This time of year it is definitely a hard to be an ethical consumer. In fact, average household waste increases 25% from Thanksgiving to New Years! From wrapping paper to leftover food, to plastic packaging, our spirit of giving comes at a cost to the environment. Is it possible to show friends and family we love them without all the waste? I think YES!

1. Zero-Waste Coffee kit

Of course, this could also be for tea, iced drinks, or water. Basically, you're giving someone all the tools they need to NEVER USE ANOTHER DISPOSABLE CUP, EVER!! If you can't tell, I'm passionate about this. All you need is a mason jar, reusable cloth sleeve, a stainless steel lid, and straw. Find your supplies here.

There are a couple Eco-friendly travel mugs on their site as well, so feel free to purchase one of those instead! I prefer mason jars because they're completely plastic free and so versatile. I can use it for multiple beverages each day just by giving it a quick rinse in between.

You could make your own cloth sleeve by crocheting or sewing, I bought mine at a craft show. I'm sure there are some awesome ones on Etsy!

2. Bake Something!

Who doesn't love homemade cookies or granola? Put either of these inside a mason jar or reusable container and you've given two gifts in one! You could also make a festive pumpkin, banana, or zucchini bread wrapped in a cloth reusable napkin instead of plastic.

3. Give a Gift Card

It's hard to know if your friend or family member will genuinely love and wear the scarf or sweater you pick out, so why not eliminate the hassle and let them make the decision? Bonus points if the gift-card is to a fair trade or sustainable business!

4. Leggings from Girlfriend Collective

Okay so this company is awesome! They are based in Vietnam and have made a commitment to treat their workers with respect as well as the environment. Each pair of leggings are made from recycled material and they are certified fair-trade. They are also giving away leggings for the cost of shipping alone until September! Shipping is $19.95, but when this business officially launches, they'll be around $70.00 so I'd advise against waiting. Think this deal is too good to be true, check them out by clicking here.

5. Fair-Trade Jewelry from Trades of Hope

This is another awesome company making the world a better place. They empower women all over the world out of poverty by giving them a job that pays 3-6 times the amount they would normally make in their country. Trades of Hope pays their asking price for the items, so no sale or promotion will cut into an artisan's paycheck! The work these women do allows them to send their children to school, get adequate medical care, and put food on the table. What's not to support!? If anyone has scarves, handbags, jewelry, or journals on their list, this is the place to look! They also have some home decor items and a leather wallet for men.

Trades of Hope is a for-profit organization because they want to provide dignified work instead of charity. While donations help in the short-term, providing ongoing employment is what will really make a difference and contribute to the suffering economies both overseas and in the U.S.

I decided to join the Trades of Hope team and become a Compassionate Entrepreneur. With about 3,000 other women in the United States, I get to speak up about poverty and labor conditions overseas. Visit the Trades of Hope Website to order now!

6. A Customized Reusable Tote

Because everyone could use an extra shopping bag to eliminate single-use plastic! Check out 25 different ways to decorate a plain tote bag here. Not only is this a functional gift, it also has a personal touch because you put time and effort into the decorating portion. This could also be used in place of wrapping paper, the possibilities are endless!

7. A Fair-Trade Tie

Okay, so finding a place to buy a fair trade tie was harder than I anticipated, but this is a good option. I personally love the gray one, it would go with anything. They also have a cool bowtie!

If the guy you have in mind isn't one for dressing up, check out tasc performance for ethical athletic apparel at really good prices.

8. A Homemade Jewelry Organizer

This would be so useful for any jewelry-loving lady! Just takes some time and creativity.

9. Bulk Coffee or Tea

This could go along with the travel coffee set in the first idea, or it could be a stand alone gift. I know of three places in Wichita I could go to get coffee beans in bulk, no plastic necessary! The Life Without Plastic website has several awesome brewing systems as well as a zero-waste pour over coffee and tea set made specifically for mason jars!

10. An Experience

Massage. Concert tickets. Movie & popcorn. Fancy dinner. Horseback riding. Skiing. College or professional basketball game tickets. A trip to a national park.

The memories you make doing these things together will be just as valuable if not more valuable than a material gift.