I’ve compiled a list of sustainable and reusable products, all of which I love and have recommended to my family and friends. Any of these products make excellent gifts for others, or yourself! My hope is that this list will help guide you to become a more responsible consumer. Whether you’ve already made the transition or are just getting started, the point is: you’re making the change, and a positive one at that.
– C L M
1. Socks
I don’t know about you, but when I’m short on time, I don’t always have the patience to sort through my sock drawer to find a matching pair. These make for a unique gift that is both quirky and comfy. Made from recycled cotton yarn, Solmate Socks reduce the amount of textiles entering our landfills, which take hundreds of years to decompose due to synthetic fibre such as polyester, acrylic, and rayon. Besides, how can you not love the color patterns they offer? So cute!
“Nova” Crew Socks, $20.00, Solmate Socks
2. Soy and Beeswax Candles
I wouldn’t want to burn chemicals around my family or pets, let alone inside the home. Unfortunately, some of the most popular candle companies have been known to use potent, cancer-causing paraffin wax to create their scents. I’ve included some personal favorites along with some other natural brands of candles that are safe for your home and will satisfy all your candle burning needs. Enjoy!
Amber & Moss from P.F. Candle Co., $28.00, P.F. Candle Co.
100% Pure Beeswax Tea Lights, $1.69, Pure Beeswax Candles
Mrs. Meyers Clean Day Soy Candle, $9.99, Mrs. Meyers
3. Glass Water Bottles
I’m a big fan of many water bottle brands, but Origin in particular stood out to me. It isn’t just BPA/BPS free, it is also free of PVC, Lead and Cadmium. Not only is it dishwasher safe, the bamboo bottle cap comes with a 90-day guarantee. Another reason why I like Origin is because the company has stated that it gives 2% of revenue to non-profit water well drilling in rural Ghana. So when you’re purchasing this water bottle, you’re not only purchasing it to hydrate yourself, but to hydrate others.
Here are some other reusable options to consider:
Origin Glass Water Bottle, $15.99, Amazon
20 oz. Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle, $37.95, Hydroflask
Collapsable Water Bottle, $24.95, Que
4. Sneakers
I had no idea that eco-friendly sneakers existed until one of my college friends introduced me to the brand called, Allbirds. I’m thrilled by this company and what they have been able to accomplish: washer-friendly sneakers, FSC certification, sugarcane used for the shoe sole, ZQ Merino wool, the list goes on. These merino wool sneakers are comfortable, breathable and moisture-wicking! No socks? No problem! They actually aren’t necessary with these sneakers.
Go check them out, you can thank me later!
Women’s Wool Runner “Tuke Jo (Natural Black), $95.00, Allbirds
5. Responsible Apparel
If you couldn’t tell, I’m a big advocate for sustainable, responsibly sourced and natural products. If you love the apparel designs by Ivory Ella as much as I do, just wait until you read about their mission statement: Ivory Ella donates a minimum of 10% of their profits to organizations such as Save the Elephants to help support their work. In addition to saving the elephants, Ivory Ella sources from vendors that operate and comply with global compliance standards, ensuring that their products are ethically made.
Moonstone Blue Expressions Long Sleeve Tee, $36.00, Ivory Ella
Plant These, Save the Bees Sweatshirt, $44.00, Wholesomeculture
6. Small Accessories
Here are few smaller gift ideas/accessories that are great for gradually introducing the people around you to develop more sustainable habits. Their compact size make great additions to gifts or as stocking stuffers.
The Original Reusable, Collapsible Straw, $24.95 FinalStraw
Stainless Steel 3-Layer Bento Lunch Box, $22.44, Amazon
Waxed Canvas Lunch Bag, $23.00, Amazon
Bee’s Wax Wrap 3 Pack, $18.00, Amazon
Organic Cotton Reusable Shopping Bag (3 Pack), $18.65, Simple Ecology
