10 Gift Ideas That Are Great For The Environment | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Holidays

10 Gift Ideas That Are Great For The Environment And Your Wallet

A mini herb garden is great for decoration, low maintenance, and improves indoor air quality.

73
10 Gift Ideas That Are Great For The Environment And Your Wallet

In This Article:

Are you still pondering about what to give your sibling, parent, relative, friend or significant other this Christmas? Here are 10 unusual, useful and eco-friendly gifts that you probably have not thought.

1. Mini-herb garden

A mini herb garden is great for decoration, low maintenance, and improves indoor air quality. The herbs will also provide a refreshing aroma and a dash of flavor. Two examples: Aerogarden with herb seed pod kit and window box kit.

2. Tickets

While physical gifts can become worn out over time, the gift of experience can last a lifetime and leave tons of memories.

3. Symbolic gifts (adopt-an-animal)

Many zoos and aquariums, as well as non-profit organizations like Oceana, WWF, and Sierra Club, sell adopt-an-animal packages that donate money to conservation efforts of that animal while providing you with a stuffed animal and certificate

4. Re-gift a gift that was not suitable for you

We sometimes receive gifts that we do not like. They often sit in the idly in the closet. If you feel that one of those unwanted gifts will find a better home with someone else, then don't be afraid to give it. As long as that item(s) is still like new, re-gifting is completely fine.

5. Gifts from recycled sources

The use of recycled materials conserves resources, utilizes less energy to manufacture and reduces the waste stream while promoting closed-loop product design. Check out Uncommon Goods, Hipcycle, and Terracycle.

6. Collapsible cup

They make it convenient to have a cup of coffee without creating waste or carrying around a mug all the time.

7. Christmas tree starter kit

Plant a Christmas tree and watch it grow.

8. Fair Trade and organic chocolates

These chocolates taste just as blissful as any other, but also provide a vote for a more socially and environmentally sustainable future.

9. Battery-free Presents

About 40% of all battery sales occur during the holiday season, and most of those are single-use batteries. While single-use batteries not classified as hazardous waste, they still contain harmful materials and can be a hazard to younger children. Over time, the cost of replacing batteries can also add up. Here are a few examples of naturally powered presents.

10. Locally made gifts

Locally made gifts reduce fuel emissions from transportation and have their own unique, story since you know who made it and where it originated. They can be found at nearby craft fairs and artisan shops.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

15814
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

6803
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

5014
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

4410
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments