StrawSleeves

From this sustainable effort has come the need for cases and coverings.  Keeping these items clean until you’re ready to use. That’s where the StrawSleeves brand got its great idea! Owner, Cheri saw the need and jumped to it. By creating a variety of sleeves to carry and store your reusable straws and now utensils. To find out what I thought about one of their other StrawSleeves products check out my previous review here.

All of the sleeves in their Etsy shop are all handmade. They offer a variety of patterns and colors from reclaimed to organic cotton material. Along with the straw sleeves, metal, silicone and bamboo straws are available for purchase. As well as a cleaning brushes for the straws.

The newest additions to the StrawSleeves Etsy shop are these reusable bamboo utensils, in two sizes. Full size knife, fork and spoon are available as well as a mini/pocket bamboo spork – which I think it really cute because of the smaller size! Both the full size and mini utensils come with their own sleeve to keep everything in one place.

StrawSleeves was so kind to send along a full size reusable bamboo utensil set and organic cotton sleeve for me to review. They also shared a discount code for Leafygreen readers which you can find below. I opted for the blue sleeve, it is also offered in red which is just as beautiful of a pattern. In my previous reusable straw case (see review above) I did try to include a metal fork along with my straw. However, it sticks out of the end since of course the case was designed to be slim and only accommodate straws. This was an ok option until this new organic cotton case became available. I gravitate towards this new product much more since you can always be in need of a full set of utensils.

The Utensils

Since I tried carrying around a metal fork with my reusable straw. I much prefer the bamboo option offered by StrawSleeves because these utensils can be much more versatile. Though utensils are approved by the TSA for carry-on or check luggage. You never know if a certain inspector will find fault and not permit them. So having non-metal utensils are already a great benefit to utilizing bamboo ones. The weight is also a great benefit. It’s much lighter than a set of metal utensils, so it won’t be weighing down any purses or pockets.

I’m so glad that the utensils are bamboo based. It gives me the opportunity to customize them with my laser engraver. So that multiple members of my family can have a set and we can each know who has what set when they done being washed. That’s my little spin on having such a cool set of utensils to make them even more unique!

Although the bowl of the spoon feels smaller than a standard teaspoon. I didn’t feel it detracted from its use at all.  I often carry my Unitensil in my purse. Although it has a built in knife, it is often a struggle to cut something. Especially when I don’t have another utensil to hold the food still while cutting. So having a separate knife is a really nice option to have.

The Case

When I can, I always opt for the best quality materials, organic cotton included. However, when shopping at a thrift store that isn’t always available. When purchasing something new, I pick the best I can. That’s why I am so excited to find out that these utensil cases are made from organic cotton. It is especially important when I know the utensils will often be in my purse awaiting use and touching the fabric they are stored in. Knowing no synthetic pesticides will be worming their way into my food is a nice relief.

The utensils are slim compared to standard silverware. That’s great because they don’t fit too tightly in the case. Which happens to allow a bit of extra room to add your favorite reusable straw. In my opinion, that allows for a perfect to-go set to always be on hand in my car or purse. Perhaps the extra room was intentional by StrawSleeves, knowing that people would like to slip something additional in the case. For me I was able to add a slim metal straw, yet my silicone straw was just a bit more difficult to slide down the fabric so I would consider metal, glass or bamboo for the best use.

The great part about this case is that it is washable! They are machine and hand washable. Which allows you to make sure any food residue that might have found its way into the case after use will be sanitized. You can wash this case in hot water and any detergent to make sure bacteria stay away.

The Verdict

If you’re invested in the environment enough to want to carry your own utensils, this is a great asset to have on hand when you enjoy food out. I do enjoy the extra long length for the case, which allowed me to add a 9.5” metal straw and still have room to add at least 2 more slim straws. You can keep several straws in this case for your kids and have one set of utensils to cut up some food while out and about.

Despite the fact that this doesn’t have any formal closure to the case, I don’t find that the contents spills out at all when it is stored upright in my purse. Perhaps a small elastic cord and wooden button would be a nice option to add for the ability to fold over the top for those that prefer a fully closed case.

I really love the slim design and ability to toss it in any purse on the go and be ready to avoid single use plastics while out. We can’t always plan, but knowing I will always have this on hand makes it much easier for last minute food stops. Knowing that I’m not restricted to a handheld burrito just to avoid single use plastic utensils is even better. I would even utilize my metal straw if I was at a sit down restaurant and wanted to avoid their single use straws. Though I often find that my drinks never truly need straws in the first place.

Definitely consider this organic cotton case and bamboo utensil set if you are interested in reducing your single use plastic footprint and want to feel prepared everywhere you eat out. Use the code SSleafygreen15 to receive 15% off your next StrawSleeves order, hurry because this code expires February 1, 2020. To view and order other products StrawSleeves offers visit their Etsy shop here.  Happy reusing!

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Not Just Talk

To me these products are not greenwashing and are impressive because of their backyard ability to be 100% fully compostable in just 10 weeks. According to the company the bandage and the paper wrapping around it are both fully compostable. Any little bit of trash that can be diverted from the incinerator or landfill is always helpful to the environment. Check out this really cool time lapse of this bandage decomposing!

These bandages compost because they are made from a natural source, organic bamboo fiber. Having earth-made products on my skin is better than those made from unknown materials. Since other major adhesive bandage manufacturers don’t often disclose that type of product information.   Knowing what these are made from makes me happier to use more sustainable products. Besides being made from a natural material, they are also latex free for those that have sensitive skin. Expect no red rashes caused by the adhesive from these.

Four Varieties

Each style of bandage has a different topical ointment on the bandage already. Aloe vera for burns and blisters, activated charcoal for bites and blisters, as well as coconut oil for abrasions and cuts. The coconut oil bandages happen to be marketed for kids since they have a fun panda bear pattern.   The activated charcoal bandages are black in color, which I’m not a huge fan of since that makes them so noticeable on your skin. However, 2 of 4 products are of a light skin color. This makes them much more desirable to wear as an adult and draw the least amount of attention.

It would be great if the bandages were also offered in a smaller size or a two size pack. I often don’t find the need for such large (standard) size bandages, especially on fingers. Though their current size isn’t too large at all. Another great benefit to these products are the sturdy durable paper tube that they are packaged in. The containers are so sturdy that parents don’t have to worry when they toss these into their to-go emergency or car kit. I’m especially looking forward to seeing how I can reuse these containers once the bandages are used up. I love reusing!

With the holiday season approaching these would make a great stocking stuffer for kids or adults. If you’re a last minute shopper they are available from Amazon Prime one-day shipping and at selection nationwide retailers including CVS, Anthropolgie and Grove Collective.

The post PATCH Organic Bamboo Adhesive Bandage Review appeared first on Leafygreen.info.

Plastic-Free Reusables

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It might seem obvious, but if you want to be plastic-free try using reusables. Metal, glass or ceramic are great healthy choices for materials. That also means utensils, cups, plates and servingware will be reusable too (though this isn’t in the plastic-free category, why not include reusable cloth napkins too?)

With dishwashers being so efficient nowadays, it is much better for the environment to load your reusables into that and have everything wash all at once. No dishwasher? Recruit some of your closest party guests and ask them to help washed and dry if doing dishes is what makes you gravitate to using disposables instead. Many hands make light work!

Bulk Foods and Drinks

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No, I don’t mean to shop at Costco or BJ’s Wholesale. I’m referring to the bulk section at your local food store. Some locations will have a larger section than others, as some will have healthier options than others. Roasted nuts, granola and popcorn are great finger foods, which help to avoid guests using utensils. Reusable metal toothpicks are also great to have on hand.

Sliced veggies from the produce section and veggies like olives from the salad bar are also great finger foods. Bruschetta is a great plastic-free appetizer to make, fresh bread in your own bag, tomatoes, garlic and basil can easily be found package free.

You can get many pre-made deli foods into your own container if you aren’t much of a cook or food preparer. That also goes for pre-made desserts too! Fruit and sweet treats from the self-serve bakery are great options if you don’t opt to bake something yourself.

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Drinks are made simple by creating infused waters with herbs or fruits in your own reusable glass bottle or pitcher. If you happen to have or can borrow a Sodastream machine, you can then create bubbly water too. If you have a local brewery, you can opt for a growler that can be refilled endlessly. Wines in glass bottles are also great, but don’t forget to recycle your corks!

So many items can be plastic-free if you’re just willing to ask for it that way and avoid the ones that aren’t.

Decorations

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Yes, presentation can be very impacting. Especially when done with environmental consideration it can be helpful too. If you feel very strongly about displaying decorations for your party consider reusable or homemade ones that can easily be recyclabled.

Crepe paper streamers are a good choice, however they are usually packaged in plastic. Search on sites like Etsy for some decorations but first inquire if the seller is willing to ship plastic-free. You could also make your own decorations, which is probably the most sustainable way of all.

Whatever you create or purchase, consider reusing it next year so that it helps to stay out of the landfill. Remember you should reduce, reuse and then recycle, in that order. Before you consider recycling, offer your décor to someone else. There’s always someone else out there that would love to have free decorations.

I hope your celebration is a sustainable one and always remember you can always work towards your sustainable goals for the future, it doesn’t all happen at once.

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Join a Community Event

It’s likely that a town in your area is having some sort of celebration in honor of Earth Day. It may be a park cleanup, a festival or even an earth friendly documentary viewing. Whichever it might be, get out there and participate! If you only help out once a year, Earth Day is a great day to do it.

Depending on the community, some cleanup events are drop-in events, no pre-registration required. Search online and find an event that fits your schedule. Or do your own thing and clean up a park or area that you know needs some love. Community cleanup events aren’t able to help all locations, so sometimes you can help out an official cleanup location. I often do this type of cleanup during other times of the year while I am Geocaching or hiking.

For Earth Day, try to skip the car, opt to walk or bike to your cleanup location. If you aren’t attending an Earth Day cleanup, why not walk or bike that day anyways. The Earth can use all the help it can get to reduce emissions.

Shop Local

Besides community cleanup events there are other ways that you can support Earth Day. If you plan to eat-out that day, why not eat at a restaurant that serves local foods and offers reusables? Supporting local farmers lessens transportation costs, since food doesn’t have to travel as far to its final destination. Knowing that you are supporting local foods that also means you are likely consuming the best foods that your state and location have to offer. Every state has their own unique specialty food and we should be celebrating them, not trying to find the most remote foods.

Since Earth Day is on a Sunday this year. Most farmer markets are on weekends, so it would be great to visit your local one on Earth Day. It’s a great opportunity to grab your own local foods and see if the farmer market has any related events that weekend.

Create Your Own Sustainable Action

Earth Day is a great time to recognize the actions we take that are impacting the Earth. We have to also remember to consider our actions other times of the year. If you care for nature why not create your own Earth Day cleanup once a month for all of the other months of the year?

I’m already in the habit of picking up other’s trash when out and about, so why not dedicate a bit of time each month to do a dedicated cleanup? It doesn’t have to be long either, clean what you can for 30 minutes or an hour in one location. Hopefully there isn’t that much cleaning needed to take up all of that time, but any time contributed can help.

Maybe the area around your town’s high school sports field needs some help. Since single-use bottles are the most often culprits in those locations help them make their way to recycle bins. Even take a trek down your favorite trail and search just off the trail for any trash or recyclables. You’d be surprised how much man-made trash I’ve found just off the trail while searching for geocaches. Just make sure when you are cleaning up, to separate the trash and recycling as you pick it up. Making sure the items you pick up are then disposed of properly matters too!

How have you helped out on Earth Day?  

What ways have you found most successful for caring for Mother Nature?

The post 3 Ways to Make the Most of Your Earth Day appeared first on Leafygreen.info.

Also, I was so busy shopping that I forgot to take many photos of the store in general.  Sorry about that!

The Good

Like most other food stores they had the wide selection that a shopper would expect, from produce to deli and seafood.  Wegmans had all your standard departments and then some.

I was very excited to search for new bulk food items.  Especially since I had been told that is what is the most wonderful part about this new Wegmans.  There were two new-to-me bulk areas (not just because it was a new store,) bulk tea and bulk smoothie powders.  I’ve come across tea before at Basil Bandwagon but they carried some exotic types I didn’t care for.

Best Bulk Buys

I looked forward to some basic type teas, such as chamomile, early grey and green tea – Wegmans had those and many more!  Being able to get the basics without wasteful packaging is great.  However, if you didn’t happen to bring your own container, they did have small paper bags to use for the tea.  Though I didn’t check if they were wax-lined, which would be something I’d recommend passing on since it has a high chance of not being recycled because of the lining.

Smoothie powders were a much welcome surprise, as I have not seen that in bulk at stores before.  Small plastic containers were available if you didn’t bring your own.  According to their store policy, which I asked about at customer service, they permit customers to bring their own container as long as it has the tare weight and product number labeled on it before check out.  They did also assure me that cashiers do know how to tare the weight of your personal container.  It was all a wonderful relief to learn!

In a matter of marketing and advertising, I think the ‘Build Your Own Granola’ bar was a fantastic idea, especially if you didn’t like any of the pre-made bulk options.  Since packaged granola usually doesn’t come in easily recyclable packaging.  Though I must say, I truly love making my own granola at home.  This is the next best packaging-free option.

I was pleased to see many organic meat options and even in its own separate display case.  It was also really great to see a comparable pre-cooked rotisserie chicken option of organic and conventional birds.  Though I will say that late morning/midday the organic rotisserie chickens were already sold out.  I stood around waiting for a bit to have more brought out as I could see the employee behind the counter readying them for packaging.  However, I soon lost patience of waiting as I hoped I would return to that department to grab one before I checked out.  I ended up forgetting altogether and didn’t go back to purchase one.  These were all of the good things that I feel Wegmans is worth the visit for.

The Bad

Find out below what exactly disappointed me about this store, also known as the bad things about this Wegmans locations.

Bulk Foods

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This bulk section had the chance to be something really wonderful for all of those zero wasters out there that are struggling to find the exact basics they need.  Unfortunately this bulk section lacked any of the basics beyond rice and lentils really.  I couldn’t seem to find any flours or sugars at all.  Organic cane sugar is something I’m so glad my local Whole Foods Market carries in the bulk aisle.  Even if it is more expensive per pound than purchasing in a plastic bag.

I had hoped Wegmans might have some basic baking ingredients that I haven’t been able to find package-free, such as baking soda, baking powder or iodized salt.  I don’t believe they created their bulk section with any zero wasters in mind.  If they had, it would have been an amazing resource for package-free products.  I don’t think having the bulk section only 1/4 the length of a single aisle was offering many options.  They need to expand to be able to reach a larger community of sustainable individuals who are where and how they shop.

By making the right products available to consumers there is a much higher chance of brand loyalty being the thing that drives them back to shop there again.  I know that is what drives my shopping choices, since I can get certain foods unpackaged at certain stores.  I will continue to be their customer since it allows me to shop on my terms, my way.

Produce

This is the case with the produce at Wegmans, if I’m going to find my product plastic-free, then I’m going to stick with shopping there.  Wegmans produce section failed big time for me, but more on that later.  I’m more frustrated that I truly searched and searched and was not able to find the organic bananas.  Despite being highly promoted on a large sign above the banana display.  Now, don’t think I’m crazy for saying I couldn’t find the bananas under the banana sign.  It seemed that all of those bananas were the conventional type and not the organic ones I seek.  For extra confirmation I began checking produce stickers for organic labels, with no luck.  It’s very bothersome to seek out a product that is clearly advertised but nowhere to be found.

From the overall theme of the produce section, I seemed to have felt that organic foods weren’t a high priority for this store.  The organic produce section was unbearably small and unimpressive.  The carrot bunch was wrapped with a rubber band and the fluffy (edible) carrot greens were already chopped off.  Don’t they know carrot greens make wonderful pesto?  Carrot greens should definitely be sold still attached to the carrots.  There was also no package-free lettuce sold anywhere in the store.  Even the organic zucchini that is package-free is terribly disappointing in size compared to the organic zucchini I purchase at the local farmers market.  If I’m going to pay up for organic foods I do like to get the most bang for my buck.

The only good thing about the produce department was a small display among all of the other plastic net bag potatoes, that had potatoes in a paper bag.  This is how I recall potatoes being sold in the stores when I was younger.  Practically waste-free, except for that little mesh breathing window.  Loose potatoes would have been even better, but those didn’t seem to be available in this store.

I had a feeling that Wegmans isn’t the all natural food store I want it to be.  Mainly because when I walked past the beauty aisle and saw many mainstream (read bad for your health) beauty products.  With Wegmans stocking those types of products, it was pretty disappointing to see.  They did have a few well known alternative beauty brands but those are brands I see easily available else where.  Especially since those too aren’t the best of ingredients either.  Wegmans could have done better in that category too.

The Ugly

I found that the ugly part of my Wegmans visit was that all the fresh baked in-store bread.  It is all packaged for display in some sort of plastic or plastic/paper packaging.  There was not a single loaf that was even available to have put into my own bag.  It wouldn’t have been so terrible if the bread was only in a paper bag, if I couldn’t have it in my own.  However, none of the baked goods were like that.  All of these bread bags are either the standard stretchy plastic type or the wax paper and cellophane window type.  With all of that packaging, I opted out of purchasing any breads at all.

From a zero waste standpoint, I had hoped that Wegmans would have understood the value of having reusable alternatives for products.  I was looking forward to finding milk in glass bottles.  Since so many other food stores have been stocking them besides Whole Foods Market.  Nope, I didn’t find a glass milk either, which I would have happily paid a bottle deposit for.  It is just another thing on the long list of tasks Wegmans could have done better to be a sustainable grocer.

Zero Savings

In general Wegmans’ prices were even higher than Whole Foods Market which was surprising for basic and non-organic foods.  Organic eggs in a paper carton were a great price which made me excited.  Then let down because it was only that great price to their “club” members.  I would have to sign up for their loyalty card if I wanted the savings.  Which I think is silly especially when Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods Market had better pricing for most items.  Especially since Whole Foods Market partnered with Amazon and they don’t require a loyalty card for their sales.  I honestly had thought Wegmans was fancier than that to track our shopping habits just for a price reduction.

This small shopping haul is what I came away with that day.  The chicken packaging was the only item that will create trash as everything else is recyclable, including the yogurt container.  And yes, I do always purchase the single bananas because no one else is going to want them and I’m helping to save them from the trash.

Overall I expected a lot more organic options, more package-free foods and competitive prices compared to Whole Foods Market.  There was just too much plastic packaging in their store for me.  It did not make me feel good about their environmental actions to shop there often.  However, I will say that I truly did have a wonderful experience with an employee that I came across.  All the employees were so very courteous!  My cashier was very friendly, as was the “helping hands” employee in the parking lot.  He came over to my car to compliment it and tell me about his of the same model.  This Wegmans did a fantastic job of hiring people.  These employees truly seem to care about their jobs and the customers that they service.  I recommend shopping here for the wonderful service and take note of what shopping purchases might benefit your sustainable life.

Do you have a Wegmans by you?

Have you had success zero waste shopping there?

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Zero Waste Lecture Recap

I had a great deal of fun during my zero waste lecture back in August hosted by Green Summit. I shared reusable products and tips that are helpful to start your zero waste journey. We had a small group of ladies that attended in hopes to find out ways to run their households more efficiently through simpler practices.

The biggest interest of the attendees was how to food shop with reusable produce bags and bulk food containers.  Another big interest was in plastic-free food wraps such as Abeego and Stasher Bags.  Alternative kitchen sponge options were also a big hit to learn about!  Each attendee received a thank-you gift of a wide-mouth reusable mason jar with a custom dry erase lid, plus dry erase marker.

For those who could not attend, I wanted to share the list I handed out to the lecture attendees.These suggestions are products or methods that have worked for me. Each have been incorporated into my lifestyle over time, so don’t feel you have to change the way you do things instantly.  Use the guide below to get you started on your zero waste journey.  Want the list ‘to-go’ download a PDF of it HERE.

Beginner’s Zero Waste Checklist

Kitchen:

• Plastics Wrap Alternatives: Abeego or Bees Wrap
• Plastic Bag/Ziploc Alternatives: Stasher Bag, ChicoBag, Snack Taxi
• Sponge Alternatives: Skoy Cloths or Clean Sponge
• Reusable Bag Sealer: Clothes Pins for a plastic-free option
• Reusable Napkins
• Reusable To Go Containers, Straws and Utensils: Made of metal and glass

Food Shopping:

• Mason Jars and Tares for Weight: Don’t pay for container weight!
• Reusable Produce and Bread Bags: Buy or make your own
• Reuse Jars from Non-Zero Waste Shopping: Use what you have already, pasta sauce jars are great!
• Bulk Food and Spice: Buy what you need in your container, no packaging = cheaper priced food.  Grinding your peanut butter in your own jar is fresher and try new flavors easily.  Purchase whole peanuts and make at home with food processor or blender.
• Bulk Coffee: Whole bean or grind your own coffee in store. Use your own container or store paper bag, which you can reuse or recycle.
• Bulk Tea: Teavana (all locations closing 2018)
• Milk in Glass Bottles: Cow milk in glass with bottle deposit
• Opt for Paper/Cardboard in Packaged Foods: Avoid plastic wrapped

Bathroom:

• Safety Razor: All metal razor holder plus paper wrapped razors
• Create Your Own Shaving Lotion: Aloe Vera and liquid coconut oil
• Nearly Plastic Free Floss: Glass or paper container for floss
• Bamboo Toothbrush: Beware of plastic wrapped sustainable products
• Reusable Tissues: Make your own from any material or thrift store
• Make Your Own Bathroom Spray: Your favorite essential oils + water
• Lunette Menstrual Cup: Reusable for years with proper care

Office:

• Return Address Rubber Stamper or Embosser: Avoid sticker labels
• Staple-less Stapler: Punches up to 3 pages together without metal staples
• Traditional or Little Free Library:
• Unsubscribe from Direct Mail Lists: Contact solicitor directly or request from Data and Marketing Association (www.dmachoice.org)
• Opt for Digital Versions: Newspapers, magazines, and bills available online

The post Beginner’s Zero Waste Check List + My Lecture Recap appeared first on Leafygreen.info.

Technology

Velvetwire

Get rid of your vampire power draining phone charger/cable and upgrade to Velvetwire. It’s a high speed charging cable that is paired with a smart charging adapter.  Charing cables come in four different sizes – half meter, 1 meter, 2 meter and 3 meter.  It knows when your phone is completely charger and turns off any further charging. It can also turn the charging back on if your phone discharges enough too. I’ve loved my 2 meter cable and charged for years and feel much better that my phone won’t be overcharged and I can reduce my energy consumption. They’ve upgraded to include a Bluetooth version that has a recommended app which reminds you to plug in your Apple device if nearby and needs a charge and even shows how much time is remaining until fully charged. It also can alert you if the charger is left behind in a hotel room.

Pela

Cell phones are quite expensive and keep getting more expensive each year. So it’s pretty much required to wrap your phone in a durable case to protect your investment from the elements and likely your clumsy self. Yet, what happens to our phone cases once these rubber shells stop being useful to protect? We ditch them in the trash to gather in the landfill. How about getting a Pela case, which is made from plant-based materials, that is biodegradable in your home compost or commercial compost pile. They offer plain or inspirational logo embossed versions and tons of colors.

Digital Documentary Download

Why not send a digital download of some of the latest sustainable documentaries? Besides the eco-docs you may find on Netflix, there are many independent films out there. Below are a few of my favorite documentaries.

Reuse Because – Because You can’t recycle the planet

Minimalism – A documentary about important things

Fed Up – It’s time to get real about food

The True Cost – Who pays the price for our clothing?

Forks Over Knives – Plant-based diet can help eliminate or control diseases

OMG GMO – Relationship between genetically modified food and young children

Plastic Paradise – The Great Pacific Garbage Patch

The Lorax – For The Kids, “I speak for the trees, for the trees have no tongues.”

Homemade Treats

If you decide to gift a sustainable flick, why not provide some movie munchies? Make it plastic free by grabbing ingredients from the bulk bins. Easy treats can be homemade granola from bulk oats, caramel popcorn from bulk kernels or sugared nuts from bulk almonds, cashews or peanuts. If you gift these treats in a reused glass jar, you’ve created a great homemade eco-gift.

Fashion

High Strung Jewelry

I’ve loved this upcycled jewelry since I first came across their booth at a local hot air balloon festival years ago. All the jewelry is made from 100% used guitar strings. High Strung Studios offer necklaces, bracelets, earrings, keychains and even upcycled greeting cards. They’ve really expanded their offerings since I purchased my rings.  If you want to support a small business, this is a great one that I recommend.

Ten Tree

Another wonderful company that does good when you shop is Ten Tree. For each item purchased they plant 10 trees. Currently they planted over 17,000 trees from purchases. Their clothing is made from environmentally progressive fabrics like good for you: organic cotton, recycled polyester, cork or coconut. My favorite in the above pictured juniper hoodie with tree graphics!

For Kids

If you’re on the hunt for a kid friendly gift, how about some organic and vegan sidewalk chalk made from veggies? You still shouldn’t eat them but they are non-toxic and naturally safe for the little ones to handle.

Hopefully these suggestions help to finish your last minute shopping and also help the earth at the same time.

Note: This post contains some affiliate links, which means I may get a small commission if you choose to buy something via my link. This helps to support the maintenance of running my website.

The post Last Minute Sustainable Holiday Gifts appeared first on Leafygreen.info.

In the Kitchen

Abeego, Beeswax Food Wraps –3 count variety size/$18

These have been so instrumental in helping to ditch stretchy plastic wrap.  They keep your food lasting longer and are 100% breathable like the natural peels of fruits and vegetables. Great for wrapping any foods except for meats, the baguette size is wonderful fresh loafs.

ChicoBag, Reusable Produce Bags – 3 count/$17

I have used these for years and find them so helpful for plastic-free shopping.  They’re made from 100% recycled plastic too!  When I purchase fresh package-free bread I always use the organic cotton bag.  Grab a set and help streamline your food shopping.

On the Go

EcoJarz, Reusable Stainless Steel Straws – 4 count/$13

These are a must-have if you are into daily coffee orders at your local shop or smoothies at the gym.  Include a straw cleaner to make sure nothing funky starts growing inside the straw.  Then you are all set to ditch plastic straws that aren’t even recyclable.

RTIC, Reusable Insulated Cup – 30 oz./$16

Pair this insulated tumbler with your reusable straw and you have a waste-free way to bring your beverage on the go.  I have this exact one and it really does an amazing job keep beverages hot or cold for a really long time.

Ball Brand, Mason Jars – 4 count to 12 count/$6 to $16

There is such a variety of uses for these jars and they are always at the thrift stores which is also convenient.  I love these jars for storing my leftovers when out at a restaurant, leftovers at home or freezer food.  With the variety of sizes there is a certainly a size that will accommodate anything you want to store.

LunchBots, Reusable Stainless Steel Container – $19 to $40

Having a reusable container with a lid is always helpful when you’d like to take away leftovers from a restaurant or picking up sweet treats at the farmers market without using any wasteful packaging.  Stainless steel construction makes sure that it will be rust free and good for your health in the long term and super durable.

In the Bathroom

Plastic Free Safety Razor + Additional Blades for Him or Her – $47 + $12

Since ditching “disposable” shavers, I’ve been in love with my vintage safety razor.  Mainly because of the little waste that it creates.  Though its razor blades are too small to be recycled locally.  I’m also avoiding any plastic waste from disposable razors with plastic handles.  Since those razors are also too small in their entirety to be recycled locally, as well as the silly plastic packaging they come in too.  Opt for replacement blades that are wrapped in paper as well as a cardboard box.

HankyBook, Reusable Organic Tissue Book – $8 to $23

These are the most handy reusable items I’ve incorporated into my life.  It can be used as a tissue or dry face wipe, saving countless trees for only a few seconds of nose blowing or wiping.  Since it is in a “book” form, most people won’t automatically think “eww” when they see it, since it isn’t a pile of tissues just sitting around.  Created with organic cotton, it is certainly good for your skin and your health.

Other Ideas

Give to a Charity in Their Honor – $10+

Whether it be you gift recipients favorite animal shelter, homeless shelter or other cause they are passionate about.  Giving a donation in your recipients honor can be a treasured gift.  Especially for that someone who seems to have everything or just really hard to shop for.

If they’re passionate about National Parks – consider giving to one of the many fundraising causes helping to save Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments, which were drastically reduced in size just last week via Presidential order.  Bears Ears Education Center by Friends of Cedar Mesa

Donate Your Time – Free

Consider your own skills valuable gifts for someone to receive.  By donating your time to a friend in need, a cause they care for or even a local shelter or soup kitchen you’ve never worked with.  Physical gifts may be nice, but gifts that don’t cost anything but kindness can be the best ones we can receive.

Brand new gifts can be great, but always consider checking your second-hand store, local Freecycle group or asking a friend or family member before purchasing items new.  In the end, gift exchanging really is all about the kind thought that in the exchange process.  If you happen to receive a gift that just isn’t your style, consider finding it a new home before tossing it out.  America has a problem with wastefulness and we really need to think about our actions before making them so impulsively.

I hope this list helps you feel inspired to give gifts that are useful to your eco-friendly recipient!  Happy Holidays from Leafygreen.info!

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Who is Grayl?

I first learned about Grayl while attending Natural Products Expo East. Grayl creates water bottles with a French press style filter. Their product is unique because not only is it a water bottle and water filter, it will filter out nearly anything.  Including viruses – which not all filters can actually do.

Some filters are may be similar but aren’t nearly as quick to filter water. For my backpacking trips I own a more traditional backcountry filter pouch. Though this pouch allows me to directly filter into my water bladder.  It was a 2-step process to get it into my water bladder or bottle.

Grayl’s filter bottle allows you to filter water while traveling abroad. Perhaps you’re in a foreign airport and don’t have the ability to do a water transfer without holding up the water fountain line. Grayl’s filter bottle is very convenient with the built-in filter, which can filter 16oz. of water in 15 seconds. Fill the bottle, place the inner filter and just press. You can do this easily with only your body weight and flat area to place the bottle.

How Does it Compare?

I wish this bottle had a larger capacity. Especially since only 2 cups of water is only enough to cook one freeze-dried meal. Grayl’s small capacity filter bottle seems to encourage you to actually drink much of your water at the water source since it is smaller than most filter bottles or pouches.

My Grayl filter bottle has given me no issues regarding leaking and that’s a feature I love! As long as you secure the filter correctly on the bottom and tighten the cap you can toss it in your bag and not worry about the bottle needing to stay upright.

You should always try to filter water from running sources and certainly not algae covered ones.  However, Grayl is up to the challenge if your only option in an emergency situation was a pond covered in algae.  The Grayl Purifier Filter cartridge is made for global travel.  It removes pathogens (viruses, protozoa, bacteria), even heavy metals and chemicals.  Because of this I would completely trust this filter for any sketchy water situations in a pinch.

When I am on the trail I sometimes found that I want put down the filter and inner press so I could fill the outer (re)fill with two hands. However, it felt weird to place either end of the inner press on the ground. Since I try to keep my adventure products out of the dirt as much as possible especially if I’m going to use them to eat or drink with. Maybe I just need to carry a small lid to place it on for those few moments? If it’s dry, sure I can toss it in my pack but it usually isn’t.  The filter can hold extra water once the inner press is emptied.

Not Just for the Trail

Now, if you live in the city as I do, then you might find your water to taste a bit metallic or chemical-filled. I never realized mine had tasted so terrible until I drank spring-fed water in Tennessee for two straight weeks. That is some of the best tasting water I’ve ever had, it was so delicious!  I was even thrilled to enjoy free potable water within the Smoky Mountains National Park. So when I returned home I couldn’t even enjoy my tap water without it tasting overly metallic to me.

That’s why I was glad Grayl makes a Tap Water Filter cartridge. It helps to filter out chemicals like chlorine, iodine and heavy metals like lead and arsenic that were leaving me with a bad taste in my mouth. This filter is super fast too, you can have your filtered water in 7 seconds and has a lifespan of 300 uses or 40 gallons, as does the purifier cartridge.

Whether you are a full time or part time adventurer or just want an on-the-go way to filter safe water.  Grayl has the right bottle and filter for you. All four colors of their ultralight bottles are made from BPA-Free plastic.  So, when your bottle has reached the end of its life, it will be recycled just as any other #5 plastic can be.  I prefer to recycle my #5 plastics at my local Whole Foods.  So that Preserve Products recycle program can continue to create recycled plastic products.

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