The gift-giving season is all about consumerism. Living rooms are littered with torn paper, plastic wrap and ripped-up cardboard packaging. And although the act of gift-giving isn’t going anywhere, more students are concerned with staying “green” during the holidays.
“Eco-friendly holiday gifts are a way of giving to others but also back to the environment,” said Jayne Matza, a sophomore dietetics major.
Luckily, there’s a way to give this season without making the environmentalist in you cringe. Here are some eco-friendly gift options sure to please everyone on your list as well as Mother Nature:
For the Techie:
Bamboo technology is often on the cutting edge of tech design, while also keeping the environment in mind. Bamboo Bluetooth speakers, sound systems or earphones are great for music lovers and are made with natural materials and create little waste.
“Not only do the bamboo speakers have excellent quality, they are eco-friendly and make the music-listening experience that much better,” Alec Fanaroff, a sophomore government and politics major, said.
For the Cook:
Cooking and baking are integral to the holiday experience and are easy to incorporate with green living. Surprise your favorite chef with organic olive oil , delicious for any Italian meal. There are also barbecue supplies, kitchen bowls and mixing bowls and measuring cups made out of eco-friendly materials. Organic coffee is also a perfect last-minute gift that’s inexpensive and great for food and drink lovers.
For Her:
Verde Hand & Body Lotion boasts organic olive oil as an ingredient and is a perfect gift for the environmentally conscious mom, girlfriend or significant woman in your life. There’s also lots of confetti recycled glassware, mug sets and organic pillows and blankets available online that make dorm rooms and homes alike a little more inviting.
For Him:
For a little more than $100, phloem wood watches are an ideal eco-friendly gift for men. The neutral wood tones go with every outfit, and these watches are a great way to give a classic gift with an environmental spin.
For the Pet:
Don’t leave Fido out of your gift-giving. Buy your dog a ball made of recyclable materials that it’ll love to play with. Place mats made from nontoxic and eco-friendly materials are perfect for dog and cat naps, as well.
“The place mat I got for my dog was a great gift because it was cheap,” said Willi Rediker, a sophomore marketing major. “My dog loves laying on it and [it] looks great in my kitchen.”
For the Outdoors Lover:
Planting a tree for your friend or in remembrance of a loved one is a meaningful, inexpensive gift that can be enjoyed for years. Not only are they symbolic, but trees are also gifts that will help the planet and last a lifetime — or longer.
