Celebrate Christmas and help the environment this year with our green gift guide.
So 2020 hasn't exactly gone to plan, what with a global pandemic and lockdowns keeping us stuck inside. But Christmas is nearly here.
The festive season is upon us and it's important to keep the environment in mind as we head to the (virtual) shops this year for presents.
We've compiled some of the greenest gifts you can opt for this year:
1. Solid Cologne
Men tend to have their signature colognes picked out, but I bet they've never thought about how sustainable their go-to brand is.
Instead of buying his usual fragrance, why not try sustainable brand Solid Cologne? It's a solid wax-based aftershave made with natural wax and skin friendly cologne, which is applied directly on to the skin.
The cologne begins with fresh grapefruit, leading to the heart of aromatic bay leaf and jasmine. The woody base includes patchouli, oak moss and ambergris.
2. La Di Da candles
La Di Da luxury scented candles are hand-made with 100 per cent organic plant wax. They offer up subtle, natural fragrances perfect for any home at Christmas. Fragrances come in:
- Pink Fizz & Grapefruit
- Wild Fig & Grape
- Sea Salt & Spray
- Lime leaf & Ginger
The candles boast around 60 hours burn time and come packaged in recycled brown card boxes.
3. FSC-certified Hunter boots
The wellies brand worn by celebs all over the world has launched its first Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC) certified collection of boots, as part of its commitment to sourcing products ethically and sustainably.
They come in traditional Olive and have been crafted using high quality materials. Hunter's rubber plantation is independently audited to ensure it protects the natural resources, local biodiversity and the rights of all people in the supply chain and local community.
Plus, let's face it, they look pretty cool.
4. Roberts bluetooth speakers
The Beacon 320 is a full-range Bluetooth speaker perfect for Christmas this year. With distinctive colours and rich sound, it’s one of the most stylish speakers on the market.
Plus, Roberts is a brand committed to sustainability and has invested in both recycled packaging and reclaimed waste alternatives recently. It is certified by The Planet Mark.
5. Zero-waste cookbook
With a devoted Instagram following of over 250k, a cookbook hailed ‘the second most sustainable in the world, 2020’ and an irresistible smile, Max La Manna is making an impact as the poster boy of zero waste cooking.
So why wouldn't you want to buy his cookbook? Find out how to make banana peel into 'pulled pork' or how to turn carrot tops into delicious pesto.
6. Reusable coffee cup
We might be in the midst of a global pandemic, but that doesn't mean we're forfeiting our pumpkin spice lattes this Christmas.
This is our favourite reusable coffee cup by Keep Cup, in Festive Firethorn.
Keep Cup was founded in 2007 by Abigail Forsyth and her brother Jamie Forsyth after they grew concerned about the volume of single-use coffee cups being thrown away.
7. H20 shower radio
This is a really unique gift we bet you've never even heard of. The H20 water-powered shower radio fits in between your taps so that when you turn on the water, the flow powers a mini turbine inside the radio.
This creates the right amount of energy for clear sound and excellent reception. Best thing is, it's simple to fit yourself with no tools required. Very cool!
8. Recycled laptop case
This unisex laptop case by BEEN London is a beautiful present for that-hard working friend or family member.
It has dense felt padding so that your laptop stays protected inside and is made from 100 per cent recycled leather. Even the polyester zip is made from recycled PET bottles.
9. Recycled bottle glassware
If you're stuck for a really original present this year, go for some recycled glassware from Graham and Green.
The jugs, bottles and glasses are made out of 100 per cent recycled old wine bottles from Zanzibar, the product of a village youth charity project. No two are alike, expect slight variations in size and colour.
10. A vinyl record bowl for that person who loves music
Last but not least, this is a gift for the music lover in your family.
A large 12", old vinyl has been upcycled into a fluted record bowl. It's a must-have for anyone who loves all things retro!
The bowl is made from genuine records from over the past sixty years and is saving them from charity shop shelves and car-boot sales.