Choosing the perfect gift is always pretty stressful, regardless of who they are or the occasion. But have you ever thought about choosing an eco-conscious gift?
Think of eco-conscious gifts as items that are produced and packaged with consideration for their environmental impact. These environmentally-friendly gifts align with principles of sustainability, ethical sourcing, and a reduced carbon footprint.
Keep reading to discover 5 top green gift ideas that anyone would love, and the benefits of going down the eco-conscious route.
1. Zero-waste Dental Products
Treat your loved one to zero-waste dental products - the ideal green gift keeping not just their teeth clean, but also the planet.
Biodegradable Bamboo Toothbrushes
Did you know that we produce more than 359 million metric tons of plastic every year? What's worse, 99% of all toothbrushes in the world are made from plastic, and unfortunately, the majority of it ends up in landfills or the ocean, polluting the earth and posing a serious risk to marine life.
But with more and more people reconsidering the use of plastic products, bamboo toothbrushes are becoming a popular alternative, and therefore a great idea for a gift. Learn more about the benefits of switching to a bamboo toothbrush here.
6x Bamboo Toothbrush Family Pack - 'Embrace The Elements'
This 6 pack of zero waste bamboo toothbrushes are perfect for large families, or over a year's supply of toothbrushes for an individual person.
The handle of this toothbrush is made from sustainably and ethically sourced bamboo, and is also fully biodegradable. The ergonomics of the handle is designed for 99% of the self-brushing population. In addition the neck of the toothbrush is designed to get to those hard to reach molars at the back!
The bristles are made from nylon-6, as it does not absorb moisture or retain bacteria. They are also blunted at the tips to ensure they do not cause tooth wear and abrasion related gum recession with over eager brushing!
What’s more, all components are cruelty free, BPA free and we do not support slave labour - guaranteed by our manufacturing partners.
Natural & Vegan Toothpaste Tablets
Another popular and highly effective zero-waste dental product are vegan toothpaste tablets. Housed in recyclable packaging or reusable jars, they are a much more sustainable alternative to traditional toothpaste in a plastic tube. A great way to protect the environment while effectively cleaning your teeth - a win win!
Learn more about what toothpaste tablets are and why they’re effective, here.
Toothpaste Tablets - 3 Month Supply
These tubeless, zero waste toothpaste tablets are the perfect gift for everyday use. Great for travel (it is hand luggage friendly - we promise it is leak proof!) and most of all to better your oral health!
This product shows that we can be both healthy for ourselves, and healthy to the environment.
2. Reusable Coffee Cups
Every year it is estimated that over 600 billion disposable cups are discarded to landfill worldwide. So, if the person you’re buying for is a coffee or tea lover who’s always on the go, a reusable cup might just be the perfect gift! As well as reducing waste, a reusable cup would also save the receiver money in the long run.
Practical yet thoughtful, what more could you want from a gift?
3. Eco Body Wash
Zero-waste body wash makes the perfect gift for those who love to pamper and unwind after a long day. Not only are these products kind to your skin, they’re equally as kind to the planet, and the great news is that there are hundreds of eco-friendly body wash products out there which are cruelty-free, biodegradable, zero-waste and palm oil free, such as those from Plaine Products.
4. Digital Gift Cards
Last but not least, you may consider purchasing a digital gift card (bonus points if it’s from a sustainable company).
Digital gift cards are great as they eliminate the wastefulness of the traditional plastic alternative. They also reduce the chance of a return as it gives them the freedom to choose their own gift, meaning they are much less likely to want to return it. This is important because according to the National Retail Federation, about 13% of retailers’ total sales are returned, which increases fuel emissions, pollution and waste.
The Benefits of Buying Eco Friendly Gifts
There are a number of reasons why we should all be choosing eco-friendly gifts - they spread environmental awareness, reduce waste which in turn helps the planet, promote a healthy lifestyle, and can be a really memorable present.
1. They Spread Environmental Awareness & Promote A Healthy Lifestyle
One of the great benefits of green gift giving is that you are spreading environmental awareness & promoting a healthy lifestyle.
For example, by gifting someone a 3-month supply of zero-waste dental care, it will become part of their daily routine and they will get used to using these products. Chances are that once they’ve used the gift, they’ll repurchase it, contributing to a healthier planet.
In addition to the environmentally friendly benefits, there are also personal benefits that result from using natural products. Many products these days are made from harmful toxic chemicals such as chromium, BPA or lead, which can all contribute to health issues and illnesses in people of all ages, including children.
For adults, some of the risks include diabetes, reproductive abnormalities and autoimmune diseases, while for children it can cause premature puberty, diabetes and stunted growth.
By purchasing natural, plastic free products, these risks are completely eliminated and ensure the safety of families as well as the planet.2. They Help The Planet
Humanity's abuse of resources has caused detrimental environmental issues across the globe, and we are the only ones that can stop it from getting any worse. While it can be difficult to make a huge difference as one person, using eco-friendly products is a great way for each person to do their bit in the preservation of our planet and ecosystem.
3. They Can Be A Really Memorable Present
As the world becomes more aware of the damage and devastation that’s being inflicted on our environment, we’re seeing a significant rise in the number of eco-friendly products available. With so many options, you can easily find eco-conscious gifts for anyone, for any occasion, whether it be fathers day, mothers day, a birthday, anniversary or Christmas.
Eco-friendly gifts are also much more unique and memorable than typical products on the market, so you can be rest assured that it will be appreciated and used, not just chucked to the back of a drawer and never seen again.
Brush Fresh Co. is founded and run by a group of UK-based dentists, who specialise in environmentally-friendly and sustainable dental products. From biodegradable bamboo toothbrushes to zero waste toothbrush tablets, our products have been designed to put both your dental health and the environment first. For more dental care advice, check out our blog page or get in touch with us here.
Written by Kate, on behalf of Brush Fresh Co - the UK's Dental Experts Providing eco-friendly dental care.
Date published 20/12/2022
Date updated 30/11/2023