Ethical Holiday Gift Guide

The BEST thing we can do for the environment when it comes to gift giving is to buy secondhand, give the gift of a memory making experience, or craft something from upcycled materials. However, if you still want to purchase new gifts it can be difficult to figure out which products are ethically made and environmentally friendly. The mass manufacturing of items can cause chemical run off that pollutes waterways and emit gasses that pollutes the air. The treatment of the people who manufacture these items can also be horrendous.

To avoid supporting this pollution and mistreatment I’m happy to share with you Lauren Sinreich’s Ethical Essentials Guide. It is a Google Document that is continually updated with environmentally and ethically safe items. Far beyond gifts, there are brand suggestions for everything from vitamins to office supplies to fashion.

Click the button below to head to Lauren’s website showing a link to the full google document. Once on the google document you can move to different categories by clicking the tabs listed at the bottom. If you know of a sustainable brand or product that isn’t listed, type it in under the “Recommendations” area. The best thing about this list is that you can keep referring to it over time. It will grow continuously as people keep adding to it.

Wild Epiphany’s Favorite

Gift Items/Brands

For 2019:

For the Dog

The Foggy Dog’s items are made in the USA by skilled craftspeople paid fair wages. Dog beds and toys are filled with with a material made from 100% recycled water bottles. Recycled, repurposed scraps, and natural materials are used whenever possible. For every order placed, The Foggy Dog donates half a pound of dog food to shelters across America.

For a Friend

This upcycled Sari Tote by Uncommon Goods is handmade from sustainable jute fibers and old sari’s given new life. Made in India by people earning a living wage. Uncommon Goods donates $1 of their own money to a charity of your choice at checkout. So far they’ve donated over $2,000,000.

For the Art Lover

ArtLifting empowers artists that are homeless or living with disabilities. Every artist earns 55% of the amount of the sale, and 1% goes toward strengthening art services which includes art programming at social service agencies, shelters, and disability centers.

For the Tea Lover

This beautiful mug is handmade in Vietnam by disadvantaged artisans. These people receive tools, interest-free loans, education, training and literacy classes. The mug is sold through Ten Thousand Villages.

For the Chef

Do you have a loved one who is constantly in the kitchen? Help them detox their favorite hobby by gifting them some items from Well Earth Goods. Their kitchen section offers everything from cast iron conditioner to natural cleaning utensils to waste-free coffee filters and straws.

For You

Now that science has discovered that about 70% of the immune system is in your gut, it’s time to keep it healthy. Seed probiotics are backed by clinical studies, do not have to be refrigerated, and come in totally compostable packaging made from corn and mushrooms.

For the Fashionista

Yes, you can still be fashionable and buy secondhand. ThredUp offers stylish and designer clothes at up to a 90% discount. With fashion being the 2nd worst polluter behind oil, it’s extremely important to procure your garments secondhand. There will be no lack of selection on ThredUp. They’ve got over 2 million women’s and kids items for sale right now!

For ANYONE

A carbon footprint is the amount of carbon you as an individual are responsible for creating through your work, home, travel, and purchases. You can offset your carbon and fight climate change by donating to company like Carbonfund. They invest your money in ecosystem restoration, renewable energy, forest conservation and more. Donations are tax deductible too!

For the Plant Lover

These one of a kind sculptures are made with recycled blown glass and reclaimed teakwood roots. Make a terrarium or use as a vase. They are sold by Viva Terra. The company is committed to socially and environmentally conscience practices and materials.