We have all heard about global warming, soil erosion, and other environmental issues. And we all know someone who works hard to reduce their contribution to this problem. Did you know that about 146 million tons of waste end up in landfills each year? And that is just in the US. If you aren’t already familiar with the term zero waste it includes the 5 Rs which are refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle, and rot.
You can help make changes too by supporting a zero waste lifestyle. Choose these helpful gifts for zero wasters. Who knows, you might be inspired to make some changes in your habits as well.
1. Kitchen Compost Bin
Best gifts for zero wasters
According to the World Economic Forum, food makes up the largest amount of landfill contribution, compiling about 24%. A kitchen compost bin can collect leftover produce scraps to fertilize their garden later.
Of course they will need to have an outdoor compost bin to dump those kitchen scraps into. Composting is one way to provide organic fertilizer for plants. Plus, it is fun to see what nature decides to grow. One year we ended up with mango trees. Another, we ended up with a bunch of tomatoes!
An in-home recycling bin will come in handy as well. Then they don’t have to keep going outside each time they open a can of food.
2. Party Lights
Zero waste gift ideas
Reusing items helps save Earth’s resources. This is a great way to upcycle wine or liquor bottles. Just add a string of lights and you have an instant party aura. You can either give a few sets of lights as a gift or make this gift yourself if you have spare bottles.
As an alternative you can give them a wine bottle torch kit. This will turn their wine bottle into a majestic candle.
For someone into DIY projects, give them a glass bottle cutter. Then they can create tons of cool things such as wind chimes, candle holders, and more.
3. Zero Waste Kit
Zero waste gifting
For someone new to zero waste, a kit that contains reusable straws, produce bags, and other reusable food storage will help them get started.
Reusable grocery bags will eliminate the need for the choice between paper or plastic at the neighborhood market. Plus they are helping reduce overhead costs for their local business.
Before disposable paper products, people used cloth napkins. You can buy reusable napkins and even washable paper towels once again. We started doing this during the pandemic when paper products were scarce. Now we only use paper napkins when we have guests.
4. Upcycled Garden Gifts
Gifts for recyclers
When you buy upcycled gifts you are also helping boost small businesses. One person’s trash is another person’s treasure. Zero wasters will appreciate the creativity that goes into an upcycled present.
It isn’t just garden decor that can be upcycled from old junk. Surfboard Furniture provides coffee tables, bars and wall art.
A steampunk liquor dispenser is a unique gift made from pipes that will hold and dispense their favorite libation.
5. Leftover Cookbooks
Useful gifts for zero wasters
According to Feeding America, 40% of all food in America is wasted. That is appalling when many people around the world go hungry. Help them turn their leftovers into new meals to avoid contributing to food waste.
Prevent hearing I’m bored with a book on recycled crafts for kids. I remember taking old paper towel rolls, yarn, and empty shampoo bottles to make puppets. My friends and I spent hours creating characters and putting on shows. This is a great way to reduce screen time while recycling trash.
You can even get a book on sustainable clothing. They can get more wear out of their clothing by learning how to mend or create new designs from old clothes. Upcycling clothing not only helps the environment, but saves money!
6. Climate Friendly Beauty Products
Environmentally friendly gifts for zero wasters
Beauty supplies are always a top gift. Give zero waste products made from sustainable sources.
Also Reef friendly sunscreen is helpful for those who spend time in the water. These don’t add harmful pollutants to our oceans.
You can also give sustainable shampoo and conditioner. Why not put a bunch of items together for a fun gift basket?
7. Eco-Friendly Gift Wrap
Recyclable gift accessories
Now that you have picked out a gift, you don’t want to undo your good deed by wrapping it in something that will end up in the trash. This wrapping paper is recyclable.
What about the ribbon? How about tying the present with a seed bow. Once they unwrap their gift they can plant the bow to grow basil. Then they can then use this herb to make new meals from leftovers.
Also make sure to choose from recycled greeting cards. These come for just about every occasion you can think of.
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