This month marks holiday shopping. Over consumption has been at an all-time high this year, but the holidays always boost it. I always try to gear my search for eco-friendly gifts early on.
The second thing I love to gear towards early in the game are eco finds from small businesses. Most often their shipping is slower than larger corporations so it’s much less of a worry when I order before December, if UPS is slow to deliver.
Although we can’t always avoid the over consumption the holidays bring us, we can always try to sustainably purchase our gifts for loved ones, as much as we can. If you can find them at a small local shop even better! Gift or not here are some great sustainable finds this month for at home as well.
Patch Bandages
Think of all the band-aids we used in our lifetime, now imagine them all made out of plastic…well they are. I found an alternative, one that not only works but is amazing to the environment. From the packaging to the product, these bad boys are all compostable! They come in different varieties and two different sizes. Regular size is a standard band aid, the larger sizes are perfect for little ones who fell to cover elbows, knees or just big scrapes and bumps for anyone in general. The varieties are curated specifically for cuts, burns, bites or abrasions, with the help of Charcoal, Aloe Vera or Coconut Oil to heal faster and better. I am super into the Aloe Vera one & the coconut oil with the panda bear designs. The product works extremely well for my family and friends. These Band-Aids are also great for skin because of its stretch and comfortable wear. Amazing for anyone’s emergency kit & backpacks.
Cons: Pricey .
They come in only two sizes, waiting to see if maybe they roll out with different sizes and kid designs next year since those are also extremely limited.
Youth To The People (YTTP)
Super amazing for all skin types but especially for oily skin. I love the cool and smooth consistency paired with the non-greasy formula. All natual and clean products, vegan and made in the USA. There are zero-waste stores who offer to take the jar back after your done with the product and offer a discount to buy another. They then return the jar to the company to be cleaned and reused. I love the idea of a true closed loop beauty product!
Cons: Again pricey, if you do not live near a zero-waste store the close loop option only gives you the option of reusing or recycling the product.
Klean Kanteen
It took a hot minute to find the right canteen for my kids. I didn’t want to buy full plastic water bottles, but needed to find a friendly grab that kids can maintain. This canteen is made from all stainless steel except the tops for little ones. Most of them are made with a sports cap or just a plain open mouth top. However, I found out this brand offer’s a spout top which is a great fixture on the canteen for all toddlers. I love the fact it even has an easy handle attached. The canteen itself comes in many different designs and colors with different attachments. A good variety for picky kids!
Cons: If you are working with the spout tops, they don’t come with a closed lid. So, spillage might occur even with the plastic stopper included in purchases if not put down straight up.
Q for Quinn
This clothing line is mostly curated for little ones. However, they do offer a limited adult line. Made with 100% Organic and Fairtrade cotton, they offer socks and underwear to pajamas for the whole family. They even have matching family sets which are adorable and breathable. I ordered the black and white monster socks for my kids, anyone interested in buying a pair will know they are made well for wide feet! Even if you don’t have wide feet, they are amazing in the summer or year-round for anyone.
I love supporting small female owned companies who make a positive impact on the environment. The plus? They also give back to the community and donate to charity.
Cons: They are pricy, but for the cost of 100% cotton and Fairtrade material this is extremely normal for any small business.
Ordered a pair of socks for my nephews thanks for the recommendation!