We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.
Introduction
It’s that time of year where we’re all thinking about Christmas presents, but it can be hard to find things that are sustainable as well as interesting. So here are some ideas for presents that will last, help the environment and make people smile!
LED fairy lights
LED fairy lights are the perfect sustainable Christmas present. They use less energy, last longer and are safer for the environment.
This season, you can make a positive impact on both your wallet and the environment by using LED fairy lights instead of traditional Christmas lights.
LED lights use 90% less energy than traditional bulbs do, which means they’re more efficient in terms of conserving electricity. This makes them cheaper to run and more environmentally friendly in the long run. Also, there’s no mercury content in LEDs—the toxic element found in fluorescent lighting that has been linked to serious health problems such as cancer or birth defects.
Bamboo toothbrush
Bamboo is a sustainable resource. It grows quickly, and it can be harvested without harming the plant. Since bamboo is a grass, it keeps growing after you cut it down, so you don’t have to worry about deforestation when taking care of your teeth.
One of my favorite things about bamboo toothbrushes is that they are biodegradable: instead of adding more plastic waste to landfills or oceans, your used toothbrush will biodegrade within six months while releasing some CO2 into the atmosphere—not enough to make an impact on climate change but still something! Finally, bamboo has been shown to clean teeth just as well as plastic ones do; in fact, one study found that it even outperforms nylon bristle brushes (though for posterity’s sake I must note that there were only 5 participants).
Caramelised onion chutney
Caramelised onion chutney is a great choice for any foodie. It’s easy to make in advance and keeps for up to a week in the fridge, so you can share with friends and family whenever they need a treat.
It’s delicious served with cheese and crackers or on sandwiches. You can also use it as an ingredient in soups—it adds a rich sweetness that makes your next meal feel more luxurious.
A secondhand book
If you’re feeling too lazy to shop, or just want something that will last beyond the holiday season, secondhand bookstores and libraries are a great resource. Old books are often sold for next to nothing, and you can find some amazing finds at garage sales or in used bookstores. Some of my favorites include:
- Harry Potter Books 1-7 – You may have seen these books on sale at your local grocery store. If not, check out any book store in your area – they’re sure to be there!
- The Complete Works of William Shakespeare – A staple on every high school student’s reading list (and many college students as well), this massive collection offers an intriguing look into what it was like living during Shakespeare’s time period.
- The Adventures of Tom Sawyer – Another classic novel by Mark Twain (of Huckleberry Finn fame).
Butterfly pea flower tea
It’s been said that butterfly pea flowers are the “world’s most beautiful tea.” They grow naturally in Malaysia, India, and Sri Lanka and they have a unique way of folding their petals when they bloom, which causes them to look like butterflies in flight. The resulting bloom has a lovely blue hue that makes it look like a butterfly wing or fairy dust. Though they grow in tropical climates and can be difficult to cultivate outside of their native region, they can still be grown indoors as long as you provide ample sunlight during the day (a south-facing window is ideal).
Butterfly pea flowers are environmentally friendly too: because they only grow about one yard high at most, there is no need for pesticides or herbicides on your property if you decide to plant them yourself; instead of using chemicals to kill weeds around your plants, just pull up any unwanted vegetation by hand! And since these beautiful little blooms don’t require much water during their growing season (they’re drought tolerant), this means less runoff from rainstorms ending up in nearby rivers or streams during heavy storms – helping reduce pollution caused by runoff entering our waterways over time.
Body lotion in a bottle made from recycled plastic.
This body lotion in a bottle is made from recycled plastic, so it’s reusable and reduces waste. The cap on the bottle can be used for shampoo, conditioner and shower gel.
You can also give your loved ones the gift of clean water this Christmas by making a donation to charity: water at everycheckout.org
Reusable coffee cup
Reusable coffee cups are a great eco-friendly alternative to disposable ones. Made from silicone or stainless steel, you can use them again and again to make your favorite morning beverage, and they’ll last for years!
Here are some reasons why a reusable coffee cup is better for the environment than a disposable one:
- Reusable coffee cups are made from materials that won’t leach harmful chemicals into your drink. Unlike plastic, silicone and stainless steel won’t break down over time—meaning no unwanted additives will end up in your latte.
- Reusable cups allow you to skip additional packaging waste each time you order your favorite beverage at cafes or restaurants (which makes it easier for them too). No more paper sleeves around hot drinks like lattes or cappuccinos; just grab your reusable cup and go!
- You never have to worry about washing out an old disposable cup before recycling—just throw it straight in the bin after use! This also helps reduce food waste since paper cups aren’t recyclable in most municipalities around North America.”
Beeswax food wraps instead of cling wrap
Beeswax food wraps are a great option if you’re looking to give eco-friendly gifts this holiday season, as they’re reusable and made from biodegradable materials. In addition to being a good choice for your wallet and the environment, beeswax food wraps come in a variety of styles that can be used for cooking or storing leftovers.
The best part about beeswax wrap is that it’s not just for Christmas; these reusable wraps can last for years! If you find yourself needing something more durable than wax paper, but want to avoid cling wrap altogether, then this is an excellent choice.
Hand-knitted hat, scarf and gloves set.
Instead of buying a set of new woolly items for your loved ones, why not get them something that’s hand-knitted with love? Knitting is an excellent hobby to keep you busy during the winter months and also makes great gifts. It’s reusable and eco-friendly too. Even better, you can knit or crochet yourself a set with recycled wool or even make one using felt if you want to really go all out on crafting gifts this year.
Compost bin to grow their own vegetables, herbs or flowers.
Composting is the process of breaking down organic materials like plant waste, kitchen scraps and yard clippings. Compost provides nutrients to soil, helps absorb water and reduces weeds.
Compost bins are easy to make out of wood or plastic. You can build your own bin out of recycled materials such as old pallets or buy one from a garden store. A worm farm is another option—you can find them online or at some hardware stores or home improvement stores.
You can use compost on most plants including vegetables, herbs and flowers.
Here are some Christmas presents that don’t cost the earth
Here are some great Christmas presents that don’t cost the earth:
- A reusable coffee cup
- A bamboo toothbrush
- Caramelised onion chutney made with organic ingredients and a glass jar so it can be reused for storage. (See our recipe here.)
- An old book you love or have wanted to read, but have never got around to buying for yourself. This can be purchased secondhand from a charity shop, eBay or Amazon Marketplace as long as it is in good condition (no torn pages etc).
- Butterfly pea flower tea – this delicate pink flower has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries – now its use is spreading internationally because of its amazing health benefits! You’ll find the tea in loose leaf form at most Asian supermarkets or online. It looks beautiful when poured over ice or mixed with milk and honey – perfect for those cold winter nights when you’re feeling under the weather!
Conclusion
So, there you have it. We’ve covered some great eco-friendly gift ideas for your Christmas shopping this year. We hope that we’ve given you plenty of inspiration for getting into the festive spirit, and helping the planet at the same time!