Environmentally Friendly Presents

[Leeds2]

Any ideas for a late teen whose passion is saving the planet/environment issues? Not bothered about the cost if I can find the right thing!

Only thing I have come up with so far is vegan boots.

A couple of big brands here maybe?

Thanks, LaChatte. Exactly the sort of thing I was looking for!

An ethically made/eco friendly water bottle? www.babipur.co.uk/feeding-teething-bpa-free/baby-plates-bowls/klean-kanteen-27oz-classic-loop.html

Thank you! That will go down well too. Particularly as I have been told not to buy clothes, as she would prefer to buy second hand. Also grateful that LLaChatte links are to new clothes of decent origin!

How about membership of some campaigning organisations? Local Wildlife Trust, Surfers Against Sewage, Woodland Trust etc? Many of these do great virtual gifts as well like adopting an area of woodland, or helping support an at risk species.

Ages ago the Christian Bookshop where I lived had a wonderful selection of ethically sourced gifts and fair trade products.

It might be worth looking for a similar shop nearby for little presents.

Do you have a budget in mind?

You could buy pretty much anything she likes secondhand. That's about as environmentally friendly as you can get. You could also source some nice ethically produced socks and underwear as they aren't really something you can buy secondhand. It might sound boring but if she is really passionate about buying ethically, socks and underwear would be great.

Luva Huva ethically sourced, very beautiful, lingerie, underwear etc
It's made in England from factory offcuts, bamboo , organic cotton
It is all handmade in Brighton.
I have several pieces which are beautiful and so comfortable
I think it would be fashionable enough for older teenagers

Would she appreciate Oxfam unwrapped type gifts? They start at £5 so possible stocking filler idea?

Thank you so much for all the ideas! I'm going to set aside a day next week to work through them all!

I have always bought an Oxfam "buy a cow" type gift (I am not sure if that is what you mean, secondhoneymoon) so will do the same this year.

I have been asked not to buy new clothes this year, as she would prefer second hand. Maybe Luva Huba is the way to go!

How about a vegan hamper of organic cooking ingredients and treat foods? Or a hamper of eco friendly and vegan toiletries? faith in nature, Green People fluoride free toothpastes, bamboo toothbrush etc? All those things are pricey and nice to recieve if you are that way inclined.

Love this thread. Like the idea of getting ethical food gifts - Oxfam sell a good range including divine chocolate which is yum. Buy from a shop rather than online and then you'll get double points for supporting the local economy You can also buy an advent calendar if she still gets those.

If you're after eco-friendly toiletries then Oxfam sell several and also have a look at www.biggreensmile.com

If your DD is like me then she won't really want random gifts that are 'ethical' unless she really needs them. For example, the vegan boots are great if you know she definitely needs/wants boots. If not then it is still wasteful, even though the brand is good and ethical if that makes sense. That's why consumables are a good idea (food, necessary toiletries, candles etc if she uses them) because they will be used up.

The charity/sponsorship ideas are good too. Also think about a subscription for the Ethical Consumer magazine (think you can order in print or online version if she has an ipad etc).

www.braintreeclothing.com is also good for clothes that can't easily be bought second hand (e.g. socks, PJs, leggings)

www.givemetap.co.uk/ are quite nice water bottles. Various places have signed up to give free refills to people with the bottle.

Membership of RSPB, Friends of the Earth, zoo.
What about visiting a charity bookshop and getting a selection of interesting books or DVDs? Same effect as giving money to charity and gives her something to unwrap, along with potential to expand her mind.