The Good as Dirt Gift Suggestions

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Bella Luna Toys has a wonderful collection of beautifully-illustrated books for children, some from Europe, some from the U.S. Some are classic favorites and others are new. Many are educational, some just for fun. The wide assortment of picture books and story books is inspired by Waldorf education. Discover a magical collection of books to inspire a child's sense of imagination and help instill a lfelong love of reading and learning.

Under the Nile scrappies are the most wonderful stuffed toys. They are filled with 100 percent organic Egyptian cotton. The scrappy line of toys, like this adorable cat, are stuffed with organic cotton scraps left over from making other fabric toys, hence the name scrappy. They are non-toxic inside and out. No poly foam, no plastic, no synthetic fabric. Natural and biodegradable. Under the Nile's non-toxic products, including clothes, swaddles and accessories, are made in a fair trade factory in Egypt where strict ethical requirements ensure workers are paid well and work in a clean, safe and healthy environment. All their cotton is grown organically and in a biodynamic system also in Egypt, which is a closed biologically-diverse self-sustaining farm system.  Their products are free of Azo colorants, BPA, flame retardants, formaldehyde, fragrance, PVC and lead.

For babies and toddlers, Apple Park's Farm Buddies line of adorable non-toxic stuffies are made with organic cotton and stuffed with a natural organic cotton and corn fiber filling. Buddies like this sweet ballerina mouse are 14 inches high, are GOTS-certified and have eco-friendly child-safe AZO-free dyes. They're free of BPA, phthalates and other harmful chemicals. They come packaged in recycled paper printed with soy inks. 

LIke this crab rattle, all of Tikiri's toys are made of natural organic rubber. Their "ocean buddies" rattles come in a variety of animal shapes. All are non-toxic and GOLS-certified (Global Organic Latex Standard), BPA-free, phthalate-free and PVC-free. Each character has an enclosed rattle that creates a soft sound when shaken. 

Grimm’s gorgeous heirloom-quality wooden toys are made in Germany and Bosnia from natural timber and colored with non-toxic stains in brilliant colors that penetrate the wood. Founded in 1978, Grimm’s makes toys with a minimal design to encourage imagination and creativity. Their design's are guided by the Waldorf school philosophy and other alternative educational models. Every piece is handmade starting from the hand-sawing of each piece of wood from virgin logs. All of their vibrant stains and plant oils are non-toxic and water-based. The toys do not have a final protective coating in order to preserve the natural characteristics of the wood and give it a velvety soft feel, which also makes it easier for little hands to hold onto.

Uncle Goose wooden blocks are both fun and educational. This particular set each block names an element and its symbol. The blocks are made in the US from sustainable Michigan basswood and painted with non-toxic paints. Other fun sets include the planets and insects.

This xylophone from the Montessori and Me toy company is made of sustainably-sourced hardwood from the pará rubber tree and metal.Finished with a child-safe lacquer. Montessori & Me was founded in 2020 by two dads who made it a mission to make Montessori education more easily accessible. 

This classic baby rattle from Bannor Toys is made in the US and finished with an organic beeswax and flaxseed oil mixture that is all natural and non-toxic so it is the perfect finish for baby's mouth.

This giraffe push toy is made in Iowa in Bannor Toys' workshop from lumber sourced in Iowa and throughout the midwest. This giraffe is made from maple hardwood with cherry and walnut accents. It is finished with a mix of non-toxic beeswax and flaxseed oil. 

This child's adjustable step stool from Little Partners is made of solid birch and poplar wood and finished with non-toxic paints. It's Greenguard Gold certified which means it's been tested for thousands of chemical emissions and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and deemed free of them. 

Blue light shielding glasses from Defender Shield protect your child’s eyes (and yours) from damaging blue light emitted from digital screens of computers, laptops, tablets, cell phones and other electronic devices. With these glasses your child will notice an improvement in eye strain which can reduce headaches, fatigue, dry eyes, and problems focusing and the negative effects of long-term exposure to blue light will be reduced

The Environmental Working Group just tested the effectiveness of a number of free-standing water filtration systems at removing dangerous PFAS chemicals. Their top choice was the Travel Berkey Water Filter. Though it’s suitable to bring along on travels, it’s also appropriate for your kitchen counter. A big bonus is that much of the Berkey is made of metal, not plastic. In addition to PFAS, the filter system, which uses activated carbon to purify water, also removes a long list of other toxins including heavy metals and inorganic materials. No plumbing hook-up or electricity needed. It comes in several sizes.

When it comes to cooking, the best for quality and safety is cast iron. It's non-toxic, unlike some popular cookware, such as aluminum and pans with non-stick surfaces. (Stainless steel is also safe.) Lodge Cast Iron has been making pots and pans, including this 9-inch pan here, since 1896. Cast Iron is a great gift for anyone who cooks and the vintage look adds to a kitchen's decor. 

Waxed food wraps are great alternatives to plastic film or aluminum. But most are made with beeswax which can be harmful and cruel to bees, depending on where and how the wax is harvested. Consider these vegan ones instead. They make great gifts. They cling nicely to the bowls. The trick there is to fold the wrap on itself to secure it, not on to the bowl. These are made mainly with plant oils and cotton. Non-toxic, cruelty-free. Don't let the name fool you. These are entirely plant-based but the business also makes beeswax wraps, hence the name. They last a long time, a good couple of years. Wash with cold water only to prevent damage to the wax. 

These modern glasses have a fitted bamboo top and glass straw. They're great for gatherings or situations -- like boating or walking -- where your drink might get jostled or you want a protective covering over it. Lead-free and BPA-free. 

Handmade in Turkey from olive trees cut down by farmers after they no longer bear fruit, these beautiful cutting boards rescue timber that would otherwise have been discarded. A recycled copper handle offsets beautifully against the deep olive wood grain. The cutting boards are made in a Fair Trade-certified and family-owned wood workshop. 

This set of three cutting boards is made from organic bamboo. Bamboo’s natural properties make it an ideal material for cutting boards, including being non-porous and bacteria-resistant. The boards are free of any chemicals and toxins. A built-in groove catches juices and other liquids.

These absorbent GOTS-certified waffle-texture kitchen towels from Coyuchi are made from 100 percent organic cotton grown and woven in India in a factory that recycles 98% of its wastewater. They have a handy loop for hanging them on a  hook. Set of six.

The wonderful thing about a Swiss Army Knife is that it's endlessly useful. It's a handy stand-in for a missing tool or gadget and it often comes to the rescue in an emergency. The classic well-made Victorinox knife sets last forever and they're a great gift for just about anyone. They are still made in Switzerland, as they have been since 1884, and they come with a lifetime guarantee. . 

Avocado Green Mattress makes their wooden bath mat of solid FSC American Beech in their Los Angeles workshop. Beech wood is a sustainable hardwood with well-managed growth, and it's not endangered, making it an eco-friendly choice. It is also grown in North America, reducing the carbon impact from associated transportation. Rubber feet help keep the mat secure. It's finished with zero-VOC Ecos brand wood stain, which is organic, non-toxic and odor-free. 

This soft waffle weave throw blanket from Zero Waste Store is 100 percent organic, GOTS-certified and sustainably and ethically made. It's woven from premium long-staple cotton and has a double-stitch binding. It's a generous 50" by 70" size and is machine-washable. Colors include white, natural, navy, slate (gray) and forest (dark green) Zero Waste Store has a great collection of sheets, comforters, pillows and towels, all of it organic. 

Like other page-a-day stand-up calendars from Andrews McMeel Publishing, the Jeopardy page-a-day calendar this year has made a big eco-friendly change. The easel-style stand in back is now made of heavy cardboard instead of plastic. Such great news. The calendar is printed on FSC-certified paper with soy-based ink.

This handsome briefcase is made from cork. Corkor's cruelty-free faux leather accessories are all made in Portugal where its cork is harvested sustainably from the renewable bark of cork trees. Harvesting the cork is a win-win for the environment as the trees absorb more carbon dioxide from the air after bark has been removed to facilitate the regrowing of new bark. 

Corkor's faux leather products are vegan and Peta-approved. They look, feel and behave like leather but are plant-based and cruelty-free. This slim bifold wallet has a minimalist design and is ideal for someone who doesn't need any extras or unnecessary details.

This faux leather purse with front zips is all cork. Corkor's cruelty-free accessories are all made in Portugal where the cork bark is harvested sustainably from FSC-certified cork oak trees. Harvesting the cork is a win-win for the environment as the trees are not harmed and the bark grows back and, as it does, the trees absorb a greater level of carbon dioxide from the air.

This cruelty-free bag is all cork. No leather! Corkor's cruelty-free faux leather accessories are all made in Portugal where its cork is harvested sustainably from the renewable bark of FSC-certified cork trees. Corkor owns and runs its own workshop so they're able to directly ensure the quality and craftsmanship of their products.

This clutch style cork wallet for women has lot of room for cards, money and other valuables. It folds to clutch size and snaps shut securely. Eco-friendly, cruelty-free and stylish. Peta-approved and vegan. Comes in several different rich colors. 

This traditional style belt looks like leather but it's entirely cork. Corkor has a nice line of handsome vegan belts, all made in their own workshop in Portugal from the bark of cork trees. 

These wonderful colorful scrunchies are handmade in Peru through a Fair Trade enterprise headquartered in the U. S. I have these scrunchies and they're great. 

Koo Shoo cotton scrunchies and other hair ties are 100 percent plastic-free and Fair Trade. They are made of organic cotton and sustainably-sourced natural tree rubber. 

This plastic-free paddle-style hairbrush is made from 100% sustainable bamboo, natural rubber and the rounded bristles are carbonized wood. Unlike plastic brushes, wooden brushes do not generate static, another nice feature. A mini version of this brush is great for traveling. 

This fantastic toiletry bag from Simple Ecology is made from GOTS-certiffied organic cotton fabric from India and is free of the pesticides, fertilizers and bleaches used in regular cotton crops. The quilted lining is also organic cotton. Manufactured in India and packaged and shipped in the United States. The bags are GOTS-certified not only for organic and ecological integrity but also for Simply Ecology's social responsibility throughout the entire production process. Shipped in paper packaging. Simply Ecology is a great business, free of greenwashing. Check out their other products. 

This fragrant plastic-free soap from France is scented with essential oils or perfume of Grasse (the cultivation of inspired plants). Made by a small family business, the soap is vegan, cruelty-free and free of parabens and silicone. Purchase of this soap supports Free the Ocean, a non-profit working to remove plastic debris from oceans, near Hawaii and around the world.

Natural body lotion from the Farmstead Apothecary comes in a glass jar with a metal lid. No plastic.  The moisturizing lotion is 100 percent plant-based, vegan, cruelty-free and non-GMO. Scented with real fruits. Unscented also available. 

Socks from Conscious Step all support different causes -- you have 16 to choose from including The Trevor Project, which these socks pictured here supports. The non-profit works to support LGBTQ young people and prevent suicide within that population. The socks are 75 percent cotton and 23 percent recycled polyester. 

This casual everyday bracelet is handmade from plastic pulled from the ocean and symbolizes efforts ongoing around the world to reduce plastic pollution in the oceans, rivers and other waterways across the globe. The cord of also made from recycled ocean plastic and the charms are made from recycled stainless steel. The unisex bracelet is adjustable and waterproof. 

This plastic-free hair care kit from Zero Waste Store includes natural shampoo and conditioner bars, a natural agave soap saver bag and a compostable soap dish made from bamboo and a corn starch-based plastic. The shampoo and conditioner bars are silicone-free, paraben-free and contain no SLS, GMOs or artificial colors or fragrances.

Terra Thread's Executive Work Tote for businesspeople is made from 100 percent organic cotton. It fits a ton of stuff, stands up on its own for easy loading, has a smart professional look and has a pocket for laptops. Purchases support Feeding America's campaign to end hunger by helping to donate meals to kids and families in need.

Defender Shield has a variety of products to protect us from EMF radiation emitted by cell phones, laptops, routers and other equipment. Air tube headphones are a must for using cell phones and other devices because their hollow tube design blocks EMF radiation that you would otherwise be exposed to with traditional wired headphones or wireless products like Bluetooth. Regular wired headphones do not block radiation and in fact deliver a harmful signal directly to your head. Theses air tube headphones use copper to block Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) electrical signals. The hollow air tubes then switch the electrical signal to an acoustic signal, preventing any ELF radiation from reaching your head. They have a built-in microphone and three sizes of silicone ear tips.

One of the best books out there for the general public on climate change and its consequences. The message is that global warming is worse than most people realize. Much worse. And it's here now, already taking lives, causing species extinction and rendering parts of the planet nearly uninhabitable. It's an easy read but also explains the science well and offers compelling information that should make any reader understand the magnitude of the crisis and the need for immediate change. 

In Planet Aqua, Jeremy Rifkin, author and climate change expert, argues we have misunderstood the nature of our existence and our relationship with the Earth. We have long believed we live on a land planet when, in fact, we live on a water planet, he argues. This highly-praised 2024 book is a must for anyone interested in learning about the climate change crisis. 

 Fatal Conveniences warns the world about the hidden and not-so-hidden toxicity of common household products, from cosmetics to clothing to cell phones. It pretty much confirms the nagging thoughts you may've had about such conveniences wrinkle-free clothes, cell phones, polyester, furniture foam, flame retardants, plastics, cleaning products and food. The well-researched book is packed with alarming data about so many seemingly-safe products, why they're dangerous, what the health and environmental impacts are and why little is being done to protect the public.

This book offers pages of great recipes that use leftovers to help prevent food waste, and save money too. According to the author, one-third of all food produced in the world is thrown away. The book also has other creative ways to use extra food, like making pet treats, home cleaning products and beauty treatments. Author Christine Tizzard runs a website called The Zero Waste Kitchen. 

John J. Berger's new book, Solving the Climate Crisis, about climate change and what it's going to take to stop it has been called "deeply insightful" and "critically important" in published reviews. A former policy director at The Sierra Club calls it "....a vital tool and voice that is urgently needed right now." Mr. Berger  is an environmental science and policy specialist, prize-winning author, and journalist. A graduate of Stanford and the University of California, he has written and edited 11 books, including three previous books on climate change, and written over 100 articles on climate change and transitioning to clean energy.