Gift Guide 2020: Eco-friendly gifts for those who want to start living more sustainably
As people around the world are becoming more aware of the declining rate of natural resources, not to mention the gravity of climate change, they have also started embracing earth-friendly practices in an effort to save the earth.
It may be as simple as opting out of using plastic cutlery when ordering take-outs, or using refillable containers, but no matter how small the effort is, it can still make an impact on the planet.
Now, if your loved one is looking into starting their own sustainable journey, do gift them with one of the eco-friendly presents below.
Amanté Vintage Nicole Farhi Beige Silk Sleeveless Top
It's no secret that fast fashion is one of the biggest source of pollution. The option? Shop for slow fashion or vintage clothes!
One online store that's perfect for those who have a penchant for vintage fashion is Amanté Vintage. This local online shop sells curated second-hand pieces (yes, no need to go to ukay-ukays for now) sourced from Osaka, Japan, which as you may know, is one of the major hubs for vintage clothing.
"We offer style that is both classic and modern with the emphasis on timelessness and everyday wearability," they said. Here, you can find designer brands like Givenchy, Dior, Balenciaga, Celine, YSL to American favorites like Lacoste and Levi's, at reasonable prices.
Shop Amanté Vintage here
Amihan Organics Is It Christmas? Beeswax Candle
Help set the mood by giving your loved ones one of these beeswax candles from Amihan Organics. Beeswax candles are known to be environmentally friendly, safe, non-toxic, and natural. They burn slowly and naturally cleans the air by by neutralizing toxins.
Perfect for the holidays, their “Is It Christmas?” candle has the combination scents of cherry, grape and oak.
Shop Amihan Organics via their website or Instagram
Ecowarrior Eco Stow
Say goodbye to plastic containers, and hello to glass containers! Ecowarrior's Eco Stow containers are 100% plastic free with its BPA-free glass body and sustainable bamboo lid. It's airtight lid will to keep your food—both wet and dry—fresh. Plus, its not only used to store food, the glass container can be used in the microwave, freezer, oven, and dishwasher, too!
Shop Eco Warrior here
Human Nature Natural Shampoo Bar
Millions of tons of plastic waste from the Philippines end up in oceans every year, and a big source of that is from single-use plastics or sachets. It was reported that 163 million pieces of sachets are consumed in the country in a day. Can you believe that?
As an solution, beauty brands such as Human Nature have developed a line of solid shampoo bars for men, women, and kids. Their bars save up to 98.59% plastic waste vs. two 180ml plastic shampoo bottles. Each item is housed in PE-lined paper and cardboard packaging.
The Human Nature Natural Shampoo Bar (P249.75/70g) for men does not only cleanse, but also moisturize and invigorate. It has bamboo charcoal, avocado oil, peppermint oil, coconut-derived cleansing actives, and a Cool & Clean scent.
Shop Human Nature here
Likha Lokal Katsa Pouch Bag
Why throw scrap textile when you can make them into something more useful? The makers at Likha Lokal did just that! They upcycled katsa (canvas fabric) and made totes, scrunchies, cutlery pockets, sling bags, cup carriers, face masks, mask lanyards, and pouch bags.
Shop Likha Lokal here
Nala Sanitary Pads and Pantyliners
Sanitary pads are essential to women, but they always end up in the landfill. Now, there's a biodegradable option for ladies—the only one in the Philippine market—thanks to Nala.
Nala's Sanitary Pads and Pantyliners are wrapped in cornstarch biodegradable wrappers and biodegradable back sheet film. The pads itself are organic and clinically-tested hypoallergenic, and made without the harmful chemicals.
The Biodegradable Nala Day Pads are at P185 per pack of 10, Biodegradable Nala Night Pads are at P195 per pack of 10, and Biodegradable Nala Pantyliners are P240 per pack of 24. They also come in sets that start at P620.
Shop Nala here
Papel ni Juan Multi-Purpose Bond Paper
A greener alternative for those who are studying or working from home, these locally-made multi-purpose bond papers are "for every Juan."
With a purpose of providing accessible paper for all, Papel ni Juan's Multi-Purpose Bond Papers are made with quality materials sold at affordable prices. For just P130, you can already get a ream of bond paper!
They're also 100% recycled, acid-free, eco-friendly, and locally-sourced. "By recycling, we’re not only able to make quality and affordable paper, but also help our country promote the use of environment-friendly products that make our world a greener place," said Max Sy of Papel ni Juan to PhilSTAR L!fe. "Instead of importing paper, we make use of the materials readily available here in the Philippines, and in the process, get to help create opportunities for Filipinos and encourage the use of Filipino products."
Not only that, they pledge to help those the unfortunate by partnering with organizations. For every 100 reams sold, Papel ni Juan pledges to donate five reams to selected with government offices, LGUs, and private organizations.
The multi-purpose bond paper comes in short (P130/ream), A4 (P140/ream), and long (P150/ream).
Shop Papel Ni Juan on here
Savon Cleaning Solutions Hand Soap Starter Kit
Why buy plastics when you can buy refillable containers? Savon Cleaning Solutions has released their powder-to-liquid hand soaps packed in biodegradable paper sachets.
The makers of Savon Cleaning Solutions partnered with Chemrez Technologies, Inc., one of the largest natural soap manufacturers in Asia, to create their cleansing powder—"the first of its kind in the Philippines." The formula itself is non-toxic, vegan, cruelty-free, sulfate-free, silicone-free, and made with naturally derived antibacterial agents.
With Savon, an average home would only need one reusable glass bottle and twelve fully biodegradable packs of hand soap a year, which is only P630/year. Their Starter Kit is priced at P399 and includes one foaming glass bottle and three 450 ml powder sachets.
Shop Savon Cleaning Solutions here
UNIQLO U Recycled Down Jacket
When old becomes new. UNIQLO has released their first recycled item under the RE.UNIQLO project, which collects old UNIQLO clothes and is recycled into new ones.
The Recycled Down Jacket contains all of the down and feather from the 620,000 down jackets collected from customers. According to a press release, "waste, carbon dioxide emissions, and resource consumption are reduced throughout product lifecycles."
Shop Uniqlo in stores and online
Photos courtesy of brands