Last-Minute Sustainable Gift Ideas

Related Links

• Good Stuff? A Behind-the-Scenes Guide to the Things We Buy
• The Lazy Environmentalist

Worldwatch Live Online Discussion

Lisa Mastny, Brian Halweil, Josh Dorfman

December 13, 2005 - 3:00pm EDT

Worldwatch Institute's Lisa Mastny, Senior Editor, and Brian Halweil, Senior Researcher, will be online to answer your questions on sustainable gift-giving this holiday season. Special guest Josh Dorfman, host of The Lazy Environmentalist and Founder/CEO of Vivavi, will join Lisa and Brian to weigh in with tips on guilt-free gift giving.

Submit your questions now and return on Tuesday, December 13th, 2005 at 2:00 PM EDT for the discussion.

Steve Conklin, Worldwatch Institute: Welcome to Worldwatch Live! Joining us in today's discussion are: Lisa Mastny, Worldwatch Senior Editor; Brian Halweil, Worldwatch Senior Researcher; and special guest Josh Dorfman, host of The Lazy Environmentalist and Founder/CEO of Vivavi. Lisa, Brian, and Josh will be sharing their knowledge of sustainable gifts as we approach the holiday season. Welcome!

Lisa Mastny, Brian Halweil, Josh Dorfman : Thanks, Steve. We look forward to an interesting and informative discussion. To our participants: hopefully we'll be able to answer many of your questions and help to resolve some of your gift-giving dilemmas this holiday season.

Washington, DC: Where can I find eco-friendly holiday cards?

Lisa Mastny, Brian Halweil, Josh Dorfman : These days, it's not hard to find eco-friendly holiday cards. At the very least, most card stores stock cards that are printed on some percentage of post-consumer recycled paper, and some even use soy inks and other "green" components. But best of all--for your budget and for the environment--would be to make your own cards, using simple materials found around the house.

For example:

--Make your own designs or collages using recycled cardboard, wallpaper samples, used envelopes, outdated maps, old picture books, foil trays, magazines, reclaimed packaging, newspaper, boxboard, or other scraps.

--For specific holiday greetings, save holiday cards (and their messages)from previous years and paste them onto colorful (recycled) paper and decorate them yourself. This makes a great craft project for kids. Alternatively, use your kids drawings for a personal touch.

Or, if you don't have time to sit down and make cards, send an e-card. Many websites offer pre-made cards for a variety of holidays, or you can personalize your own with a photo of yourself, your pet, or your family. This lends a personal touch without wasting resources.

If you want to contribute to a cause with your holiday card ritual, buy from organizations that contribute part of the sales income to a good cause. The World Wildlife Fund, for example, offers cards with pictures of cardinals and polar bears, and 5 percent of the sales price goes to help the organization and it's activities. LM

Brisbane, Qld Austalia: Dishwashing manufacturers are making dishwashers they claim use less water than hand washing up, and that also use very little power. How do the two modes of washing up dishes really compare AND are the washing powders used caustic and damaging to the environment, or have these been improved as well??

Lisa Mastny, Brian Halweil, Josh Dorfman : Great question, and one that my wife and I recently struggled with as we looked into buying dishwashers. We have been long-time fans of washing by hand and we thought that a person who was an efficient dishwasher--didn't leave the water running, soaped up with a good sponge, and used lots of elbow grease--used less water and energy than a typical dishwasher. In fact, we found that was true for many dishwashers that don't put an emphasis on energy and water efficiency. But for people who are wasteful of water when doing the dishes, even an inefficient dishwashing machine will use less water and energy.

We found that there is a wide range of water and energy use for dishwashers on the market. We looked into buying a used dishwasher, as we figured that an existing appliance would use less materials to build than a new one. But the available dishwashers were pretty inefficient. We eventually settled on a German brand (Miele) that makes compact or "slimline" washers that are smaller than the typical American washer and extremely energy and water efficient. (The washer was almost double the price of less efficient alternatives, however.) For instance, the machine uses cold water instead of hot to do the dishes, so saves energy. And because it is well designed and energy efficient, it makes a lot less noise. We thought this compact option was a good choice since we still do most of our dishes by hand, but use the washer if we are having a dinner party or have guests.

Finally, we choose to buy biodegradable soaps from Ecover or Seventh Generation. We prefer how these feel on our hands and they are also much better for the septic system and water quality. There is a wide range of such detergents--that don't use artificial coloring, fragrances, chlorine, or other toxic substances--on the market now and they are competitively priced.
BH

Hartford, CT: How safe are toys from yard sales and thrift shops?

Lisa Mastny, Brian Halweil, Josh Dorfman : I think buying toys and other gifts at yard sales or thrift stores, provided they are clean, safe, and arenít too ìloved,î is a great option that many people overlook. Iíve found wonderful bath supplies, new in the box, as well as other household items and gifts, for sale at bargain prices. Toys are a bit trickier because they may have been handled more heavily and can carry safety risks (see below). But if theyíre less than 10 years old and new in the box, by all means buy them. If theyíre older, as long as all the pieces are there, they donít pose a safety risk, and you disinfect them thoroughly, then there should be no problem there either. Disinfect a hard plastic toy in the dishwasher or by hand by scrubbing it in warm, soapy water and using a brush to reach into the crevices. Immerse the toy in an eco-friendly bleach solution (e.g. one part borax to four parts water) and allow it to soak for 10-20 minutes. Cloth toys or clothes can be washed in the washing machine.

If you donít have the original packaging, no problem! You can wrap the gifts cheaply and nicely at homeófor example, put Lego blocks in a thrift-store wicker basket with a bow, or bundle childrenís books with a homemade bookmark and ribbon. Voila!--a sustainable gift that didnít require additional resource inputs or end up in a landfill. A win-win for your pocketbook and for the planet!

One caveat: older items sold at garage sales might not meet current safety regulations, so consider your purchases carefully. Itís best to avoid baby items such as baby gates, walkers, cribs, cradles, playpens, car seats and booster seats, strollers, and walkers. Other toys that could pose a risk include lawn darts, jewelry and older painted toys (which may contain lead), items with older electrical components, and children's sleepwear. LM

Washington, DC: Can you recommend any good ideas for purchasing gift wrapping, or recommend alternative ways of wrapping gifts that are more sustainable?

Lisa Mastny, Brian Halweil, Josh Dorfman : Eco-friendly gift wrapping options abound. Try PapOrganics (www.paporganics.com) for beautifully designed hemp gift wrap printed with vegetable dyes, 100% biodegradable natural ribbons made from strands of cotton coated with a water-based adhesive and colored with soy-based ink, and gift tissue made from 100% recycled paper. Lagniappe Gift Wrap (www.lagniappegiftwrap.com) offers a wide collection of 100% organic cotton and recycled fabric gift bags. Wine can be presented this holiday season in a one-of-a-kind bag made from recycled highway billboards. See Relan (www.relanbag.com) for details. Debraís List (www.lagniappegiftwrap.com) offers the most extensive list of eco gift wrap companies Iíve come across and is an excellent resource for all things eco. JD

New York, NY: Hello! This question is for Josh, or anyone else who can answer. As an economist, I'm curious whether there's really a big market for "sustainable gifts." Looking at your site, it looks like the items are fairly expensive for the average buyer. Do you see alot of interest in "doing the right thing" even if it costs so much more? I know this is something I factor in when I consider gifts for my own family.

Lisa Mastny, Brian Halweil, Josh Dorfman : I see the potential for a big market for sustainable gifts. I donít think weíre there yet. Itís still very much a niche market. Prices skew toward the expensive for three reasons. First, designers make sustainable products in small quantities because theyíre serving a small market. As more consumers get hip to the sustainability concept and economies of scale are achieved, prices will fall. Second, some products are simply luxury goods, made with finer materials and more attention to detail. Often non-toxic materials cost more than toxic materials. They are better for the earth and healthier for our homes. Is it a luxury to have a non-toxic home? Given the society in which we live, the unfortunate answer is yes, so it costs more. Third, beautifully designed products carry a cost premium. With regard to sustainable designers, I see a correlation between social and environmental consciousness and quality design. Itís most pronounced in architecture. Itís moving quickly into furniture and home furnishings. Looolo is a great example of a sustainable accessories company that makes the most beautiful pillows Iíve ever seen and touched. I doubt the price will ever come down much. The company is the Mercedes of pillows.

So the answer is mixed. Prices will fall but not for everything. Superbly designed products made with superior materials will always carry a price premium. For truly great socially and environmentally responsible gifts, check out Goods That Give (www.goodsthatgive.com). I really admire the collection theyíve pulled together. JD

Watertown, MA: For a sustainable gift idea, holiday tree planting certificates are available by making an online donation to Armenia Tree Project based in Watertown, MA: http://www.armeniatree.org

Lisa Mastny, Brian Halweil, Josh Dorfman : Giving the gift of a tree is a thoughful present that keeps on giving, year after year. The long-term impacts on the planet can be considerable. According to the National Arbor Day Foundation, over the course of 50 years, a single tree can generate $31,250 of oxygen, provide $62,000 worth of air pollution control, recycle $37,500 worth of water, and control $31,500 worth of soil erosion.

Because it's a "living" gift, tree planting makes a thoughtful present in memory of a deceased friend or loved one. In addition to the website the chat participant lists above, there are several organizations that sponsor the gift of trees. At www.treegivers.com, for as little as $30 you can arrange for your gift tree to be planted in the state or country of your choice. The organization also coordinates to plant trees in Israel, or in tropical forests in Central America.

National Arbor Day Foundation (www.arborday.org) is even cheaper--for each $10 donated, 10 trees will be planted and the organization will mail a card to the family of the person whom you have chosen to honor.

And at www.treesforlife.org, can plant a fruit tree in a developing country to provide a lasting food source as well.

Remember, as the trees grow and prosper, so too does the meaning of your gift. LM

Richmond Virginia: What are some earth friendly fabrics that will be used in the future, specifically in the year 2015?

Lisa Mastny, Brian Halweil, Josh Dorfman : Earth Friendly fabrics for 2015? When it comes to earth-friendly fabrics, the future is already here and itís wearing bamboo.This organically grown grass can be transformed into furniture, flooring, paper, and now more than ever, fiber. A special manufacturing process turns bamboo pulp into fiber, which can then be woven into a soft fabric thatís comparable to silk or cashmere. Linda Loudermilk is using it for her high-end Luxury Eco line and Bamboosa is making an entire performance sportswear line out of it due to its superior wicking properties. Other emerging fabrics are made from soy and corn. Tencel is a silky, draping fabric made from the cellulose of trees. More exotic fiber creations come with names like "sasawashi" which is a blend of Japanese paper, herbs, vitamins, and amino acids. Expect more and more fiber creations by 2015 that integrate technological know-how with naturally grown materials. JD

Denver, CO: Hi, I'm wondering if you have any great ideas for easy gifts that you can make at home or relatively cheaply. I don't have a big budget this year for gifts, but still want to show people I'm thinking about them. Thanks!

Lisa Mastny, Brian Halweil, Josh Dorfman : What a great question--because, of course, you don't need to go out and buy an expensive gift to show someone you're thinking about them. In fact, homemade gifts are often more thoughtful than store-bought gifts, not mention cheaper and more useful.

By the way, you share your budget concerns with many others this holiday season, especially given the rise in gas prices and increased cost of living in recent months. In the U.S., a new poll from the Center for a New American Dream shows that more than three out of five Americans (62%) are planning to or considering giving family members "budget-conscious" gifts that bring long-term financial returns, such as a savings bond or a piggy bank this year, rather than buying expensive store-bought items.

Other thoughtful but inexpensive ideas include:

--A personalized gift basket with "consumable" gifts like homemade jam or pesto
--Homemade dinners made from locally-grown or organic foodstuffs, delivered to the house.
--A month of household chores, such as taking out the garbage, doing the dishes, etc
--Babysitting, car washing, snow-shoveling and other helpful tasks for friends and neighbors.
--If youíre handy and have the time, make something for the kids--like a rope swing, wooden blocks, or a sandbox.

Check out www.newdream.org/holiday/giftideastaff.php for a list of other great gift ideas. LM

Naples, FL: Do you have any suggestions for kids that love animals? I'm planning on taking my kids to the Sea World this X-mas, and it would be neat to be able to support the dolphins there or other wildlife. Any suggestions?

Lisa Mastny, Brian Halweil, Josh Dorfman : Kids are natural animal lovers, so it's fun to be able to involve them in environmental and conservation efforts. Over the past decade, a number of conservation organizations have begun offering unique animal "adoption" options for gift-seekers. For example:

--The Sea Turtle Survival League (www.cccturtle.org) urges shoppers to adopt an endangered sea turtle in the name of a loved one, with the proceeds going to sea turtle conservation.

--The World Wildlife Fund (www.worldwildlife.org) offers a similar option for polar bears, snow leopards, and giant pandas through its Winter Adoption Center.

--The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) (www.animalgift.org) offers the option of making a donation in someoneís name to a specific IFAW campaign. These gifts can go a long way: $50 will cover the cost of cleaning one penguin caught in an oil spill; $25 will purchase a dayís worth of fuel for a rescue boat; and $100 will pay for a weekís worth of food for four orphaned bear cubs so they can be rehabilitated and released into the wild.

Of course, animals aren't the only ones that need your help! Development-oriented groups like Heifer International (www.heifer.org) offer consumers the chance to help struggling families too. By giving a gift of livestock for plowing power, food, and income, you can help families in the developing world move toward self-sufficiency. LM

Reykjavik, Iceland: I feel that all and any cycling gear, possible with the exception of helmets will be very sustainable gifts indeed, taking into the lifecycle (LCA) impact if they increase cycling and reduce car-driving. The positive environmental, health, and economic effects are incredible. What do you think ? In Odense, Denmark they invested in increased cycling in a town where many already rode. The result was an increase of 20% in bicycle trips over four years, reduced traffic accidents by 20%, and more than five million dollars in the health system of a town of 175.000, because of better fitness in the population. Some follow-ups : Do you see problems with the fact that most bicycles are now are produced in Taiwan, Korea etc, some being so cheap that are do not fullfill standards, and do not last as long as bikes used to ? Are you familiar with the Bamboo bike or the extracycle ( extracycle.com ) ?

Lisa Mastny, Brian Halweil, Josh Dorfman : The bamboo bike is a very sweet custom built ride that a number of industrial designers are starting to develop. It makes sense since anything made from bamboo just makes sense, but it has not been commercialized yet. Extracycle is an awesome company. They sell extensions that can be easily added to any bicycle model to transform it into a totally radical BUV (Bicycle Utility Vehicle). Surf boards, grocery bags and small kids or pets (wearing helmets of course) can all be easily transported.
†
Innovative bicycle commuting options are the ixi Bike (www.ixibike.com) and the Strida (www.strida.com). Both combine pedaling efficiency with amazing storage capabilities. An amazing cross-over bike/electric option is the Tidalforce (www.tidalforce.com). Initially conceived for the military, this is hands down the best electric bike with pedaling option Iíve ever seen.
†
Josh

Dusseldorf, Germany: Whatís a good alternative to plastic toys for children?

Lisa Mastny, Brian Halweil, Josh Dorfman : A Childís Planet (www.indigenousbabies.com) offers a wide array of wooden toys for children sourced in the United States from responsibly managed tree farms and finished with non-toxic materials. Baby Bunz (www.babybunz.com) offers wooden toys and organic cotton soft toys. Weíre particularly fond of the Teething Frog. Progressive Kid (https://www118.ssldomain.com/progressivekid/shop/funstuff.aspx) offers really smart gifts for really smart kids - an excellent alternative to plastic. If, however, you donít mind recycled plastic, then check out the Earth Wagon offered by Green Home (http://www.greenhome.com/products/kids/toys/105863) made from 100% recycled plastic. Itís a great gift to demonstrate the art, efficiency, and fun (yes, fun) of recycling.

Steve Conklin, Worldwatch Institute: Thanks for joining us today, Lisa, Brian, and Josh!

Lisa Mastny, Brian Halweil, Josh Dorfman : Thanks, Steve. We enjoyed sharing our ideas with everyone on the chat. Let the sustainable shopping (or holiday-card making) commence!