2007 Sustainable Gift Guide

You may remember last year’s Gift Guide, which was sort of a beginner’s attempt at “green consumerism.” Normally I hate that concept, because I believe wholeheartedly that the only way to make a difference is to consume less.
But this is Christmas, people, and unless the entire United States (and other countries where the holiday is celebrated) decides to suddenly change its consuming ways, your relatives and friends might feel left out in the cold if you decide to eschew the gift-giving process altogether. I say, ’tis better to gift with a conscious mind than to endure riding the guilt train for the entire coming year.

I’ve been collecting “green” gift ideas for several weeks, so hopefully you can find something here that’s perfect for someone on your list. Also, feel free to add ideas in the comments, since you guys are always really creative. Have fun!

FOR THE CAMPING COOK
Lodge 5-qt Dutch oven from Sur la Table, $42.95

Lodge is a company that’s known for great pre-seasoned cast iron cookware. This five-quart Dutch oven is fabulous, perfect for makes stews, roasts, or anything else that requires slow cooking and even heat distribution. As a material, cast iron is heavy and durable, and proper care of this Dutch oven will make it last for decades. Cast iron cookware actually improves with time, which makes it one of the best cradle-to-cradle gift ideas. This Dutch oven is perfect for camping, too.

FOR THE HIKING ENTHUSIAST
Juniper Ridge Steep Ravine gift pack, $36

Juniper Ridge makes all of its products from sustainably harvested plant trimmings that have been wildcrafted from different locations all over the West. This gift pack includes California Bay Laurel soap, Douglas Fir Tip tea, Red Huckleberry jam, and a Douglas Fir Sachet. I’m partial to this particular gift pack because it contains all the scents of where I live, but you can peruse the other gifts packs Juniper Ridge offers as well.

FOR THE NEW PARENTS
American Apparel organic cotton infant onesie, $14, and organic cotton infant hat, $8

This organic cotton onesie comes in four colors, white, natural, lemon, and lavender. I like the colors better than the traditional pink or blue, most parents today feel are outdated anyway. What’s great about American Apparel is that their clothes are made in a factory in Los Angeles, not in a sweatshop. The working conditions are fair and the company even provides massage therapy to its seamstresses, so you can feel as good about how these garments are made as you do about what they’re made of.

FOR THE DOG LOVER
American Apparel organic cotton dog t-shirt, $14

Many dog owners love to dress their dogs up. To those who don’t own dogs, this may seem crazy. But those of us who have canines in our lives usually understand the appeal: it’s our dog. In a piece of clothing. And it’s hilarious.

This t-shirt from American Apparel is made of organic cotton, and I love the green trim. So cute! You could even take it a step further and design a monogram or some other artwork to apply to this shirt with an iron-on printout, which the receiver of this gift would totally appreciate.

FOR THE CAT LOVER
Organic pet salad from Clean Air Gardening, $12.99

Cats need their greens, too. The cat lady (or cat dude) in your life will enjoy growing organic wheat grass for their kitty, and they’ll enjoy watching their feline friends eat it, too. Plus, it helps to control hairballs, which I can say (from experience) is very cool indeed.

FOR THE COMPOSTER
Ceramic compost crock from Clean Air Gardening, $39.99

This kitchen crock holds one gallon of kitchen scraps, and it has a carbon filter system to keep nasty smells at bay. It’s attractive enough to keep on the kitchen counter, which means the person you give this to can “green up” their kitchen without ruining its aesthetics. The best part is that you can wash it in the dishwasher. This crock comes with one carbon filter.(For what it’s worth, replacement filters are cheaper at Gaiam.)

FOR THE FASHIONISTA
Remade boyfriend sweater from Urban Outfitters, $48

These over-sized sweaters are made from old grandpa sweaters that have been deconstructed and rebuilt, and their second incarnation is considerably cuter. The fashionable girl who receives this can wear it open, but I personally like it best closed and belted, as seen above. The sweater comes in six colors, so you’re sure to find a shade that will look great on whomever you give it to.

FOR THE LETTERPRESS JUNKIE
Personalized letterpress necklace from Uncommon Goods, $62

Letterpress paper goods have been really popular for several years now, probably due to the charm the letterpress process adds to a design. If you have a friend who loves to collect letterpress cards and other goods, let her/him wear a letterblock around their neck as a reminder of their obsession. Choose from all letters and numbers one through nine, or you can opt to pick a question mark, exclamation point, dollar sign, or ampersand (“&”). These wooden letter forms have been mounted to a sterling silver backing, and they come on an 18″ chain.

FOR THE WANDERLUSTER
Little Otsu tour diary from BuyOlympia.com, $14

This travel notebook is made from 100% post-consumer recycled paper and is printed with soy inks. It has reference and planning pages, scrapbook pages for keepsakes, and personal reference pages where the traveler can store important dates, places to eat, things to do, and addresses of people they meet while on their travels.

FOR THE GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Grid notebook by Jason Munn, $8

Jason Munn of The Small Stakes is a designer that’s been written about several times in design magazines such as Print and Communication Arts for his screenprinted poster designs. The graphic designer in your life will totally appreciate this notebook, both because it’s made from 100% post-consumer recycled paper, and because it has a design by Jason Munn printed on the cover. The whole book is filled with graph paper, which is like candy for those of us who err on the obsessive-compulsive side of life.

FOR THE LADY WHO LIKES TO SMELL NICE
Aubrey Organics Spring Floral eau de parfum, $21.50

This perfume smells divine. It’s perfect for both younger and more mature women, since its light floral scent is fresh and light and slightly citrusy, and not overpowering. It contains notes of rose, geranium, bergamot, and ylang-ylang, and several citrus fruits. The best part is that it’s totally clean, meaning it doesn’t have any of the nasty chemicals that conventional perfumes contain. This product is also vegan, if you’ve got any vegan friends who’d appreciate it.

FOR THE MATÉ DRINKER
Guayaki maté traveler’s kit, $33.99 (on sale)

If you know someone who loves yerba maté, this kit is perfect. It contains a travel mug, an eight-cup French press, and a pound of loose maté. And if you don’t know any maté drinkers but you know plenty of coffee drinkers, this gift set is a great way to encourage them to try something a little healthier.

FOR THE COMMUTER
To-Go Ware action pack, $32

This set includes bamboo utensils with a fair-trade holder, including a fork, knife, spoon, and chopsticks, and a stainless steel food carrier with three tiers. Give this set to someone who brings their own lunch or travels a lot. It will reduce a lot of waste from plastic utensils and paper plates, and they’re fun to use.

FOR THE HEALTH NUT
Jungle Products Coconut and Palm oil gift pack, $40

This unique gift pack contains two 16-ounce jars of oil (one coconut, one red palm), an organic cotton t-shirt, and a small organic cotton tote bag. You get to choose from one of two t-shirt designs; my favorite is dark brown and it says “Welcome to the Jungle” on the front in turquoise letters, which is kinda rock-n-roll. This gift is a great way to share the gift of health with your loved ones.

And last, but not least…

FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST
Organic cotton tote bags, $11.99

You knew I was going to include my own 100% organic cotton tote bags, right? These bags are awesome, they’re great for grocery shopping. I use mine for just about everything. They’re black with green writing, which is a nice change from the customary burgundy-and-beige typically used on organic cotton goods. Also, you get to support this site by purchasing the bags, which I totally appreciate. And for every cloth bag you give, that’s several paper or plastic bags every year that person won’t use, meaning that you’re giving a gift to the environment as well.