It’s 2020 now! So shopping sustainably should be at the top of our to-do list. With all the added waste that comes with excess packaging, overdone wrapping paper, and bows and ribbons of all kinds, it’s only fair to do our part, as small as it may seem. When it comes to finding the perfect gift for a friend, colleague, or significant other, there are some eco-friendly products that are readily available and less expensive than one might think. It’s time you put your money where it matters – on green gift items.
Here are seven practical eco-friendly gift ideas for those who care about making the world go green. These ideas prove you don’t have to sacrifice quality and style to show a little environmental responsibility (that goes a long way):
Eco-friendly Gift Idea #1 – Coffee Cups
Coffee culture in India has really taken off in recent years, but single-use coffee cups are awful for the environment. Despite being made predominantly from paper, they usually contain a plastic lamination and therefore can’t be composted. And then, of course, there are the plastic lids to think about. Hence here are some eco-friendly and reusable coffee cups! Switching to a reusable coffee cup is a great way to cut one’s plastic footprint. From stainless steel to tempered glass to ceramic cups, today there are a wide variety of materials to choose from.
Eco-friendly Gift Idea #2 – A Zero-waste Travel Kit
Travel is an integral aspect of all our lives. Do your loved ones wish to take their zero-waste journey along even when they’re traveling but don’t know where to begin? Creating a DIY zero waste travel kit for them is honestly easier than you may think. Once you have a few key items pulled together – a bamboo toothbrush, a soap, a handkerchief, lip butter & a foldable tote – assemble them in a small drawstring bag or a box. With elegant kit would be a great green gifting idea that reduces plastic waste and contributes to a healthier planet.
Eco-friendly Gift Idea #3 – Serving Trays
Who wouldn’t love trays with startling flowers & artistic images printed on them? Aesthetically beautiful wooden trays with vibrant pops of colors are attention-grabbing items that make your kitchen lively and please guests. More than just for serving the purpose, they are a great decorative item to add to your home. Moreover, being made from sustainable materials, they’re bound to be a hit as a practical gift item.
Eco-friendly Gift Idea #4 – A Yoga Mat
Know a wellness enthusiast who’s into yoga? Then there is no better gift for her than a really good, high-quality yoga mat. It’s like an avid cyclist getting their favorite bike or a runner, their favorite shoes. The mat is where one spends most of the time while exercising. So like a bed, it needs to feel good, provide the support one needs and serve its function well.
This is where an eco-friendly yoga mat comes in! Now your loved ones can pay complete attention to their workout; no longer thinking about what crazy chemical additives they might be planting their downward dog on when they’re trying to get into their zen zone.
Eco-friendly Gift Idea #5 – Travel-friendly Cutlery
More often than not, we end up at restaurants, parks and picnics, where either we don’t trust the cutlery to be clean, or it’s that horrible single-use disposable plastic cutlery, which is environmentally hazardous. Not to mention horrible to eat with. The solution?
Travel-friendly cutlery set made from eco-friendly bamboo. Takeaway cutlery is used once and tossed aside without a second thought. Gift your friends this bamboo cutlery set, and they won’t ever have to feel guilty about creating that plastic waste again. This reusable cutlery set even comes in a handy roll-up bag, so it’s easy to take anywhere. Plus it’s easy to clean and has a great texture.
Eco-friendly Gift Idea #6 – Organic Soaps
When buying gifts for a loved one who is part of the organic movement, you have to ensure you go for items that are naturally grown and devoid of chemicals. The secret to surprising the recipient is knowing which ingredients will most complement his/her skin. So, what better gift than a soap that works well with all skin and pore types?
An organic soap ensures your skin stays firm, smooth and rejuvenated. It has additional healing properties for skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and sunburn. Plus it comes in a wide array of scents, ranging from lavender to rose to orange. Organic soaps are made from natural ingredients so they are great for facial quality and for shaving too.
Eco-friendly Gift Idea #7 – Plant-based candles
As much as we love the sight of that flickering light and the sophisticated fragrance from our favorite scented candles, we can’t help but wonder: How will all that candle wax, colors and perfumes—dissolved into the air we breathe—affect us? What’s the price we pay for great ambiance?
When it comes to conventional candles, like the typical taper candles and tea lights, most are made from either animal fats or paraffin (petroleum waste), and the latter is awful for both the environment and us. Plant-based candles, on the other hand, are cleaner, have longer burn time, and are safer for your home and the environment. They’re drawn from the earth and give back to the planet and you. Maybe, you could use this as small-talk for the next time there’s a power outage.
So, there they are – seven different eco-friendly gift ideas! Remember, whatever gift you pick should match the personality and choice of the recipient. If you liked this post, give it a thumbs up and share it with your friends. And if you’d like to see more such cool ideas, then I highly recommend taking a look at the HappyShappy app, which is a discovery platform for India’s best products, trending ideas and creative inspiration.