It’s that time of year again: gift giving season! While some of us try to reduce carbon emissions by dragging our Christmas tree out of the woods by bike this year, others are just looking for a gift that will have less of an impact on the world. Wherever you fall on the spectrum, we have some suggestions.
Whether you’re looking for stocking stuffers for your significant other, fun options for your outdoor adventuring buddies or a grab bag contribution to the white elephant party, consider going with an “eco-friendly” theme this year. Here are 8 eco-friendly gift ideas for the outdoors-loving person in your life.
Alpine Start/Protect Our Winters Collaboration Instant Coffee Box
Coffee and snow lovers rejoice! Alpine Start and Protect Our Winters (POW) have come together to give you what you need (i.e., caffeine) – while giving back to a really good cause. This limited edition collaboration gives back to POW and 1% for the Planet, two environmental protection-minded and climate change advocacy initiatives. Alpine Start coffee is delicious and for every box purchased, $1 is donated to help keep the places we love to play, protected. Win-win! $8.99/alpinestartfoods.com
Green Guru – Tripster Waist Pack
Why use new materials, when you can repurpose existing ones? If you’re looking for a durable pack with a smaller footprint, the Tripster is a great option. This pack fits all your essentials and no two are the same since they are made with up-cycled tent fabric, ropes and bike tubes. We used the Tripster around town, on light hikes and mountain biking. $45/greengurugear.com
New Belgium Brewing – Fat Tire
Did you know that New Belgium Brewing has an in-house sustainability department? As a “Force for Good”, the brewery is a Certified B Corp business, a 1% for the Planet member and they utilize alternative energy to power their breweries. If you’re looking to gift a delicious beer that makes you feel good while doing the Earth a solid, Fat Tire is your brew of choice. Grab a six-pack and maybe your friend will even share with you! $9.99/newbelgium.com
Patagonia – Calcite Jacket
Get ready to holler a big “Shell, Yeah”! Many of us know the importance of environmental advocacy to this company, but now they’re really putting their money (i.e., technology) where their mouth is, with their Responsible Shell Initiative. This fall and throughout their winter line, Patagonia shells (62 in total, including the Calcite) are made with recycled materials and sewn in Fair Trade Certified factories. The Calcite is a favorite thanks to its weight, packability and versatility. It’s a solid performer and a great take-anywhere shell. $249/patagonia.com
Stio – Hometown Down Hooded Jacket
Light, cozy, and responsibly made, the Stio Hometown Down Hooded Jacket features a soft, waterproof and breathable outer layer and traceable down insulation. Thanks to their collaboration with Allied Feather & Down, Stio’ s classic men’s and women’s Hometown Down Jacket features traceable water resistant goose down (800 down fill). This year’s Hometown keeps you cozy while featuring the longest lasting water resistant down on the market and meeting the most stringent of sustainable production standards. $299/stio.com
Toad&Co – Sequoia Skinny Pant
This one is for the ladies. If there’s one thing Toad&Co does right – well, we could probably list at least a dozen things – it’s their women’s Sequoia Skinny Pant. Made with organic cotton, this pant is ultra cozy, slightly stretchy and perfect for just about any situation. We’ve worn them to the office, cycling around town, hiking in the foothills, and out to dinner with friends. $80/toadandco.com
Wildbird Threads – Blue Moon T-Shirt
This Colorado-based company collaborates with artists across the country to create fun and unique apparel, printed with environmentally-friendly, water-based inks. They have several great designs and many of the shirts are made with organic cotton and organic bamboo. Some of our favorite designs include the Do Epic Shit, Rainbow Knots, and the Blue Moon (pictured), which is a bison-inspired piece created by Salida, Colo. artist, Brinkley Messick. $28/wildbirdthreads.com
Yeti – 24oz Rambler Mug
Save the disposable cup and reduce your footprint with a reusable mug. While paper cups are an ok choice, reusable mugs are an even better option and will help reduce the 120 billion+ disposable cups we use each year in the U.S. And if you love a solid, get-you-through-anything, cozy-handled mug as much as us, the 24oz Yeti Rambler Mug is a great option. It’s perfect for caffeinating in the morning, hydrating throughout the day and refilling with your favorite brews in the evening. $29.99/yeti.com
