There are a myriad ways to show gratitude without shelling out the green. But if you do choose to gift, this is the year to get inspired and think outside the old gift box. Fortunately, there are thousands of eco-conscious, environmentally sensitive companies to choose from.
All that Glitters
Kirsten Meunster - Kirsten has been a vegetarian for over fourteen years, being “green” was a way of life for her. Eating organic and buying local was something that she had always done and believed in. All of the one-of-a-kind handmade pieces are made from 100% recycled materials, vintage buttons and renewable nuts in her unique designs.
Brilliant Earth - After Eric Grossberg proposed to Beth Gerstein, they set out to find a diamond that was ethically sourced and had quite a difficult time finding something that met both of their standards of ethical jewelry. After Beth's fiancé, Eric could not find a reliable source that could guarantee conflict free diamonds; Beth Gerstein and Eric Grossberg created Brilliant Earth to provide certified conflict free diamonds as an alternative to current diamond industry practices.
Bario-Neal - the collaborative work of designers Anna Bario and Page Neal, Bario-Neal jewelry is handcrafted in Philadelphia with reclaimed precious metals; ethically-sourced stones; and low-impact, environmentally conscious practices. 1% of all Bario-Neal profits are donated to the Association for Responsible Mining.
Bag it Green
English Retreads – Stylish and durable EcoDiva Heather English created her first glam inner-tube bag after she could not find a bag that was both fashionable and invincible. "Just think of all the places these tubes have been," says Heather. "Now it's your turn to add to their miles and adventures."
Ashley Watson – and her team handcraft her one-of-a-kind leather products using exclusively recycled material. Vancouver based designer Ashley Watson began designing handbags with recycled leather in early 2005, inspired by the original features of jackets purchased from charity thrift stores.
Josh Jakus – Like many artists, Josh's career began as an architect. Josh uses his understanding of all he learned about form and function to create his original designs. And he hopes "his products will help foster a more intuitive understanding of all objects in the people who use them."
The Trimmings
Widu Wooden Bristle Brush – These sweet little brushes are handmade in Italy by adult native artisans that have perfected their skills over the last thirty years. The WIDU® Wooden Bristle brush is all-natural. Neither animal by-products nor synthetic materials are used in its manufacture.
iWood ecodesign – Green before it was a life-style, iWood ecodesign uses unique veneers made that were not available in days past and creates original handmade sunglasses for the eco-chic. Each pair of iWood ecodesign wooden sunglasses is designed with the environment in mind, using the highest quality, eco-sustainable, exotic wood veneer.
*In the coming days, look for green gift ideas for the green teen, the green tot, the green hostess, the green guy and handmade gift ideas.
