Ethical Gift Guide
Christmas gift giving comes at a huge cost to the planet, with wrapping paper, plastic packaging and unwanted gifts all potentially headed for landfill. The extra waste generated over the Christmas period in the UK alone includes £700m worth of unwanted presents, and 80,000 tonnes of clothes.
The most sustainable approach to the festive season is simply to buy less, if at all. But if, like us, you love the experience of giving, make sure your gifts are eco-friendly. We've got some suggestions for thoughtful and planet-friendly gifts whatever your budget:
£10 - £30
Christmas Baubles, £6.99
Honest Love Our Planet
These beautiful hand painted Christmas baubles from Honest Love Our Planet are made from papier-mâché from recycled paper and natural dyes. They’re 100% biodegradable, and made by skilled artisans in Nepal. Because they are hand painted, each one is unique.
Lulu Copenhagen
Marimekko is synonymous with easy going Scandi style, and their new collection of homewares do not disappoint. The Kentunmarja woodland collection depicts foxes that have crept into a garden at dusk with little birds sitting in a yew tree.
All Marimekko products are created to be handed down to future generations, and two thirds of their production takes place in the EU.
We love the bold and unique pieces from jewellery brand Pivot, who are a social enterprise empowering young people experiencing homelessness by providing employment and training in jewellery making.
£30 - £50
Scented Candles, £40
Aerende
Aerende candles are hand poured using soy wax and high-quality essential oils for an amazing fragrance. They are made in Wales by people with learning disabilities at Beacons Creative.
Scout Mini Backpack, £40
Lefrik
Lefrik make fun, practical and stylish bags from recycled materials including plastic bottles. The backpacks are made in living wage factories in Asia.
Dog collars and leads, up to £50
Creature Clothes
Perfect gifts for the dog lover or loved dog in your life! Creature Clothes make beautiful, ethical and environmentally aware collars and leads in their Suffolk workshop. The quality leather is designed to last, and gets even better with time.
£50 - £100
Recycled Fleece Travel Blankets, £74
Rifo
Rifo's super soft fleece blankets are made from 80% recycled cotton and 20% cotton. The pattern was inspired by the Italian Westerns of the 60s.
Hvisk's bags might just make the perfect vegan gift. The Danish brand is inspired by the vibrant streets of Copenhagen, and the bags are unique, playful and colourful. Hvisk is PETA certified, and their bags and accessories are made from innovative recycled materials.
£100+
Dog Shapes Cardigan, £100
Dedicated
This 100% organic cotton regular fit knitted cardigan is made by Swedish brand Dedicated. All their garments ethically made using organic and recycled materials.
It is safe to say that Veja is the poster child for high quality sustainable footwear, but did you know they have their own sustainable rubber plantations in Brazil to ensure the rubber in their trainers are truly sustainable? They also make each pair in their own factories to ensure the products are made fairly, and ship everything by sea rather than air to reduce emissions.