Because you can definitely be geeky about the environment.

Over the last year, I’ve become a lot more eco-friendly. I use reusable everything, only buy from cruelty-free brands, and have gotten into recycling despite the closest recycling center being an hour away.

These are brands I’ve used and continue to use and could be great gift ideas for the upcoming holidays or any time during the year.

I’d also like to point out none of these brands are sponsored (yet *wink*) but are my recommendations. Some are skincare brands and I have eczema, so if you’re unsure about sensitivity, I do make note of any irritation.

4Ocean

If you haven’t heard of them, 4Ocean makes bracelets out of garbage they pick up from the ocean and each one you buy helps clean more. The bracelets represent something different such as penguins, sharks, or marine nurseries. They also sell apparel, straws, or you can just donate.

They are waterproof, adjustable, and I’ll wear mine as an ankle bracelet. This is one of my biggest recommendations and only $20.

Wholesome Culture

I came across Wholesome Culture through an Instagram ad. They create clothing out of recycled material, donate part of the purchase to an animal rescue, and have the cutest eco-sayings on their shirts, tank tops, and sweatshirts.

I will be honest and say sometimes the sizing can be off because they’re made out of different materials so I usually go up a size.

Beekman 1802

Beekman 1802 was created by partners Josh and Brent after they lost their jobs and helped a goat farmer save his farm. I’ve been using their skincare for months now and have seen a huge difference. From soap bars to moisturizers, lip balms and shaving kits, they’re cruelty-free and earned eco-friendly rewards for not using any toxic ingredients.

They also make biodegradable face wipes.

If you aren’t sure how your skin will react, they have pure goat milk products with no fragrance and completely natural.

Beekman also has a line of cleaning products called “Happy Place” which is also completely natural and is only what my family uses for laundry now.

Josie Maran

If you’re someone who prefers vegan products, I’d recommend Josie’s Argan Oil, which is exactly what is in them. No chemicals, cruelty-free, and as someone who’s used them, great in the winter. This is one of the more expensive brands on my list but you do get a lot of use out of the oil. However, some do have milk in them, which I found can irritate my skin (funny because the goat milk doesn’t.)

They also have a program to recycle empty bottles/containers that will be used to create office supplies, picnic tables, and more.

Woodland Zen

This is a shop on Etsy that creates “healing jewelry and vegan clothing.” Whether you believe in crystal healing or not, they make bracelets and jewelry based on your Zodiac sign/element aligned with the sign. They’re made out of cedarwood and crystals, cruelty-free, and water-resistant.

I haven’t bought their clothing but did get my mom a bracelet last Christmas and can say, hers still smells like cedar. These bracelets start around $30, but like everything on this list, they do go on sale.

Swell

I pretty much only ever use my reusable water bottle anymore. Swell makes everything from tumblers, travelers, and food bowls. And even though they are a bit more expensive than other bottles, and I’ve tried many over the years, my Swell bottles have lasted the longest. It’s been 2-3 years since my first and I still use it, whereas a cheaper one I bought on Amazon lasted less than a year.

These are the bottles that will keep hot liquid hot and cold, cold, and I can confirm after the numerous times I’ve taken it to the beach in 90-degree weather, it will stay cold.

Geopetric

I have to include the dogs/cats on this list. Or get one for your pig, I don’t care. They make cruelty-free, eco-friendly material out of recycled bottles and vegan leather products for your animal friends. And they always donate 10% of the proceeds to a no-kill shelter.

One of my favorite products is the cooling bandanas. If you wet them before, say, taking your dog on a walk, it should keep them cool. The designs are adorable and pretty big so it should fit any size.

They will also take gently-worn collars/leashes/harnesses, clean, and donate them to shelters as well.

 

I do buy all of my skincare through QVC (don’t judge me) because they have a ton of sales during the year and I don’t know what I would do without easy pay.

And, if anyone has a favorite eco-friendly brand, let me know in the comments. I’m all for discovering new people to support (especially if it’s a small business.)

Header By: Chandler Cruttenden on Unsplash

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