Sustainable Gift Guide
In this article, I’m sharing my eco-friendly gift guide and some of my favorite sustainable companies that are worth supporting! I’m hoping this helps give you an easy gift guide for every person on your shopping list this holiday season. Shopping can be fun, and good for the planet!
What does sustainability mean?
Sustainability means that a company makes several ethical choices when it comes to creating their products. From coffee to your favorite skincare product, there are a variety of processes that have to happen from getting a product made and into your hands.
It starts with the materials. Where did those materials come from? Were they farmed or grown in a way that is good for the earth? Second, where were the materials assembled or brought together? Was it in a factory where the workers are paid fairly and have good working conditions? All of these steps play an important role in whether or not a product is sustainable.
Choosing to give sustainable gifts tells the person you are thinking about them, and their future well-being. By choosing to spend your money on sustainable gifts, you can communicate to the retail industry that transparency is a value you are willing to spend on.
There are a few organizations that make it easier to spot sustainable retail items. Organizations like the EWG, Fair Trade Certified, B Corp, Leaping Bunny Chemical Footprint Project all monitor the sustainability efforts of other companies. are a few of the top certification companies that require high sustainability standards in order to obtain their certification.
With that, let the eco-friendly gifting begin!
Sustainable Gifts for Women
Beautycounter- Beautycounter has great gifts for the skin care obsessed, the makeup lover, and the product minimalist as well. A few of my favorites this season are this eye shadow palette, the jellies, and our Glow Getters Trio (in fully-recyclable glass packaging).
Knickey’s High Rise Briefs in Midnight Moon
Dudley Stephens- Founded by two sisters and manufactured right here in the USA, Dudley Stephens re imagined the fleece jacket with more feminine silhouettes and made from recycled yarn. I’m currently crushing on the Park Slope.
All Birds- Shoes made of wool from sheep that are treated right, plus the laces are made from recycled bottles, and recycled cardboard in the packaging.
Knickey- Women’s underwear made from sustainably sourced organic cotton, they keep toxins out of your body, and out of the waste supply.
Everlane– I am a huge fan of the way this company does sustainability. Each factory is posted on their website with the number of employees, photos, and a description of how it is ethical. They prioritize making sure that their workers are treated well and paid fairly. Everlane goes the extra mile by also sharing how much each product costs to manufacture. Fun clothes for women like this recycled cashmere sweater.
Rothy’s- This company makes shoes for women and kids from recycled water bottles, merino wool, and recycled foam. They strive for zero waste in their manufacturing, and offers sustainable packaging too.
Sustainable Gifts for Men
Men’s Travel Toiletry Set by Beautycounter
Men’s Parka from Everlane, made from 64 recycled bottles
Nisolo Tech Pouch and Sunglasses- In addition to creating ethically sourced fashions and paying their employees fair wages, this company is working to get MORE regulations in the fashion industry to help define sustainability, and reduce environmental impact.
Everlane Men’s Parka
Sustainable Gifts for Kids
Rothy’s for Girls in Mocha Spot
Artifact Uprising Baby Book- The photo gifts on this website are beautiful, and printed on recycled papers and reclaimed materials, all made in the USA.
SoJo Moccasins- Buy a pair of these cute little baby shoes, and register them on the company’s website. When your little one, outgrows his or her shoes, send them back, and they’ll send you a NEW pair, and donate your old ones.
Sustainable Gifts for Home
SUX Straws-By now you’ve probably heard that straws are the trash that’s most commonly found on beaches around the world, and its dangerous to wildlife. Each SUX straw comes in a chic stainless steel carrying case, so you actually can remember to throw it in your bag on your way out the door. Even better, a portion of profits goes to charities whose mission is to help keep our oceans clean.
Purify Soap
Purify Soap Co- made from Kisameet Clay, and hand harvested by the indigenous peoples of the area, Purify Soap is made from clay and essential oils, and it not only smells great, but also helps to heal a variety of skin conditions.
Beeswax Candle- After honey harvest, the combs in many places go unused. These guys collect unused honeycombs and handcraft candles!
For the Food Lover
Acabonac Farms Beef- This company raises cattle on the East End of Long Island, and works to replant native grasses while raising their animals. They strive to use the whole animal, and offer all the parts for sale on their website.
The Honest Bison-This company ranches bison in a holistic way to maintain and rebuild the natural flora of its areas, and keep the water supply free of things that don’t belong there.
Cedar Grilling Wraps from Barebones-This is a certified B Corp, which means their products are good for people and the planet.
AlterEgo Chocolate Gift Baskets- This is a gift I can get behind. They are a certified B corp, whose mission is to is to pioneer a full circle approach to eating, farming, and doing business – and to inspire others to do the same.