The 12 Days of {Eco-Friendly} Christmas
We aren’t just in the business of mixed rags and credential clothing. No, my friend, we also give fantastic gift-giving advice. And so, without further ado, allow us to present the 12 Days of {Eco Friendly} Christmas (and for the sake of brevity, we’ll just start with the twelfth day of Christmas and work backwards from there. You’re welcome):
On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me 12 potted herbs
Basil, oregano, cilantro, rosemary–any and all of these would be delicious additions to your windowsill or the windowsill of your favorite foodie.
Eleven homemade treats
Homemade goodies are always a hit. Use your imagination to create a delicious treat for your loved ones or neighbors. Instructions for the clementine wreath pictured above can be found here.
Ten Envirosax
They can be store bought or homemade, but reusable shopping bags are practical, useful, cost-effective, and of course, eco-friendly.
Nine ladies dancing (in the ballet Don Quixote)
Whether it’s ballet or a monster truck rally, giving the gift of an experience rather than an object is a wonderful (and eco friendly) way to show you care!
Eight Miniature Ecosystems
The Ecosphere (above) is “spheriously” awesome. Inside the hand-blown borsilica glass sphere is a “careful balance of air, water, plant and animal life [which] was developed as the result of years of NASA research into self-sustaining, bio-regenerative systems where the equilibrium must be maintained for long periods of time, such as long-term space stations. Inside, tiny shrimp feed on bacteria that metabolize organic waste into nutrients for the algae which, in turn, photosynthesize the oxygen needed for the shrimp and bacteria to survive. The life span of the shrimp is up to three years and that of the algae and bacteria is indefinite.”
Seven Water Gardens
Similar to the Ecosphere, the Back to the Roots water garden is a self-cleaning fish tank that grows herbs or other small plants. It’s USDA organic, non GMO, and uses 100% USA soil and seeds.
“Cosmos socks are knit from recycled materials. The recycled cotton yarn is created by recovering the scraps left over from the production of cotton t-shirts. All the little cotton scraps are gathered, ground up and spun into yarn for Solmate Socks. By using recycled cotton, these socks reduce the amount of cotton waste sent to landfills. Our recycled yarns are certified by Oeko-Tex to be free of harmful toxins.” These socks are colorful and whimsical. Perhaps you know someone with a personality to match?
Five Antiques and Collectibles
Gifts don’t have to be brand new. Antique, vintage, and collectible items abound, waiting to be discovered and cherished by someone new. From books to nick-knacks, jewelry to artwork, dishes to furniture; you just can’t go wrong giving an antique or vintage piece!
Four Acts of Service
Give of yourself. What acts of service are you willing to do for your loved one?
Three Handmade Coasters
Yes, yes, yes. We realize 3 coasters is an odd number to be giving someone. We’re with you on that; if our true loves gave us 3 coasters, we’d wonder if he/she accidentally screwed up on one of them and had to chuck it, leaving only three “good” ones to give us on the third day of Christmas. Just sayin’… (P.S. Any other handmade gift would make a great gift, too!)
Two Fairy House Kits
For the young (or young at heart) one on your list, consider a fairy house kit. This pre-made one is offered for sale on Etsy, but if you’re a DIYer, you can come up with something just as whimsical on your own using found objects.
And a quirky, fun Upcycled Clock
Ah, yes, the gift of time–literally. What gift could be more classic than that? If this domino clock is not your taste, there are all shapes, sizes, textures, and colors of upcycled clocks out there: clocks made from vinyl records, porcelain plates, books, etc.
Feel free to sing this version instead of the traditional one at family get-togethers or your work party. Everyone will love it. Probably. Even though it doesn’t rhyme or flow. OK, maybe don’t sing it. But definitely consider going green this Christmas!
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