Do you have friends and family on your list that you know are eco-conscious? It seems that more and more people are turning the corner and making extra efforts to reduce their carbon footprint these days. If your friends and family are too, a thoughtful way to show you care this holiday season is by giving gifts that are in alignment with their environmental and social values. This helps you and the giftee feel great and lowers your carbon footprint! Buying products with organic fibers or ingredients, and products that are locally made whenever you can, are great rules of thumb for greener gifting. Here are some ideas for eco-friendly holiday gifts.
1. Give All-Natural, Organic and Cruelty Free Green Beauty Products. Keep in mind that the term “natural” does not speak directly to the environmental benefits of a product or the manufacturer’s commitment to environmental practices. Before gifting skin or beauty products, visit the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep database, which enables you to see how products rank in terms of health and safety. All of our products are safe bets for spa and skin care gifts, check out our selection of aromatherapy and organic bath and body products and especially our aromatherapy gift sets.
2. Give re-usable gifts that help them be more green! Hydros Bottles are re-usable BPA-free plastic water bottles with built-in filters that can greatly reduce plastic waste. Hydros donates $1 from every sale to providing clean drinking water to a village in Cameroon. For more information go to http://www.hydrosbottle.com. Another great green gift is the Esse Reusable Bags’ complete reusable shopping bag system called the Carryall Tote –6 different bags in 1 convenient tote. They also have some of the most stylish reusable bags I’ve seen so far. You can check it out at their site: http://www.esselife.com.
3. Handmade gifts. No one will appreciate a handmade gift more than your truly eco-minded. Consider baking something or canning some fruit preserves. Crocheting, knitting, or sewing something is also a touching way to stay low-impact and show you care, especially if you use organic or recycled fibers. Or make your own lotions or soaps – include some essential oils, to add a delicious scent and make them therapeutic as well! You can’t go wrong with Lavender or citrus essential oils.
4. Buy Fair Trade and Local Goods. Key product aspects to keep an eye out for are Fair Trade and Local. Buying products with organic fibers or ingredients and buying local products whenever you can are great rules of thumb for greener gifting. Fair trade coffee, nuts, chocolate or fruit make great gifts as does a basket of locally produced artisanal breads and cheeses!
Good stuff! Thanks for this update.