Low Impact Waste Essentials Gift Guide
I was driving through our town and spotted a Christmas tree…not one in a shop display mind, someone actually has their Christmas tree up, crazy right!! But it got me thinking that Christmas really is just around the corner now, its only a few weeks away. With lots of different people to buy for it’s super important for me to be organised when it comes to Christmas shopping. Luckily I have already done the majority of shopping (Yes, I am one of those super organised xmas people! Sorry!!) but there are still a few small pieces I need to pick up
Me bestie is a Vegan, and at the start of this year also decided to go Zero waste, or at least low impact waste as much as she could. Its so important at the moment with all the talk around our plastic usage and waste for us to start making some small changes to lower the amount of rubbish we produce. But that being said it also makes her blinking difficult to buy for at this time of year!!
So if you have a friend who has gone Zero Waste or you yourself want to give gifts that are more ethical and help produce less plastic waste in the long run, this is the ultimate list of zero waste gift ideas to get you started.
Reusable Coffee Cup
This is one of the first items that most people replace when going zero waste. The UK is believed to waste 2.5bn take-away coffee cups every year! I know most of us love a good Costa Latte or Starbucks Cappuccino so we are nearly all guilty of using these non-recyclable cups. There are lots of travel mugs and reusable cups on the market so you have plenty of choice. Below are my top picks to replace that take-away coffee (or tea!) cup you use.
Wake Cup Bamboo Travel Mug from Wearth London
Atlas & Ortus Reusable Glass Coffee Cup from Wearth London
Reusable Cutler Set and Straw
Non recyclable plastic cutlery and straws make up a huge percentage of the plastic waste we throw out every year. And the majority of it end up in the seas, which is just awful. With the UK planning to ban both single use plastic straws and plastic cutlery in the future now is the time to make the switch over to reusable cutlery. As I eat out a lot with Elian during the week I have added this handy little cutlery pouch, which also contained a stainless steel straw, to my bag so we never have to use plastic cutlery or straws when out and about. It would make a great addition to a Christmas stocking too.
Zero Waste Cutlery Pouch from Wearth London
Reusable Make-up Pads
The amount of cotton wool pads, make-up remover wipes and baby wipes we each use every year is shocking. We are told we need to take better care of our skin as we get older, so we apply all manner of lotions and cream and make sure we take of our makeup before bed, but we often don’t consider the products we waste when doing this. Ive recently made the switch to reusable make-up pads which you simply pop in the wash once you have used them, then use them again and again.
Reusable Cosmetic Pads from Lunaciel
Shampoo Bars – Package Free Toiletries
Switching over to solid shampoo bars is an easy way to reduce plastic waste in your home. As an item most of us use almost daily it would make a huge impact on the amount of plastic bottles we waste if we switched over to package free toiletries. And it’s not just Shampoo Bars, you can now get a whole host of toiletries and cosmetics package free (or in recyclable glass packaging)
Coconut Milk and Shea Shampoo Bar from Atlas & Ortus
Tote Bag
With the charge on single use plastic bags it makes sense for us to make a permanent change over to reusable bags for our shopping. Instead of buying reusable plastic bags why not use a cute fabric tote bag instead. We now have a number of these bags that are easy to pop into my rucksack when I’m out and about, or keep in the car for when I’m out shopping.
We love this Coffee and Conquer Tote Bag from Ada and Alfred, and I’m always a fan of supporting other business mamas.
Stainless Steel Lunch Box
If you take your own lunch to work, or give your kids a packed lunch then a stainless steel lunch box is the way to go. Everyone hates plastic tuppawear anyway don’t they? I have slowly started getting rid of our plastic boxes as they break or discolour too much and am replacing them with a few of these boxes or glass containers to store left overs in the fridge. Pair these with bamboo cutlery set and your on to a winning zero waste streak.
One Green Bottle Stainless Steel Lunch Box from Wearth
Beeswax Wraps
Now these are an item I have only just discovered so I haven’t actually tested them out for myself yet. But I have a few friends who swear by them for keeping food fresh without the need for sandwich bags or clingfilm. There are lots of people making and selling them online but I thought these ones looked so pretty, and she has tonnes more fabric choices.
100% Natural Beeswax Food Wrap Set from Eco Food Wraps
Reusable Water Bottle
I’ve been using a reusable plastic water bottle for ages. But I know once mine breaks I will be replacing it with a more sturdy and durable stainless steel one instead. These are another must for anyone hoping to follower a zero waste lifestyle. And they will save you money from not having to purchase bottled water when out and about.
One Green Bottle Tough Canteen Stainless Steel Water Bottle from Wearth