Eco-Friendly Holiday Gift Guide 2019
This is the perfect gift guide for everyone who is trying to live more eco-friendly or anyone who travels a lot.
Travel, especially by plane is very hard on our world. I feel it is important to know this, because most of us travel to experience and celebrate how beautiful the world is - it would therefore make sense that we do our best to try and protect it as we explore its wonders. In this blog post I will share with you easy and luxurious ways to reduce your impact while traveling.
necessities
Water bottles & Coffee cups
Water, especially while exploring is ESSENTIAL, but what isn’t essential is the 1500 single use plastic water bottles that are used every single second in the US alone. If that doesn’t terrify you, read it again while remembering that each of those bottles will be on Earth for the next 450 years. THAT is why I am so attached to my reusable water bottle.
I love S’well products because my water stays cold ALL DAY LONG. Like no joke, 24 hours, and it has NEVER leaked on me or in my bag. I also drink a lot, so I love how much they hold. This model also has a clip area on it, so it never gets lost in my bag.
I don’t use my LifeStraw everyday, but I do pack it for every single trip where I know the available water may not be up to snuff. It “removes 99.9999% of waterborne bacteria, and 99.9% of waterborne protozoan parasites without chemicals, iodine or batteries” and after using it for years, it has never failed me.
For me, coffee is just as essential as water, which is why I am so obsessed with this collapsible coffee mug. Not only is it cute and comes in a ton of colors, but it also fits in your pocket when not in use. Even better, it keeps me from contributing to the 2,700,000 paper coffee cups that are thrown out every day.
Straws
I use this exact kit every single day, and to say I’m obsessed is an understatement. It makes every drink better because they somehow magnify the cold. Just try them and then send me a thank you note! Oh, and they save tons of sea animals from being killed by needless straw usage.
This is the straw piece in the LifeStraw bottle listed above. This was the first LifeStraw product I ever used and I am convinced that it may have actually saved my life while living in Haiti during the time of cholera. That being said, I now prefer the bottle as opposed to just the straw, but that’s just me.
Reusable Cutlery
Ya’ll I love take out. There’s just something special about taking an amazing meal with you - be it back to your couch, or a nice bench in a sunny park. But I don’t love all of the single use forks and spoons. This kit is adorable, durable, and comes in a really portable package. And what else could you need, it even comes with chop sticks!
Reusable Shopping Bag
At a time when many countries are banning the use of single use plastic bags, these are perfect for travel and everyday use! Plus, there are 6 of them so you can keep one in your bag, car, and at the office so you never forget.
I love these. I despise getting 1 pepper and having to put it in a single use plastic or paper bag, it’s seriously negligent. These are the solution. Reusable produce bags that are mesh, crazy light weight and washable. Ideal for a stroll through a French Market.
Toiletries
Sunscreen
Raw Elements is a Hawaii based brand that developed as a result of seeing how destructive sunscreens are to the reef, and I am all about it. They offer lotions, but I prefer their solid options, either in the tins or stick - mostly because then I don’t have to worry about the liquid restrictions on planes. I personally like the tinted options for my face, as it tends to get very red in the sun. And then on my body I use the non-tinted option. So protect your skin will also protecting the ocean you’re in!
Shampoo
I’m about to go on an Ethique rave, so bare with me. I love this brand not only because of their products but also because of their values. (cruelty free, compostable packaging, and B-corp ertified) So, yes - my hair and skin look awesome, BUT I can also feel good about the products I’m using and their minimal impact on the world around me. PLUS, I don’t have to stress about airline liquid restrictions. WIN, WIN, WIN. And who doesn’t want to support a company whose mission statement is: “We're on a mission to rid the world of plastic waste while offering our customers 100% sustainable, ethically sourced products, made from natural and effective ingredients.”
I have a cantankerous scalp, it gets dry and itchy despite my regular masks, oils, etc. BUT this shampoo works - I only notice how much when I haven’t used it in a few weeks.
Switching from liquid to solid shampoo is easy, but one thing you do have to consider with solid cleansers is storage. They need to dry out in between uses, which is why this slatted bottom container rocks so much.
This is the perfect gift for those wanting to explore the world of natural body care and solid beauty products. This sampler comes with 2 different shampoos and 2 conditioners.
Conditioner
I’ve got frizz. My hair loves to puff up and this conditioner nips it in the bud. Perfect for wavy, color treated, or dry hair.
This bar is perfect for those who have more oily hair. It’s plant based, and this one bar is equal to 5 bottles of conditioner.
body bars
Charcoal soap has been a long time favorite of mine and this one does not disappoint. It keeps my skin clear of any blemishes and leaves behind a nice moisture barrier.
This awesome sampler comes with 1 cream body wash, 1 polish, 1 foaming cleanser, 1 deodorant, and 1 body butter. I adore several of these and I’m sure whoever you’re buying for will too.
Facial Cleansers & Moisturizer
I used to be a die hard baby and face wipe user, it was bad - real bad, that was until I found these. They are so soft, take my makeup off like a dream, and look brand new when they come out of the wash.
This is an awesome kit and includes both cleansers and moisturizers. I especially love the Bliss Bar and Saving Face Serum, because I have dry skin, but as everyone has different needs, this kit is an ideal gift.
Menstrual care
We are all aware how bad traditional period care products are for the environment, but many of us are hesitant to try the new products on the market. I remember how freaked out I was to try a menstrual cup for the first time, because well, it’s different and a little weird. And honestly, it took me a few days to get the hang of it, but once I did, I would never go back to pads or tampons. Originally, I used the standard Diva Cup, but after reading a lot of reviews, I tried the Saalt Soft Cup and like it even more! Honestly, you never even feel it while it’s inside and I can easily leave it in for up to 12 hours, which means I have no worries while I’m out exploring! Plus I’m saving a ton of money by not having to buy over 10,000 tampons, which is the amount of tampons an average woman uses over the course of their lives.
GEar
Luggage
Finding Eco-Friendly luggage is admittedly difficult, which is what I was SO excited to find this company. All of their bags are ethically handmade by artisans around the world and slow produced with no harmful chemicals - all values I love. The more exciting thing is, I get all of that, in addition to amazing travel features, including water resistance, beautiful, tons of pockets, and so much more. And did I mention that you can customize your bag?
I am personally obsessed with their Raja 30 Liter Backpack in India 11.
No luggage kit is complete with out a set of packing cubes and honestly there are millions of options. But I recommend this set because they have been all over the world with me and they still look brand spanking new! I also like that you can see through the mesh to know what is inside each cube. And if you have somehow been surviving without packing cubes, believe me, they will make your life on the road so much better.
Honestly, what situation isn’t made better by good music? Right. Music may be as essential as water or coffee! Which is why I love this speaker. It is a solar charged bluetooth speaker that is splash resistant, shock proof, and dust protected. It also has a clip and only weighs 1 pound. The sound quality is phenomenal and the charge last for 60 hours, which means the adventure can go on and on!
Scrubba washer
Last but not least is the Scrubba, I got mine just before moving to Morocco for Peace Corps and it has saved me on countless occasions, including my fancy vacays. Admittedly, I am a messy person, but this crazy portable washing solution keeps my clothes fresh while on the road. It is a revolutionary washing machine in a palm sized bag, and uses minimal water and detergent.
Entertainment
Kindle
I have to admit, switching to a Kindle has been one of the hardest eco-friendly adjustments I’ve made, because I love books, physical books whose covers I can crease and pages I can sniff. But it was much easier after I switched to using the Kindle Paperwhite instead of the Kindle Fire. It has allowed me to keep all of my books with me and because it isn’t back lit, it never bothers my eyes. Plus the battery last forever!
HAVE A QUESTION ABOUt the Items listed above, or other eco-friendly products?
Ask me anything in the comments section below and I’ll get back to you!
