Eco-Friendly Gifts

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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. 

This adjustable hand-beaded bracelet from India is made of brass weave and glass beads. It is made through an organization called Tara Projects, which provides education and a path to economic independence for local women, who are often excluced from the marketplace. Offered  by Ten Thousand Villages, which imports ethically-made artistic goods from around the world. 

These textured dinner napkins from Coyuchi are made in India of 100 percent organic cotton. They are made in a factory that recycles 98 percent of its wastewater. They are GOTS-certified, in keeping with Coyuchi's mission of making only organic toxin-free earth-friendly goods. 

These organic cotton mesh bags from Public Goods are great because when your'e not using them they crunch up small and can be easily tucked away in your purse or a pocket of the car. They expand generously to carry a lot. Biodegradable and machine washable.

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. 

This large throw blanket from Coyuchi is made in India of 100 percent GOTS-certified organic cotton. It has a fishbone stitch and wide ribbed hem.  Founded in California more than 30 years ago, Coyuchi is an early leader in the manufacturing of organic toxin-free household textiles. 

These handmade earrings from Colombia are made of 14K gold wire and lavender acai seeds. They are sold by Ten Thousand Villages, which imports ethically-made eco-friendly goods from around the world, supporting local craftspeople and artists. They are made by a local Fair Trade business in Bogata that uses natural materials to made unique items. 

This charm necklace from India is made of brass and decorated with tourmaline beads. The brass charms depict Circle Mandala, Yoga Praying Figure, Ohm Symbol, Tree of Life, Lotus, Four Leaf Mandala, and a Peace Symbol. They are made by the non-profit Asha Association, a fair trade organization that represents more than 6,500 artisans in 10 states of India. They're sold by Ten Thousand Villages. 

This pearl and silver ring from Peru is made by local artists with sterling silver and a river pearl. Each purchase supports local family businesses and artisan groups through Allpa, which provides training and education to help craftspeople become successful entrepreneurs. The rings are imported and sold by Ten Thousand Villages. 

This double-strand necklace from Ecuador feaures tagua slices and pambil  seeds on a cotton cord. Tagua, also known as vegetable ivory, is a hard, white nut that comes from the tagua palm tree.  Pambil seeds grow on palm trees in the Amazonian region of Ecuador. The necklace is imported and sold by Ten Thousand Villages. 

Bands of sterling silver and upcycled brass from bomb casings intertwine in this symbolic ring from Cambodia. Decades of conflict have left the Cambodian countryside littered with bombs - some still dangerous, all a reminder of violence. One by one, the makers of Rajana cut and shape brass bomb casings, safely cleared by a demining agency, into jewelry - wearable statements of peace and progress. 

This is an adjustable brass ring that wraps around the back of the finger with two stones on each end. The stones are a round, cloudy faceted blue chalcedony and a round, cloudy faceted aqua chalcedony that sit one aligned atop the other. They are made by members of Asha, a fair trade organization that represents more than 6,500 craftspeople in 10 states of India.

These dangle tagua tassel earrings are handmade in Vermont with small bits of tagua nut which hang from four cotton strings. They have surgical steel findings. All the tagua beads used are sustainable, organic, and vegan, pure vegetable ivory (Tagua seeds). When ripe, tagua seeds are harvested and sun-dried. After losing all their moisture they become rock solid resembling ivory in color, texture, and hardness, hence their nickname: “Vegetable Ivory”. 

This necklace features five tagua chips with rind on the edges that are tied together with a cotton cord. A macramé knot in the back makes it adjustable, giving it the versatility of being worn long or short. Two tagua fragments finish it off at the back. Tagua beeads are from from the seeds of the Tagua Palm tree, which grows in the South American rainforest. The necklace is handmade in Vermont. A multi-colored option too. 

These brass, copper and silver-plated hoop earrings are made by a Cape Cod artist who has a small business called Of Earth and Ocean. All metals are carefully burnished, plated, and gently hammered to create a textured rustic surface. "I am inspired by the beautiful textures and colors of the sea. The Cape Cod sunrise and sunset are always changing, creating an amazing palette that I can draw upon when I work," Ms. Stiles says of her jewelry.

This Fair Trade handmade necklace features five Tagua chips on a cotton cord. A macramé knot in back makes it adjustable. The tagua chips have natural rind on the edges are dyed blue, purple, green, gray and black. All the Tagua beads used are sustainable, organic, and vegan. They are often called vegetable ivory. Made in Vermont. A similar red-toned necklace and matching earrings make a striking and eco-friendly set. 

These oval-shaped copper earrings are handmade in California by Sundance Dream Designs, a small business. They are two inches long and are lightweight. They arrive in a cardboard gift box. 

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. 

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.

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. 

These beautiful spinning tops are handmade in India from solid wood and finished with non-toxic paints. They encourage creative play, motor skill development and hand-eye coordination. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.

This triangle puzzle game handmade in India is made from wood from the fast-growing mango tree by the Asha Handicrafts Association. Sanskrit for "hope," Asha provides opportunities for local craftspeople in and around Mumbai. It's imported and sold by Ten Thousand Villages, which supports local artists around the world by importing ehtically-made Fair Trade and eco-friendly goods from around the world. 

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.

This hefty canvas tote from Simple Ecology is made of 100 percent GOTS-certified organic cotton. It can carry 50 lbs and has 25% more room than a typical grocery bag. They're made  in India with organic cotton grown in India. Shipped from the US in paper packaging. No plastic. It has two exterior pockets. 

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. 

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 and land, causing species extinction and rendering parts of the planet nearly uninhabitable and unfarmable. 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.

Journey to a Non-Toxic Home is a practical guide to help readers remove non-toxic products from their home and replace them with natural safe and eco-friendly alternatives. Author Sarah UmmYusuf, is a writer and teacher who loves helping people take charge of their family’s health. She created her blog, Nature’s Nurture, in 2011 to document her own journey to a non-toxic healthy home and offer valuable advice. Includes instruction on how to make your own non-toxic cleaning products.  

This hardcover book from Avocado Green Mattress was designed to educate and inspire young readers about climate change and caring for the planet. All profits are donated to 1% for the Planet, an international nonprofit organization whose members contribute at least one percent of their verified annual sales to urgent environmental and social causes, regardless of profitability. The book is also included with all crib mattress purchases while supplies last.