Most people tend to spend hundreds to thousands of dollars JUST during the holiday seasons, birthdays, weddings and other important celebrations. But did you even think of how much of those gifts end up in the trash after just a few months of usage or becomes obsolete?
Much of what we receive or give is just not wanted or needed in the first place, and most of us buy out of obligations without even considering its impact on our wallet, and most especially to the environments.
And now, in order to reduce the negative impacts on the environment, the rising popularity of eco-friendly gifts starts to populate the market of today.
What Does “Eco-Friendly” Mean?
The terms simply refer to a product which is not harmful to the environment. But it is quite complicated than that since there are numerous factors to describe something that might be actually “harmful to the environment”.
So, I would like to describe eco-friendly as something that has a less negative impact on the environment. Moreover, eco-friendly products are not just centered on the well-being and health of Mother Earth, but also to the well-being and health of your family or the person you are giving the product to.
How To Tell is a Product is Eco-Friendly
Although you see many companies and business that promises to have eco-friendly products, they can misinterpret their info, leaving customers confused and usually buy their products, blindly.
When shopping for eco-friendly gifts, try to look for:
● Forest Stewardship Council Logo for wood and paper products
● Green Seal for cleaning items which are safe for the environment
● USDA Organic Seal for foods and cosmetics which are truly organic
● Energy Stars for electronics and appliances which are energy saving.
If you do not see these logos or seals on the gifts you are looking, then there is a good chance that they are actually not eco-friendly.
Are Eco-Friendly Gifts Expensive?
Even though the word eco-friendly might seem to be enticing, most people tend to avoid buying such products as a gift. This is because almost all eco-friendly products can cost more and is quite expensive that those items that are not eco-friendly.
This is especially true in terms of bigger eco-friendly products like electric or hybrid cars and solar panels since they would sell more compared to the normal mass market product.
However, the good news is, this does not necessarily apply to smaller products like shirt or bags with only a slight difference in the price of non-eco-friendly gifts. Furthermore, buying eco-friendly gifts will make it worth over the long run.
Eco-friendly products tend to last much longer than others because they are usually made from recycled materials which are sturdy and can withstand most kicks or drops. Eco-friendly gifts might be more expensive; however, since they last longer, it is an investment that will eventually pay off. Also, they come with warranties, so you will not have to think twice about if it is worth your money.
In addition to that, you do not always need to buy gifts. As a matter of fact, sometimes you only need creativity, effort, time and pieces of reusable trash. Yes, if you have an artistic sense, then you can create your own, homemade eco-friendly gifts that will cost you less. Also, by creating homemade eco-friendly gifts you can further customize your designs and style that will suit the taste of the person you will be giving it to. Plus, your homemade eco-friendly gifts will have a lower to no chance of ending up in a garbage can because it will be deeply valued.
Eco-Friendly Gift Ideas
1. Reusable Bags
If you can’t simply afford a designer bag to give your wife on your anniversary or do not have the budget for a study school bag from a reputable name for your kids, there is a wide variety of creative and stylish bags that are eco-friendly found in the market today.
Moreover, you can go with large, stylish shopping bags which can prove useful during groceries.
2. House Décor
You can find a lot of companies that start to create eco-friendly home décor, encouraging all natural decorations. You will find practical and stylish options as a gift such as:
● Dishware
● Bedding
● Silverware
● Cupware
● Cooking Essentials
● Clocks
● Blinds
● Towels
● Rugs
● Shower Curtains
3. Recycled Toys
Think you can’t find eco-friendly toys for kids? Well, then you’re wrong. A lot of companies have already taken the first step in order to produce eco-friendly toys for every kid. These toys are usually made from recycled materials and plastics that do not contain any dangerous chemicals. Also, they are more cost-efficient than others, since they last longer.
4. Accessories
Fashion and style are most important for the younger generations. Thus recycled and eco-friendly accessories are the best gift you can give that saves the planet and your wallet, of course.
There are a lot of eco-friendly accessories you can find nowadays including hair accessories, jewelry, sunglasses, rings and more. There are even makeups and beauty products that are eco-friendly and safer for us to use.
5. Clothing
A lot of companies already produce eco-friendly clothing like Altitude Clothing. Such clothing is made from recycled materials and undergone the most environmentally sustainable manufacturing methods possible. This eliminates the use of dyes which significantly reduce energy, water, and chemical use.