10 Eco Friendly Gifts
calendar_todayNovember 20, 2019 at 5:10 PM
Here at Ziptrek Ecotours Queenstown we hold ourselves accountable for the preservation of our environment and take part in numerous activities to ensure we are giving back to our planet as well as preserving it.
One of the ways we try to support local businesses and promote sustainability is through our little Eco shop at the Ziptrek office at 45 Camp street! Here you will find some eco gifts you can easily add into your life to help reduce your carbon footprint.
With Christmas just around the corner, gift buying is hot on the to-do list. Some might say that Christmas is a time of overindulging and excessive buying, even though it is the most wonderful time of the year, our annual festivities can have an impact on our environment. With this in mind, we have come up with 10 sustainable gifts or stocking fillers for your loved ones, that won't impact on the planet.
1. Glass Keep cup
Did you know that you can’t recycle most disposable coffee cups? You may think you can because it’s made of paper, but it's lined with plastic. Keep cups are the perfect replacement and easy to implement into your daily routine. The glass cups have excellent heat retention and we all know coffee tastes better when it's hot!
2. Bamboo toothbrush
Ditch the plastic toothbrush and go bamboo! As you all may know, we are advised to get a new toothbrush each season. Bamboo is a renewable and sustainable resource, switching to bamboo will help you eliminate your plastic waste. Not only are you saving the environment from one more plastic item, but you are also protecting your teeth as bamboo toothbrushes are naturally antimicrobial!
3. Metal reusable straws
Metal straws are the best way to immediately reduce your plastic waste. We are stoked to see a lot of businesses in New Zealand, especially Queenstown, that have eliminated using plastic straws! So, load up your handbag or pockets with these metal straws and support the waste-free cause.
4. Beeswax wraps
Beeswax wraps are an organic reusable alternative to plastic non-reusable wrapping. They come in all shapes and sizes and can protect your food. It’s is breathable and allows your food to last longer! There are some super funky styles, our favourite is the bird of the year one from Honey Wrap.
5. Aluminum drink bottle
This is a no brainer; a reusable drink bottle is a necessity all year round. Using an aluminum drink bottle will ensure your water stays cold, or if you prefer a hot drink, it stays hot. We would recommend investing in a decent drink bottle, they can last for 12 years if you can look after it well!
6. Stainless steel, glass lunch boxes
Whether you are taking leftovers from home or picking up local takeaways, these reusable lunch boxes are an awesome gift. You can get bento-style boxes which are leak proof and hold up to 8 cups of food! Check with our local lunch stop if you can supply your own container to reduce your single-use waste.
7. Reusable shopping bags and produce bags
In July 2019, single use plastic bags were banned in supermarkets and large retailers! The only thing you may notice is that they still offer plastic bags to put your produce in. We have found an epic little company in NZ who is solving this problem and also protecting our food to last longer!
Check out Eco Saint, they sell reusable produce bags in different shapes and sizes.
8. Shampoo and soap bars
Ethique is leading the change in #givingupthebottle. To date, they have prevented over 5 million plastic bottles from being made and disposed of! Choosing to buy natural products in a sustainable package is not only eco-friendly but a gorgeous gift idea. Ethique offers a range of hair products and body products for all ages including your pooch!
9. Sustainable footwear!
Did you know that the average shoe takes 30 – 40 years to decompose. Makes you think about buying that second pair of shoes doesn't it? With this in mind, we have put together a few different sustainable footwear companies you should take a look at!
10. Download the App- ‘Good On You’
Ethical brand ratings, how amazing is that! There is a company called ‘Good On You’ which rates brands based on how ethical they are. Head to their website, or download their app and see how your favourite brand ranks!
Head into our store at 45 Camp Street to see more Eco gift ideas!
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