This year, why not give a gift that doesn’t end up in a landfill. Give the gift of GREEN!
We are all trying to make the world a better place. And every little bit helps. This year we have started composting, we try and avoid buying plastic when we can and we really try not to buy bottled water when we go out (dammit sometimes I forget my water bottle, but I am getting better!).
With Christmas not far away, my thoughts have gone to what I’m buying for the family this year… and how I can make Christmas awesome whilst still thinking of being green. Here are some of my suggestions!
1. The Gift of Travel and Experience
Giving the gift of travel and experience means that there is no waste, and you are giving the gift of memories!
Websites to check out:
2. Reusable Bags
Yes we always leave our bags in the back of the car – it happens all the time (gah so hard to remember) – but if you can get some reusable bags that fold down to almost nothing, you can keep them in your handbag and thus – never forget!!!
We love these:
Bare & Co. Organised Pocket Shopper Tote
Chico Bag Reusable Product Bag Kit
Apple Green Duck – Jute Grocer Bag
3. Food Wraps, Bags, and Covers
The perfect way to store food in the fridge as a substitute for plastic wrap.
Food Cover – Red Gingham
Queen B Beeswax Assorted Wraps
We love these Queen B Beeswax Wraps (3 pack of large) from Biome Eco Store.
Bee Green Wraps Set
4. Gardening Must-Haves
We bought ourselves a composting bin only a few months ago and it has been life-changing with all of our food scraps now going into making great fertiliser for our vegetable patch.
Our Picks:
30m Retractable Hose Reel
Lime Potting Bench
Bokashi Compost Bin Kit
The Urban Composter Bokashi Bucket
Garden Tool Tote Bag
5. Personal Yet Practical Eco Gifts
Menstrual Cups
Sure, they are personal. But they save women so much money and they are very handy!
Our picks:
The Lunette
The Juju Clear Cup
Menstural Underwear
There great for the lighter days and save on money from using pads
Our pick:
Modi Body Period Underwear
Recycled Seamfree Bikini Moderate-Heavy
Other Personal Hygiene Products
Bamboo Toothbrush
Butterfly Safety Razor – Rose Gold
6. Bath and Beauty
The Australian Natural Soap Company – Beard Box
Dr Bronner’s Organic Lip Balm – Naked
Shampoo Bars or Solid Shampoo
Avoid buying plastic containers full of chemicals for your hair. Instead, try these beautiful and natural shampoo bars! No waste and gentle!
Skin Juice – Amazing Beautiful Mum Gift Box
7. Books on Sustainability
Down to Earth by Rhonda Hetzel
Rhonda Hetzel is a retired journalist and technical writer best known for her award-winning blog, ‘Down to Earth’. Full of handy hints and gentle, practical advice. Rhonda lives the simple life and shares in this book her many experiences on how to go about simplifying and starting your own Down to Earth life.
8. Slow Fashion
Fast fashion is one of the biggest contributors to waste and pollution. And although we can’t blame people for using and buying fast fashion (it’s okay, we’re not judging you!) and we have been wearing fast fashion for a long time, too, we’re also trying out best to shift slowly, too. If you want to shop from brands that use eco-friendly methods and promote sustainable fashion, here are our picks:
Boody
Biome
9. Go Second-hand:
We need to get rid of the ‘ick’ factor when it comes to second hand goods. Second hand is good for the environment and sustainable – so go have a look at your local Op Shop to see what they might have to offer.
Some ideas on gifts from a second hand store include:
- A great novel from an op shop
- Some retro cookware
- A vintage style velvet jacket
10. Travel Essentials
One of the many occasions where we use a looot of plastic is whenever we travel so bottles and other eco-friendly travel essentials will definitely be useful!