How to Buy Gifts for Someone Who Wants to be Eco-Friendly
A guide to buying presents for the environmentally friendly people in your life
It is an exciting time for us eco-warriors! I am seeing a definite shift in my friends and family to become more eco-friendly and I love that everyone is choosing to give and receive more eco-friendly presents.
Amongst the sea of marketing, it can be quite difficult to choose truly environmentally friendly gifts, so we have put together a few pointers to explain what ethical gifts are, as well as giving some gift ideas for those ethically-minded individuals in your life!
What is an ethical gift?
An ethical gift is more than just the product itself. Ethical shopping takes into account the whole spectrum of sustainability, including the source of the materials (both product and packaging) right through to the values of the company you’re buying from.
Buying gifts that are made locally, with locally sourced materials, is important for two reasons. It supports local businesses, which are more likely to be small, independently run and have better workers rights. It also reduces the carbon footprint of the product. The less distance it has to travel, the more environmentally friendly the gifts are.
Ethical gifts are also designed to do the least harm to the planet. Reusable products are key to this to reduce the amount of waste entering the system, and vegan products support the growing recognition of the impact the meat and dairy industry has on the environment.
What gifts should I get a friend who shops ethically?
Ethical shoppers are very keen to know the product they’re receiving reflects their personal values. When you’re buying for someone who wants to be eco-friendly, it’s important to think about the product, the packaging and what will happen to it at the end of its life.
Here are a few gift ideas for the ethical shopper, all made by small businesses in the UK:
This set, which includes deodorant, soap, toothpaste and a toothbrush, is an ideal present for someone who is at the beginning of their eco-friendly journey.
This fun soap dish is perfect for your avocado loving vegan friend. Pair it with a bar of all-natural, gorgeous smelling soap to complete the gift.
Wild Fig & Galbanum Soy Wax Candle
Soy wax candles are a great alternative to the beeswax type and these candles, made by Subluceo in London, are all-natural and long-lasting.
What should I buy for an eco-warrior?
Eco-warriors are actively involved in fighting against environmental damage and their gifts should match their passion! As with the ethical shopper, gifts for eco-warriors need to be fully sustainable but they also need to represent the resilient nature of eco-warriors.
This Non-toxic stainless steel lunchbox is perfect for eco-warriors out on a day of activism. Pair it with a bamboo cutlery set to keep lunchtime civilised!
Keeping hydrated is essential for any eco-warrior and this water bottle in pop orange really makes a statement. Durable and light, it’s perfect to take on planet-saving missions!
Even an eco-warrior needs to take some time out! From bath oil to body butter, this set contains everything needed to nourish and rejuvenate after a hard days activism.
Whether you’re buying for an ethical shopper or an eco-warrior, whether they’re new to the cause or a hardened activist, eco-friendly presents are a great way to show that you recognise and support their values.