Barry Law Environmental and Earth Law Journal

Sustainability, a constant buzz word circulated through environmental activists and gurus. The word’s meaning has been come to known as something that is within social justice, conservationism, and internationalism. [1] The goal of sustainability is to meet our own needs without affecting future generations in meeting theirs. Businesses have a natural negative effect on the environment. [2] Businesses need to shift in making their practices more sustainable if we want to continue living and enjoying the resources on Earth. [3]

Scientists are recognizing this issue as immediate and are pressuring politicians to take this seriously. [4] President-Elect Biden has stated he will establish an Environmental and Climate Justice Division at the Department of Justice. [5]  Many other politicians are expanding on the idea of environmentalism and sustainability, specifically with the Green New Deal. [6] Even if politicians aren’t doing everything to prevent climate change, us as consumers need to be aware of where and who we buy from.

The holidays are a time where we purchase gifts for our loved ones. Americans spent around $701 billion dollars in the 2018 holiday season. [7] In 2018, an average American planned to spend about $1,000 on holiday consumer goods. [8] Personally, if I am spending $1,000, I’d want my money to be spent on businesses that have sustainability in mind. 

Where do you start? Here are some gift ideas!

Gifts for Her

A pair of High-Rise Bike Shorts from Girlfriend CollectiveBike shorts are in, they’re fashionable and comfy. Do not be steered away from the name, they are not just for those who ride bikes. Girlfriend Collective is a SA800 which uses 100% recycled packaging, and certified Standard 100 recycled fabric. They not only strive to have eco-friendly products, but they comply with child labor laws and discrimination. [9]

Product: High-Rise Bike Shorts Price: $48Size: XXS-6XLLink:https://www.girlfriend.com/collections/shorts-skorts/products/black-high-rise-bike-short

Badger Balm: Hand Moisturizer Between the pandemic and the cold weather, my hands couldn’t be any drier. This could be a great gift for anyone.Badger Balm is a certified B-Corp that uses organic products. They strive to have a sustainable production at their manufacturing facility, with energy conservation in mind. [10]

Product: Badger Balm Hardworking Dry Cracked HandsPrice: $10Size: 2 FL. OZLink: https://www.badgerbalm.com/p-14-badger-balm.aspx

Gifts for Him

A pair of Saola ShoesBetween canvas, tennis shoes, and high tops, this brand is not only sustainable but fashionable. This company uses recycled plastic bottles, algae foam, organic cotton, and cork. As well as using great materials, this brand donates 1% of their shoe sales to supporting the conservation group: 1% for the Planet. [11]

Product: Sustainable ShoesPrice: Between $80-$120Size: 7.5-13Link: https://saolashoes.com/collections/mens-sustainable-shoes

Zero Waste Shaving Kit from Package Free ShopYou couldn’t go wrong with anything on this website as a gift. But, introducing someone to sustainability could be done by giving a zero-waste shaving kit from Package Free Shop.Package free shop is a place to buy zero waste versions of everyday essential items.  A few of their goals are to eliminate plastic, only to buy what you need, and be carbon neutral. [12]

Product: Zero Wero Shaving KitPrice: $40Includes: 3-piece safety razor, shave soap bar or amber ale shave soap bar, and replacement badesLink: https://packagefreeshop.com/products/zero-waste-shave-kit-1

Gifts for Kids

Busy Box for Eco-KidsThis is a fun kit with a mix of hands-on activities for kids with all types of interests.This brand focuses on making all their products from using ingredients in their home. It is also packaged using FDA certified paper. They also print them in a wind-powered factory using soy-based inks. [13]

Product: Busy BoxPrice: $29.50Includes: 2 pack eco-dough, 1 beeswax candle kit, 1 paper magic origami kit, 5 beeswax crayonsLink: https://ecokidsusa.com/busy-box-1/

Phone case from Pela CaseMost pre-teens and teens have phones now, and what a better way to get them interested into being sustainable than a phone case.This brand commits to offsetting carbons and measuring their carbon footprint. These cases are also biodegradable. [14]

Product: Phone CasePrice: $45Size: iPhone 5-iPhone 12 Pro Max & Huawei P30, Google Pixel 2-5, Samsung Galaxy S7-S20Link: https://pelacase.com/

Gifts for Pets

A collar from The Good Dog CompanyMost pets could go for a fresh new collar, this is specifically for dogs, but they will be selling cat harnesses in January 2021.Their hemp collars are 55% hemp and 45% certified organic cotton. The collars are also hypoallergenic. [15]

Product: CollarPrice: $20 and lessSize: XS-XL 6-30 inchesLink: https://www.thegooddogcompany.com/

A toy from The Foggy DoggyALL pets could use a new toy. How could you go wrong?All the toys are stuffed with 100% recycled fiber spun from plastic bottles. Every order feeds a shelter dog. [16]

Product: ToyPrice: $16 or lessFor cats & dogsLink: https://www.thefoggydog.com/collections/play

Written by Lexie Johnston, EELJ Associate Editor