10 Gift Ideas That Are Great For The Environment
Start writing a post
Holidays

10 Gift Ideas That Are Great For The Environment And Your Wallet

A mini herb garden is great for decoration, low maintenance, and improves indoor air quality.

72
10 Gift Ideas That Are Great For The Environment And Your Wallet

Are you still pondering about what to give your sibling, parent, relative, friend or significant other this Christmas? Here are 10 unusual, useful and eco-friendly gifts that you probably have not thought.

1. Mini-herb garden

A mini herb garden is great for decoration, low maintenance, and improves indoor air quality. The herbs will also provide a refreshing aroma and a dash of flavor. Two examples: Aerogarden with herb seed pod kit and window box kit.

2. Tickets

While physical gifts can become worn out over time, the gift of experience can last a lifetime and leave tons of memories.

3. Symbolic gifts (adopt-an-animal)

Many zoos and aquariums, as well as non-profit organizations like Oceana, WWF, and Sierra Club, sell adopt-an-animal packages that donate money to conservation efforts of that animal while providing you with a stuffed animal and certificate

4. Re-gift a gift that was not suitable for you

We sometimes receive gifts that we do not like. They often sit in the idly in the closet. If you feel that one of those unwanted gifts will find a better home with someone else, then don't be afraid to give it. As long as that item(s) is still like new, re-gifting is completely fine.

5. Gifts from recycled sources

The use of recycled materials conserves resources, utilizes less energy to manufacture and reduces the waste stream while promoting closed-loop product design. Check out Uncommon Goods, Hipcycle, and Terracycle.

6. Collapsible cup

They make it convenient to have a cup of coffee without creating waste or carrying around a mug all the time.

7. Christmas tree starter kit

Plant a Christmas tree and watch it grow.

8. Fair Trade and organic chocolates

These chocolates taste just as blissful as any other, but also provide a vote for a more socially and environmentally sustainable future.

9. Battery-free Presents

About 40% of all battery sales occur during the holiday season, and most of those are single-use batteries. While single-use batteries not classified as hazardous waste, they still contain harmful materials and can be a hazard to younger children. Over time, the cost of replacing batteries can also add up. Here are a few examples of naturally powered presents.

10. Locally made gifts

Locally made gifts reduce fuel emissions from transportation and have their own unique, story since you know who made it and where it originated. They can be found at nearby craft fairs and artisan shops.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

94133
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments