If you are determined to be eco-friendly in all your gift-giving this year, start with creative, sustainable stocking stuffers. “The holidays are one of the hardest times to reduce waste because of traditions, feeling overwhelmed, and not being aware of other options,” says Laura Durenberger, blogger at Reduce, Reuse, Renew, a site dedicated to reduction-based and zero-waste living. “With a little planning, green giving can be done.”
The Last Straw They’ll Ever Need
You may have a loved one who just can’t get past the awfulness of single-use disposable straws. Give them their own handy drinking utensil. The Zoku Pocket Straw telescopes in and out while the FinalStraw self-assembles with satisfying speed. Both are made of stainless steel with silicone mouthpieces. And they come equipped with cleaning brushes and carrying cases that attach to a keychain or fit easily in pocket or bag.
Make It a Set
If you want a fork and knife to go with that reusable straw, consider Qontevo’s portable and reusable travel utensil set. Nicely stored in a convenient silicone sleeve, this cutlery pack is great for anyone who wants to create less waste and eliminate throw-away cutlery when eating on-the-go. Ideal for purse, diaper bag, briefcase, or suitcase, the sustainability fan in your life will love finding this in their stocking.
From Our Land to Your Ears
Everything’s bigger in Texas? Everything’s definitely better when it comes to the sustainability efforts of a small, family-owned jewelry-making company. WHITL Woodworking’s handmade wood earrings are made with wood sourced from sustainable forests in the United States.
The company is so committed to sustainability they use the cardboard shipping slips from grocery stores as the cards to display each set of earrings. Even the packaging is recycled brown paper. Plus, the earrings are beautifully made and stunningly detailed — from geometric shapes to maple leaves, this jewelry is a truly unique addition to anyone’s sustainable stocking.
Brush Up on Gift Giving
You may not be thrilled about finding toothpaste in your stocking (or maybe you would) but kids love goodies like that. SprinJene “makes the world smile” with their natural toothpaste for children. Made of black seed oil and zinc, the pastes come with or without fluoride; are vegan; and are free of gluten, preservatives, dyes, artificial sweeteners, and SLS. And they’re nicely packaged in paper boxes with a cute peacock on the label.
Tie One On for the Holiday
Kooshoo means “feeling good” and it’s the brand responsible for plastic-free organic hair ties, among other accessories. High-performing so they work for thick hair and made from certified organic cotton and natural rubber, the hair ties are completely biodegradable. For the gift recipient you love who is always losing their hair ties, they can trust they’re not polluting the environment along the way! The packaging is made from 100 percent post-consumer-waste material and shipped plastic-free. Plus, the hair ties come in a range of lovely colors that look great in the hair or on the wrist.
Adopt a Tree
It’s hard to get more original than stuffing someone’s stocking with a tree this holiday. Kettle Ridge Farm’s Adopt-a-Maple program displays the adopter’s name on one of the farm’s maple trees and emails a photo certificate to the adopter. At the end of the maple season, your recipient receives a a photo and GPS coordinates of their tree, as well as a package of tasty products from the maple syrup farm in upstate New York — a sweet accompaniment to this sustainable stocking stuffer.
It’s in the Bag
For the gift recipient who loves their reusable grocery bags, help them keep a happy planet with Lotus Produce Bags. These food-safe, reusable drawstring bags come in small, medium, and large sizes. They’re even color-coded for consistency, as well as machine washable, plus the company donates 1 percent of all sales to grassroots efforts to eliminate single-use plastic bags. And, hey, the produce bags could even be the stocking.
TLC for Everyone
For the person who needs to brush up on their self-care, push them in the right direction with a pampering stocking that includes goodies like plant-based wellness company Luna Volta’s prettily packaged CBD bath bombs, Luce Farm Wellness’s hemp-infused cooling and warming rubs, and Bee & You’s propolis raw honey lip balm.
All the Rest
Durenberger offers yet more sustainable stocking stuffer suggestions that are sure to suit someone on your list, like loose leaf tea in an upcycled jar, homemade candy or condiments, beeswax wraps, succulents, or a reusable thermos/water bottle. And if you’re short on a stocking or wrapping paper, use what you have at your fingertips, like your kids’ artwork or a plain brown box you can decorate wildly.