culture, and more. He has covered pop culture and commerce professionally for over a decade. His past journalistic writing can be found on sites such as Yahoo! and Comic Book Resources, his podcast appearances can be found wherever you get your podcasts, and his fiction can’t be found anywhere, because it’s not particularly good.