25 Eco-Friendly Gifts for the Holidays
Love being eco-friendly? Love the holidays? Why not do both!
Sierra Club Green Home has compiled a list of 25 Eco-Friendly Gifts for the holidays. From wind powered chargers to tree logs that play iPods. Not only are these ideas and gadgets cool, but they’re a great way to decrease your carbon footprint.
____________________________________________________________________ 1. Donate to a good cause
Your option of eco-friendly or preferred organizations is truly endless. Pick an organization that you really believe in or that the receiver of the gift enjoys and make the donation in their name.
2. Hand in Hand serving tools
These serving utensils would make an interesting and a sustainable gift. They are made out of bamboo and come in recyclable packaging.
3. Give the gift of life.
If you are looking for extra ways to decrease your carbon footprint planting a tree might be just the right fit for you. Planting a tree is not only an interactive experience, but it’s a great way to note a special day like a birthday, baby’s first Christmas, or an anniversary. Most tree purchases are made as a donation to non-profit organizations.
4. Organic make-up
Purchase products that are marked cruelty-free (not tested on animals), organic, eco-certified, and made out of recycled content. Also, look for products marked paraben-free. Parabens, similar to phthalates,have been reported by the Food and Drug Administration to cause tumors, hormone malfunction, and other health issues.
5. Recycled jewelry
Recycled jewelry has a unique vibe and it’s environmentally friendly. Recycling and reusing resources like gems, wood, and metal decreases the need to harvest virgin resources.
6. Bike chain bottle openers
If your friend enjoys cycling and hosting parties, then this is an excellent gift. The tops of bottle openers can be customized by logo and color. Who ever said bikes aren’t welcome at the dinner table?
7. Solar powered shaver
We have heard of organic shaving creams and recycled plastic shaving grips. Add a new member to your personal hygiene family, a solar powered shaver. This shaver has all the operating mechanisms of a conventional electric shaver, but it produces its own energy. When not in use, simply lay the shaver on a windowsill and charge away.
8. Eco-Friendly Furniture
Eco-friendly furniture comes in all shapes, sizes, and materials. Many pieces can be used indoors and outdoors. Sustainable furniture is a unique way to spice up a new room in your home or to give as a present.
9. Recycled Art
Who ever thought that a Frankenstein art piece could be environmentally friendly? This piece is created out of various scrap metals and plastics. If you are looking to purchase something like this, buy from a local artist in person or online. We recommend visiting your local art college or district to inquire about possible sales.
10. Reusable Wrapper Bag
Candy wrappers, metallic juice packs, and chip bags are actually non-recyclable. However, many companies are collected and reusing these wrappers by creating fashionable reusable bags. An excellent example is Terra Cycle.
11. JVC Bonsai Speakers
Good music and good air quality out of the same product, who would have thought? These speakers are sure an interesting conversation piece. Speakers come without vegetation, so feel free to add your favorite plant.
12. Laptop Charger
It’s true, sometimes our office equipment is not as green as it should be. The solar charger is very compact and can be used to charge various small electronic devices.
13. Aero Garden
The Aero Garden gives you the convenience of having fresh herbs all year round just an arm’s reach away. This hydroponic system requires no soil or growth hormones. Seeds and all required accessories are sold together.
14. Hymini Wind Charger
This great little gadget can charge small appliances, similar to the standard mobile laptop charger. Currently, this model is the only wind charger of its kind on the market.
15. Blade tailpipe attachment
This is a great gift those who are striving to reduce their carbon emissions, especially those associated with their vehicles. The Blade is a tailpipe filter that is collects and reduces a vehicle’s CO2 and particle emissions
16. Feel Goodz
Feel Goodz is a company which manufactures 100% natural rubber and 100% recyclable eco-friendly flip flops. Not only that, but these flip flops are biodegradable.
17. Sony’s ODO
These little gadgets are new to the sustainability market. They run by kinetic energy and can be used to charge a variety of devices.
18. The Wood iPod Speaker
This iPod dock is one of a kind. This system is built entirely inside a wooden log. The dock is a great piece that brings the outdoor charm indoors.
These boards are made out of eco-friendly materials like bamboo. The company states that the bamboo is a better choice for such high action boards because it handles impacts better than the conventional wood. The adhesives associated with the manufacturing process of these boards is low in VOCs.
20. Typewriter Cuffs
What a unique gift? These cuff links are custom made using the old fashioned keys of a type writer. You may choose whatever keys or initials you prefer. This eco-gift is a definite promoter of “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.”
21. Recycled Computer Parts
When recycling computers, many new gadgets can be made from the scrap metals. If you enjoy a contemporary and creative décor, then you may want to look into recycled computer art. The options are endless; mother boards can be made into picture frames, jewelry boxes, coasters, and much, much more.
22. Keyboard Bag
Ever wonder what happens to a computer keyboard when it gets thrown away? This full functioning red purse is made out of reclaimed keys. An excellent present for a tech geek or an avid environmentalist.
23. Compact Adventure Tool
If you are a big fan of the great outdoors, this is gadget is a must have. It’s very compact device which includes a variety of tools. With this device you will never lose direction or time!
24. Kids Konserve
If your present is going to a child, consider investing in an eco-friendly and healthy lunch pack. Kids Konserve is a company which provides you with BPA-free and renewable products.
25. A Green Read
If you are looking for a great read and some relaxation time, indulge in an environmentally friendly read. Some of these eco-educational books are even printed with sustainable inks and on recycled paper.
Other Considerations
- If you are looking to gift an interactive present, consider gifting an experience. Instead of shopping for a material based item give an annual National Park pass, schedule a hike or a tour of a cool spot, etc. This is a great way to spend time with your friends and family!
SCGH is not endorsing these items as we have not tested or inspected them. Look for other great items in our Green Directory.
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O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree…
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December 17th, 2009 at 1:54 am
Excellent list. I just bought my mom an entire set of organic towels and bed linens! I really hope she enjoys their comfort and what they stand for.
December 17th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
This is such a great list. I really like the wind charger. I wonder how many watts it produces?!
December 17th, 2009 at 3:35 pm
To be truly green with you presents, it’s best to give experiences and antiques instead of purchasing more newly manufactored stuff.
December 17th, 2009 at 3:51 pm
I have been using your website all winter season! From installation to Christmas trees to recycling to composting to gifts! I mean, this is such a large variety of articles that it’s very very easy and helpful! I have been trying sooo hard to green my home, office, and community. Thanks.
December 17th, 2009 at 3:52 pm
What are some eco-friendly pet gifts? Is there BPA free toys and hemp toys? Thanks.
December 17th, 2009 at 3:53 pm
Yes, they are a bunch of options for your pets. I would recommend organic cat nip if you have cats and little rolling bells always work! They’re hard to break and literally last forever (avoid the plastic type). Also, I advise you to purchase organic and eco-friendly pet snack and pet food. They have an article on pet care… just search it. Good luck.
PS: love the article
December 17th, 2009 at 5:56 pm
I actually own an iPOD log dock. It works really well, but you still have all the mechanics instead… so I guess it’s not 100% green but pretty inspiring by appearance.
December 18th, 2009 at 4:32 am
i am also writing the blog bamboo home decor for encouraging the environmental, that article is pretty cool and the products there are also excellent!
December 18th, 2009 at 11:39 am
LOVE THIS ARTICLE!
December 18th, 2009 at 11:51 am
This is a great list with some wonderful companies! Another great company I discovered for gifts is Sustainable Sourcing https://secure.sustainablesourcing.com. They have these beautiful organic gift sets (I found one with Himalayan sea salt and organic peppercorns and another with massage stones and bath crystals) that are all made by Green-e certified wind power and they donate 5% of their profits to environmental causes.
December 18th, 2009 at 2:15 pm
My boyfriend LOVES this kind of stuff- great list!!
December 21st, 2009 at 12:13 pm
I love this article! These are really cool items that I’m definitely going to check out for gifts for my family and friends.
December 21st, 2009 at 5:06 pm
Some of these are super cool! I really enjoyed this article. Thanks.
December 21st, 2009 at 5:06 pm
Cool stuff! I should forward this to my family to give them a little hint!
December 21st, 2009 at 5:10 pm
Some of this stuff is way too weird. Most of it is really cool though. I really like the solar-powered laptop charger. I wonder if it would work on my Macbook Air?
December 22nd, 2010 at 12:36 pm
Great ideas. I will use this list with others like it to send my gifts. Sorry I have sent my Christmas gifts earlier but will use this list for sure from now on.
December 11th, 2011 at 6:03 pm
It’s actually a cool and useful piece of information. I am satisfied that you shared this helpful information with us. Please stay us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.