Gift Guide For an Eco-Conscious Person

Hi, my name is Beni and this year I've been on a journey to going as low-waste as possible. And if you're clicking on this blog that means that you too have a friend or family member who's on a journey to low-waste, and you can't figure out what to get them this upcoming holiday season! Let me help. Here are my gift ideas when you're shopping for someone who is trying to be zero-waste but you still want to give them a gift. For some other ideas, also check out my blog post on Eco-Friendly Gift Shopping!

1. Eco-Friendly Necessities: Find out what this person in your life uses a lot as their eco-friendly swap and get them more of them! For example, I could always use more Stasher Bags. Another great idea could be Swedish Dish Cloths.

2. Offset their carbon emissions: This is a great gift if someone tells you they don't want any gifts due to the environmental impact. On this site: Carbon Fund you can buy individual carbon emission offsets, or you can offset the flight they took for the holidays etc. for that person! This would be a great gift to show that you care about their mission to reduce waste and also still give them a gift they would enjoy. 

3. Gift Cards to Eco-Friendly Stores: Find out where they like to shop for zero-waste goods and get them a gift card to the store! Some examples to get you started are Earth Hero, Package Free Shop & Blueland.

4. Gift Cards to Restaurants: In the same vein as above, if there's a local restaurant near them that they love to eat at (or coffee shop) get them a gift card there!

5. Thrift Something: Find something the person you're shopping for needs second hand! I know it can typically be considered "weird" to buy a thrifted gift for someone, but for someone who is actively zero waste it can be really refreshing! We love buying second hand goods so if you have an idea for something and can buy it used, do it. 

6. Something Consumable: One great thing for people who are zero waste and minimalist is to get them something they can consume. Bonus points if you get it locally too. Some examples can be coffee, wine, beer, baked goods etc. from any shops local to you. Check out your nearby farmer's market for inspiration!

7. Make Something: If you're up for a DIY try making them a gift. If you're not super crafty you could make them something as simple as a jar of dry ingredients with the instructions to bake cookies for themselves. Gifts that are made are great because they don't take up as many resources as buying it from the store and it carries a sentimental value as well. 

What other gift ideas do you have for eco-conscious consumers? Leave them in the comments below!