7 eco-friendly gifting ideas
From eco-friendly speakers to skincare, here are some gift ideas and tips on choosing environmentally-friendly gifts that are not just 'green' or 'sustainable' in name only.
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Reusable containers like vacuum-insulated mugs help keep beverages colder or hotter, while eliminating the need for single-use containers. Photo: S'well
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With Earth Hour and Earth Day coming soon (March 23, 8.30pm-9.30pm and April 22 respectively), this might be a good time to consider how making eco-friendly purchasing decisions can help you save money and reduce your impact on the environment.
The good news is that finding products that are kinder to the environment is easier today as more companies adopt sustainable production methods. Such items may cost slightly more initially but are usually cheaper in the long run as they use more durable materials and need to be replaced less frequently. To get you started, we’ve selected some eco-friendly gift ideas that could spark small changes which add up to bigger environmental gains.
Ethique Hair Sampler (S$28.83)
Ethique’s sampler packs of solid shampoo, conditioner and body bars are also perfect for those who are still looking for eco-friendly products that suit their skin and hair type. Made with sustainably sourced ingredients in New Zealand, all Ethique products are 100-per-cent plastic-free, certified vegan and cruelty-free. They also do not contain parabens (a preservative), phthalates (chemicals that make plastics more durable) or synthetic fragrances. While the sampler bars come in cute heart shapes, the products are gender-neutral.
- Made with sustainably sourced ingredients
- Plastic-free packaging
- Vegan, cruelty-free, eco-friendly
ATTITUDE Body Wash (S$32.65)
Even if your significant other is indifferent about the environment or cynical about the impact an individual can make, they would still need to wash themselves (we hope). Made from naturally derived ingredients such as lemon and orange leaves, the Super Leaves range from Montreal-based Attitude is Environmental Working Group Verified on top of being 100-per-cent vegan, cruelty-free and certified by PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) and ECOLOGO, an organisation that verifies a product’s reduced environmental and health impact.
- Made from naturally derived ingredients
- 100-per-cent vegan, cruelty-free
- Certified by PETA and ECOLOGO
S'well Stainless Steel Traveler Travel Mug - 16 Fl Oz (S$45.71)
This reusable container is the ideal upgrade for anyone still buying their beverages in single-use styrofoam or plastic-lined paper cups. Available in a myriad of sizes and colours, S'well’s Traveller Mug series features a triple-layered vacuum-insulation that will keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 12 hours. The sleek, well-built mug is leakproof with its screw top covers. The wide-mouth design allows you to sip hot drinks. The Commuter Lid (S$14.13) features a convenient pop-up top for sipping without removing the entire lid. S’well is committed to the highest verified standards of social and environmental performance and donates to programs that provide access to safe water and sanitation to families in need.
- Leak-proof
- Keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot for 12 hours
- Eliminates the need for single-use cups
Opinel Picnic Plus Complete Set (S$47)
This stylish set may help convince holdouts to bring their own cutlery instead of relying on single-use pieces when ordering takeaway meals. Known for their iconic folding pocket-knives, French maker Opinel has collaborated with designer Franck Fontana on this Picnic Plus set. It comprises a No 08 folding knife with a fork and a spoon insert that can be attached to the knife’s beech wood handle. The set includes a microfibre towel case that can be used to clean and store the knife. Founded over 130 years ago, the company has adopted eco-friendly production processes by using recyclable materials, minimal cardboard packaging with green inks and sustainable materials. 95 per cent of its wood is sourced from French eco-managed farms.
- Eliminates the need for single-use cutlery
- Made of sustainable beech wood
Private beeswax wrap making workshop (S$50/pax)
The Sustainability Project offers this hands-on workshop to learn to make your own beeswax wrap. This is a sustainable alternative to plastic wraps for food and toiletries. Each participant will make two to three beeswax wraps which will last for about six months. Other sustainable workshops include making a body scrub from used coffee grounds and turning used clothes into coasters or totebags. The workshops can be booked for one or two people.
- Make beeswax wraps – an alternative to plastic wraps for food and toiletries
- Learn about the issue of plastic disposables in Singapore
Paravel Packing Cube Quads | 4 Pack (S$96.77)
Made by Paravel, an upscale sustainable travel luggage brand, each set is made from certified Negative Nylon that is derived from 16 post-consumer recycled plastic bottles. Lightweight and water-resistant, they also help protect the contents from any spillage and moisture. Best known for launching the world’s first carbon-neutral luggage, the New York City-based company is focused on reducing and offsetting carbon emissions, incorporating recycled and eco-certified materials in all their products. Available in red, yellow, black and green.
- Saves space and organises belongings
- Made from 16 post-consumer recycled plastic bottles
House of Marley Get Together Mini Bluetooth Portable Audio System (S$171.48)
These speakers offer up to 10 hours (on a full charge) of vibrant audio in an eco-friendly dual woofer and tweeter package. Created in collaboration with the family of the late reggae legend, the brand’s mission is underpinned by the late musician’s love of music and his concern for the planet. It offers a range of up to 13.5m via Bluetooth, has an auxiliary input if you prefer wired connections and a USB port. The speaker features a bamboo faceplate and House of Marley Rewind Fabric made from a mix of reclaimed organic hemp, reclaimed organic cotton and recycled plastic bottles.
- Up to 10 hours of battery life
- Up to 13.5m wireless range
- Sustainably crafted with a bamboo faceplate and reclaimed/recycled material
From eco-friendly skincare products to speakers, we’ve found some worthy contenders for eco-friendly gift ideas. Whether you’re hoping to introduce more sustainable purchasing decisions in your own household or inspire others to think green, these gifting solutions could help make a small but significant difference.
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