My last “Sustainable Christmas Presents” post was written three years ago. Reading it now am struck by how much things have changed for the better, in terms of sustainable living and life choices being in the minds of every day consumer! Having the full information on how, where and by whom items are produced is so much easier. Those of us who will be in last minute rush will no longer need to opt for charity donations on behalf of somebody (although this is a great thing to do) but you can easily find sustainable alternatives for a range of gifts, regardless your budget!
So, in case you feel your nearest and dearest (or your boss) are not quite ready to hear you have sponsored goats/toilets/school uniforms on their behalf, here are some ideas of sustainable gifts. All of the products/companies below I am either a happy customer myself, or have heard great things of from trusted source.
Cosmetics That Are Good For the Skin and Planet
For cosmetics check out UpCircle Beauty, a company that takes used coffee grounds and turn them into beauty products such as scrubs. How genious is that? Everything is vegan, organic, sustainable, recyclable… For those small gifts and stocking fillers, check out their “under £10” section.
In Finland, just head to Ruohonjuuri (or their website) for a wide selection of eco-friendly, cruelty free options. In Cyprus, my go-to shop (online and in Nicosia) is Eco Home Store.
Fairly and Sustainably Made Clothes
For sustainable clothing and accessories, I am loving how much more choice there is these days, for different types of activities. Also the quality of materials has improved so much. Personally I find my recycled plastic leggings these days far superior to the traditional poly-elastane mix leggings in comfort and in fit. As I have gone through a lot of leggings in my life, you can trust me on this one!
Weekendbee is a Finnish online shop that only sells active wear from companies that have sustainability as their core value. Their mission is to make its products, manufacturing, and operations as sustainable as possible. As well as some of the better known brands, such as Patagonia and Jack Wolfskin, they also stock smaller and newer sustainable brands.
Finisterre is a British brand that designs functional and sustainable outdoor products. Their items range from wetsuits to coats to dresses and jumpsuits. They also have a repair service for their products, based in Cornwall.
Allbirds Footwear and Will’s Vegan shoes both have sustainability, ethics and fair wages in the forefront of their business model. I have also not met a single person who would not have been happy with their Allbirds and Will’s shoes so they are definitely something to check out.
Ninety Percent is a London based company sells the type of womens wear we all use: There are sweats, dresses, knitwear… They also share 90% of their distributed profits between five charitable causes. My next trackpants and basic T’s are coming from here for sure!
For leggings and yoga gear, FreeSpirit and Nitara are both UK based, female run and make leggings and tops out of recycled plastic and organic cotton. Designed for movement, these products do not start sliding or feeling otherwise awkward when in the middle of yoga class. N
If it is swim and surf wear you are after, The Seea makes amazingly elegant and highly functional products that last. I am still using pieces I bought 8 years ago! They also have an increasing collection of rashies, one pieces and bikinis made out of recycled materials.
Finally, Halla x Halla is a Finnish company whose swimwear fabric starts its journey as fishing nets, carpet flooring, and plastic from landfills and oceans all over the world. The products are manufactured in Bali, with the factory employees paid a fair living wage and good working conditions.
Other Sustainable Present Options
If candles are your thing, look out how they are made. For instance, candles made from soy wax usually burn cleaner and longer than paraffin candles, giving a more subtle fragrance. Another option is candles made of coconut wax that have a great scent throw and burns slowly. Beeswax candles are not vegan, but help purify the air as it burns and is often blended with other waxes as it has a scent of its own.
There are also many great option for non-material Sustainable Christmas Presents, one of them being one or a series of one-to-one (or small group) yoga classes. I am offering my private classes with -20% discount if purchased by Monday the 16th December. If this raises your curiosity, do not hesitate to get in touch !
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