Shop Green Companies for Holiday Gifts
Purchase Christmas Presents from Environmentally-Friendly Businesses
Dec 17, 2008
Being “green” and eco-conscious is on everyone’s mind these days. Many people are looking for ways to reduce waste and save money. But, before you plunk your hard- earned money down for holiday gifts this season, think about purchasing gifts from one those these eco-savvy, socially responsibly companies:
Patagonia
Patagonia is a company that specialized in outdoors wear. Patagonia doesn’t just support environmental causes. It has integrated recycling directly into its product line- literally. In 1993, it became the first outdoor clothing manufacturer to use fleece that was made from recycled soda cans. According to the Patagonia web site, they have saved 86 million soda bottles from the trash heap over the course of 13 years.
In 2005, Patagonia launched a garment recycling program called Common Threads. The Common Threads program encourages Patagonia customers to return their unusable Patagonia garments that bear the “Common Threads” tag back to them so they can reuse the garments for other products.
SuperLuckyCat
SuperLuckyCat is a Los Angeles-based company that produces one-of-a-kind fashions from vintage clothes. Their recycled clothing is so cool and unique that the merchandising division of Coachella had partnered with them to rework tee and hoodies from previous festivals. All their clothes are produced in the United States by small, local, family- run sewing shops. The SuperLuckyCat brand is sold at Urban Outfitters and Metropark.
GAIAM
GAIAM is a company that produces yoga, fitness, and wellness products. GAIAM uses 100% recyclable and biodegradable eco-conscious packaging for all their media. In 2007, GAIAM upgraded their catalog paper from 20% to 30% post-consumer recycled content. Unlike other companies, GAIAM limits the number of catalogs their customers receive based on the consumers’ past purchasing activity. Additionally, GAIAM encourages customers to shop on their web site so they can stop receiving GAIAM’s catalogs entirely.
Brilliant Earth
Diamond jewelry is beautiful and timeless. Unfortunately, many diamonds are obtained from war-torn African countries. The diamond trade in these countries has unfortunately funded civil wars, human rights abuses, and terrorist groups. If you are looking for conflict-free diamond jewelry, then try San Francisco jeweler Brilliant Earth. Brilliant Earth’s diamonds come from Canadian mines that follow environmentally sustainable practices. Also, they donate5% of their profits to communities impacted by the jewelry trade.
Aveda
Aveda manufactures plant-based hair and skin care products and makeup. According to their web site, Aveda purchases over 30 tons of certified organic essential oils a year. It also partners with indigenous and local communities to obtain their organic plant-based ingredients. Moreover, one hundred percent of Aveda’s packaging is made from recycled materials. Their policy is to not use packaging materials made from virgin forest or “problem materials” such as PVC. Plus, Aveda uses wind power to power its Blaine, Minnesota manufacturing facility.
