According to the Cambridge English Dictionary, ‘Eco-friendly’ is defined as being products which have been designed to do the least possible damage to the environment. Eco-friendly products usually contain safe and biodegradable ingredients and/or recyclable packaging or wrapping
Finding the perfect gift for a loved one can be difficult, but buying for someone who lives a ‘green lifestyle’ can be even more challenging. Luckily, eco-friendly products are becoming more commonplace in the retail industry as more people are becoming 'eco-conscious’.
Whether you’re looking for an eco-friendly gift for somebody who is already dedicated to living a more sustainable lifestyle, or for someone who wants to become more environmentally conscious, there are lots of eco-friendly gift ideas to choose from.
Since Christmas is fast-approaching, we’ve put together some great eco-friendly gift ideas which tick all the boxes.
1. Smart Soap Duo Kit by Tirtyl (RRP $49)
Of course it would be strange not to suggest Australia’s #1 zero-waste liquid hand wash! Featuring glass soap bottles and 100% compostable packaging. Our gorgeous kit includes two glass bottles and 8 refill tablets in different scents. Gentle on hands and protective against viruses and bacteria.
It not only smells and feels good on your hands, but every soap tablet sold helps the environment. A popular gift option for people who want to make positive changes to their lifestyle!
2. Merkato Signature Tote Bag by Parker Clay (RRP $198)
Made from premium Ethiopian full-grain leather which is sourced from tanneries that recycle water, and is dyed with all-natural, organic and vegetable-based dyes.
This versatile, stylish bag is a must-have for women on the go! Other colours are available.
3. Sprout Original Graphite Pencil with Seeds (RRP $15.50)
The perfect gift for artists and art enthusiasts. Made from FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified wood, a natural clay and graphite core and a biodegradable seed capsule which contains a coveted seed.
When the pencil has been mostly used, turn it upside down, plant it, water it and watch it turn into a plant.
There are customisable and standard packaging options to choose from.
4. Nail Polish by Sienna Byron Bay (RRP $28)
A nail polish that is vegan, free of nasty chemicals, and certified as ‘cruelty free’ by PETA. The caps on the nail polish bottles are made from sustainable timber.
Available in lots of different shades and colours.
5. Reebok Floatride Energy Grow Shoes (RRP $180)
Made from plant-based materials, including castor bean oil (cushioned foam), wood pulp (durable and breathable upper mesh), and plant-based castor bean Floatride Energy Foam for lightweight, responsive cushioning.
Feel good inside and out when wearing these shoes!
Also available in other colours and in women’s shoes.
6. Reusable Takeaway Cup by Kim Wallace Ceramic (RRP $49)
Made from Australian porcelain clay and finished with a Riverstone glaze. This eco-friendly reusable takeaway cup comes with a frosted BPA free silicone heat sleeve and is dishwasher safe. Non-toxic and handmade in Australia, it is the perfect gift for coffee lovers.
Also available in different sizes and colours.
7. Mini Banksia Aroma Pod and Eucalyptus Oil (RRP $37.50)
Bring the Australian bush into your home with this ‘Australiana’ box which includes an aroma pod and Eucalyptus oil.
Australian made with raw material, this product is eco-friendly as it is collected under the strictest conditions by State Forestry licensed pickers.
8. Shaving Kit (RRP $114.95)
This eco-friendly shaving kit includes a wooden soap dish (made in Australia from spotted gum), a long handle parker 29L safety razor, a pack of 5 razor blades, a vegan shaving brush (made from upcycled wood) and organic, handcrafted shaving soap.
The ideal eco-friendly gift for the special man in your life.
9. One Ocean Necklace by Spindrift (RRP $70)
A beautiful and simple beach glass necklace, with a single piece of hand collected & sea smoothed beach glass in your choice of colour. This necklace includes a beautiful sterling silver fine chain which is extendable and able to be worn at 40cm, 45cm and 50cm in length. It comes in a recycled gift box.
A perfect gift for a friend or loved one with a deep love and respect for our oceans.
10. Eco Crayons Sticks 9 Pack (RRP $26)
Made from 100% plant-based ingredients and is toxin free, gluten free and palm oil free.
Eco Crayons is an Australian brand which makes 100% plant based crayons. They are bright, beautiful, vegan, biodegradable and non toxic. Handmade from 100% natural ingredients, waxes and butters, and colour pigments derived from plants, roots, seeds and flowers.
Why Choose Eco-Friendly Products?
Why are eco-friendly products becoming so important in this day and age? The simple answer is that the world is in the middle of a ‘plastic crisis’. Of the plastic already produced, 50% are single-use and less than 9% is recycled.That is why we pick up one bottle worth of plastic from the ocean for every Tirtyl soap tablet we sell.
Why is the environment suffering from a plastic catastrophe? Because producing plastic is a lot cheaper than other materials, and the harsh reality is that most companies aren’t willing to find other alternatives or pay extra costs to produce something that’s more sustainable.
On a positive note, more people are becoming environmentally conscious, and consumers are taking a closer and more critical look at what companies produce and how they produce it. People are turning to eco-friendly products for the preservation of the environment, the health benefits and the ethical aspects of the production process.
Although there’s still a lot of work to do to protect the environment, we’re slowly but steadily heading in the right direction.
