Gifts & Must-Haves
Gift guide: 11 eco gifts
Gift guide: 11 eco gifts
Gifts & Must-Haves
Gift guide: 11 eco gifts
Lindsay Coulter, David Suzuki's Queen of Green, reminds us that it's easy to go overboard throughout the holiday season. "A lot of waste is generated in homes across the country over the holiday season as gift wrap is torn open, boxes and packaging are set aside and we replace the old with the new," she says.
But don't worry, there's no need to give up gift giving. This year, try to look for gifts that have a positive effect on the environment. Vintage, fair trade and organic gifts and items made from reclaimed materials are all hot choices.
You can also lessen your load on the environment by changing the way you wrap your gifts. "Apply the three 'Rs' here - reduce, reuse and recycle," says Lindsay. "Pass on the gift wrap altogether and look for reusable gift bags, or repurpose material you already have in the home." Things like scrap fabric, gently used tissue paper, boxes and brown paper bags all look great when tied up with a fabulous piece of ribbon.
Stuck on what sort of environmentally friendly gift to look for? Here are 11 eco-friendly gift options that will suit anyone on your list.
1 Reindeer cocktail napkins, set of 9
Any avid entertainer will love the opportunity to add a festive touch to their holiday party with a set of these 100 percent cotton reindeer cocktail napkins. Eschewing paper serviettes in favour of cloth will lighten the load on the environment. $34, Pottery Barn.
2 Brushed stainless steel compost pail
This stainless steel compost pail is an attractive alternative to traditional plastic containers so often associated with countertop composting. Complete with charcoal filters to help quash odours - and a sturdy handle for easy transport - this compost pail is a great gift for anyone who cares for their own compost, or who lives in a municipality that collects organic waste. $30, Williams-Sonoma.
3 Linked ring fruit bowl
Artisans in India have found a purpose for pre-loved metal washers that can no longer be used. Sold at Ten Thousand Villages stores across Canada, artisans receive a fair wage for their handcrafted products. This gift is definitely one with a conscience. $38, Ten Thousand Villages.
4 Organic spa robe
Encourage a loved one to pamper themselves over the hectic holiday season in this plush and comfy 100 percent organic cotton robe. Personalize your gift by having it monogrammed. $99 (plus $6.50 for monogram), Pottery Barn.
5 Organic ruched throw
This textured organic cotton throw makes a great gift for anyone who enjoys snuggling up on the couch with a cup of tea and a good book. $69, West Elm.
6 Silicups, set of 12
This is the perfect gift for the wannabe chef. Silicone muffin-tin liners mean never having to use disposable paper liners. No need to grease or flour; Silicups make muffins, cupcakes or mini quiches a snap to remove. These cute pastel colours will make any chef want to show off their baked goods. $24 for a set of 12, Williams-Sonoma.
7 Personalized stationery by Paper in Style
Surprise a close friend with their very own set of personalized stationery. Choose a design that best suits your pal's personality from the wide array at Paper in Style. Each set is made with 100 percent recycled cardstock and without chlorine. $15 for a set of 10, Paper in Style on Etsy.
8 Wine bag
A bottle of wine is probably one of the most popular (and appreciated) host or hostess gifts. This year, bring your local fave in this nifty 100 percent natural cotton wine bag. $8 US, The Craft Pantry on Etsy.
9 Vintage wood platter
This rustic wood platter - made from sustainably harvested mango wood - will look fantastic displayed in anyone's kitchen. It can be used to hold crackers and breads at a party or as a fruit bowl on the kitchen counter. $39, Pottery Barn.
10 Orange animals tote
Canadian designer Jenna Fenwick creates cheerful, screen-printed textiles using non-toxic water-based pigments and natural and organic materials. This bag is perfect for weekend market trips. $48 US, Jenna Rose on Etsy.
11 Eco bouquet
Who doesn't love fresh flowers? Sustainably sourced gerbera daisies make a lovely gift and smell incredibly sweet. If you want to give flowers to a hostess, have them delivered to her home in a vase the afternoon of the party so she doesn't have to rush around at the last minute looking for a vase. $29 and up, Sierra Eco.
But don't worry, there's no need to give up gift giving. This year, try to look for gifts that have a positive effect on the environment. Vintage, fair trade and organic gifts and items made from reclaimed materials are all hot choices.
You can also lessen your load on the environment by changing the way you wrap your gifts. "Apply the three 'Rs' here - reduce, reuse and recycle," says Lindsay. "Pass on the gift wrap altogether and look for reusable gift bags, or repurpose material you already have in the home." Things like scrap fabric, gently used tissue paper, boxes and brown paper bags all look great when tied up with a fabulous piece of ribbon.
Stuck on what sort of environmentally friendly gift to look for? Here are 11 eco-friendly gift options that will suit anyone on your list.
1 Reindeer cocktail napkins, set of 9
Any avid entertainer will love the opportunity to add a festive touch to their holiday party with a set of these 100 percent cotton reindeer cocktail napkins. Eschewing paper serviettes in favour of cloth will lighten the load on the environment. $34, Pottery Barn.
2 Brushed stainless steel compost pail
This stainless steel compost pail is an attractive alternative to traditional plastic containers so often associated with countertop composting. Complete with charcoal filters to help quash odours - and a sturdy handle for easy transport - this compost pail is a great gift for anyone who cares for their own compost, or who lives in a municipality that collects organic waste. $30, Williams-Sonoma.
3 Linked ring fruit bowl
Artisans in India have found a purpose for pre-loved metal washers that can no longer be used. Sold at Ten Thousand Villages stores across Canada, artisans receive a fair wage for their handcrafted products. This gift is definitely one with a conscience. $38, Ten Thousand Villages.
4 Organic spa robe
Encourage a loved one to pamper themselves over the hectic holiday season in this plush and comfy 100 percent organic cotton robe. Personalize your gift by having it monogrammed. $99 (plus $6.50 for monogram), Pottery Barn.
5 Organic ruched throw
This textured organic cotton throw makes a great gift for anyone who enjoys snuggling up on the couch with a cup of tea and a good book. $69, West Elm.
6 Silicups, set of 12
This is the perfect gift for the wannabe chef. Silicone muffin-tin liners mean never having to use disposable paper liners. No need to grease or flour; Silicups make muffins, cupcakes or mini quiches a snap to remove. These cute pastel colours will make any chef want to show off their baked goods. $24 for a set of 12, Williams-Sonoma.
7 Personalized stationery by Paper in Style
Surprise a close friend with their very own set of personalized stationery. Choose a design that best suits your pal's personality from the wide array at Paper in Style. Each set is made with 100 percent recycled cardstock and without chlorine. $15 for a set of 10, Paper in Style on Etsy.
8 Wine bag
A bottle of wine is probably one of the most popular (and appreciated) host or hostess gifts. This year, bring your local fave in this nifty 100 percent natural cotton wine bag. $8 US, The Craft Pantry on Etsy.
9 Vintage wood platter
This rustic wood platter - made from sustainably harvested mango wood - will look fantastic displayed in anyone's kitchen. It can be used to hold crackers and breads at a party or as a fruit bowl on the kitchen counter. $39, Pottery Barn.
10 Orange animals tote
Canadian designer Jenna Fenwick creates cheerful, screen-printed textiles using non-toxic water-based pigments and natural and organic materials. This bag is perfect for weekend market trips. $48 US, Jenna Rose on Etsy.
11 Eco bouquet
Who doesn't love fresh flowers? Sustainably sourced gerbera daisies make a lovely gift and smell incredibly sweet. If you want to give flowers to a hostess, have them delivered to her home in a vase the afternoon of the party so she doesn't have to rush around at the last minute looking for a vase. $29 and up, Sierra Eco.
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