you might give the gift of saving money and saving the planet at the same time.
These sustainable gifts will help reduce waste and keep single-use plastics out of the dumps and oceans.
Even better, they can be used over and over, eliminating the need to buy disposable items.
There are dozens of websites where it’s possible for you to buy an eco-friendly gift.
Take out containers and single use water bottles makeup almost halfof the waste in the oceans.
Even better, these items can save money each time theyre used.
Check that they are BPA/BPS free.
This is a great sustainable gift.
People spend an average of$5 a weekjust on bottled water.
These range from $3 to $20.
Its estimated that Americans waste$240 Billionof food each year, almost $1,900 per person.
you’re able to get thesesuper cute ones, three for $15.
Pack meals inreusable silicone bagsand never buy plastic bags again.
They are dishwasher and microwave safe.
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Do you avoid people too?
Enough small talk.Here are some waysto earn extra cash, without all of the social stuff.
Reusable Coffee Filter
Coffee is near and dear to our hearts and we like drinking it guilt free.
There are reusable filters for every jot down of coffee maker.
Beeswax Food Wraps
Cling wrap seems like a necessary evil, but its not.
Often made with organic cotton, theyre totally safe for kids stuff and can be hand washed.
Reusable Dishcloths
Face it.
The pandemic made buying paper towels a contact sport.
Join the cult of the Swedish dishcloth.
Theyre biodegradable, dont grow germs like sponges, and are as good as new after washing.
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Some have essential oils on them to give a lovely scent to the laundry.
Window Solar Charger
Using sunlight to charge devices instead of paying power companies?
Realistically, charging all of your devices may not cost that much each.
But add it together and you could save enough for a few dinners out.
Portable solar chargers start around$20and the window versions start at$38.
Programmable and Smart Thermostats
Programmable thermostats have been around for years.
They allow residents to set the optimum heating/cooling times so less energy is used when no one is home.
Theyre a great first step.
People can save between $50-$100 a year setting them.
Research shows though that 40% of owners never use them.
Thats where smart thermostats enter.
Rechargeable Lighter
Lighters used to be rechargeable by being filled with lighter fluid.
Those fell out of favor and disposable lighters which cant be recycled now dominate.
A rechargeable lighter doesnt use fire to light things, but an electric arc.
A single charge can last for months.Rechargeable lightersstart at around $13 and last for years.
Smart Sprinkler Control
Heres a big savings for someone who has a sprinkler system.
Make a big difference with a smart sprinkler control.
These use weather apps to ensure the yard isnt under- or over-watered, plus much more.
Most can be controlled easily via an app.Smart sprinkler control systemsstart around $100.
An 8-pack ofrechargeable AA batteriescosts $15, and can last several years with just a little care.
A similar pack of non-rechargeable batteries costs $8, and when its done, its done.
Hydroponic Greens Garden
Growing greens at home in a hydroponic garden is pretty easy.
Hydroponics means soil and a yard arent necessary.
No more buying bags of greens at the grocery store!
Personal Care
We dont really stop and think about the environmental impact of self care.
Yet it is one of the easiest areas to make green, with no loss of quality or time.
Shampoo & Conditioner Bars
Using bar shampoo and conditioner gets rid of the nasty plastic packaging.
We are used to using hand and face soap bars.
This takes it to the next level.
Thats equal to at least two bottles of shampoo.
Low-Flow Showerhead
Low-flow showerheads get the same great shower feeling with anywhere from 40 to 60% less water.
That saves on water and electricity bills immediately, making these great sustainable gifts.
They cost (for a decent one) from$22to $100.
The makers claim that one reusable swab saves 1,000 disposable ones from getting into the landfill.
Silicone Baby Bibs
Silicone is one of the environmental material heroes.
These wipe off easily, keeping them out of the laundry.
Imagine not having to buy and wash bibs all the time.
Some also come with deep front pockets to catch drips and drools.
Look for 100% silicone so theres no harmful BPA or scary chemicals in them.
Thesecutie piescost only $13 for one, and they last for years.
Reusable Makeup Remover Pads
Reusable makeup remover pads are another great stocking stuffer.
Reusable Razor
Razors used to always be reusable, but maybe not very safe.
Todays reusable razors are both.
These are also a great sustainable fashion statement, with sleek design and low priced replacement blades.
These are a great gift for friends, starting around$30.
Silicone Toothbrush
Lets get rid of another disposable item the toothbrush.
About 500 million end up in landfills (or worse) each year, just in the United States.
Asilicone toothbrushis anti-bacterial, only costs $10, and you replace the bristles, not the whole thing.
Reusable Odor Eliminators
Thesecharcoal filled bamboo bagsabsorb odors from stinky shoes, gym bags, and lockers.
They wont have to buy air or shoe fresheners again.
Just be gentle when you give them, okay?
A pack of two costs $11 and lasts for two years.
Here are some options that will warm their hearts and keep your bank account happy too.
Family Recipes
We can get sentimental during the holidays, especially when it comes to eating and drinking.
Collect traditional family recipes from the cooks (and bartenders) in your clan.
Bonus points for getting some stories about the food from the older members in your family.
Thats a gift too.
Promise you, it will be treasured.
Jar of Cookie Mix
Speaking of recipes, the internet is full ofcookie mix in a jarrecipes.
Write or print the recipe out and attach it.
Recipients will need to provide the wet ingredients, but otherwise youve done most of the work.
We did this as the wedding favor for a remote wedding, and are still raking in the compliments.
Family Crossword Puzzle
There are websites that let you createcrosswordor word search puzzles for free.
And no carbon footprint!
Gift of Time
Maybe all people really want is just some easy hanging out time together.
It wont just be a gift to the other person.
Are you using a bunch of fresh wrapping paper, tape, and bows?
Instead, if it can be boxed, why not decorate the box and save paper.
Choose cloth ribbons that can be reused.
Youll be following truly sustainable practices.
The Penny Hoarder contributor JoEllen Schilke writes on lifestyle and culture topics.
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