Shop Virginia for Sustainable Gifts

December is a gift-giving time for many people, and we’ve got some suggestions for you to look at that are good for the environment, easy on your wallet, and helpful to Virginia small businesses too!

This past year we gave away hundreds of Sustainability Sampler Kits to encourage people to try new products that will help them avoid single-use plastic products.  It was a joy to work with Virginia businesses to purchase the items, and they were well-received by the recipients.  We hope that it converted the users to more sustainable habits.

One of the most popular items was the Shampoo Bar made in Virginia by Keithas Artful Garden.  Enjoy the lather of quality ingredients — without the plastic bottle.  They have Shaving bars, too, filled with natural skin-loving ingredients! They smell wonderful, and because they’re not liquid they are perfect for traveling or taking to the gym.

We purchased reusable flannel towels from Green Life Apothecary so that people can break the habit of using and tossing a paper towel with every lunch, snack, or baby mess.  The fabric prints are so cute and soft, even after many washes.  They also offer rolled cloth napkins, that are used like a roll of paper towels to keep on the kitchen counter, but they’re made of reusable cotton, to give you a washable, zero-waste kitchen option.

If you’re looking for gifts to give coworkers, girlfriends, neighbors, or teachers, Green Life Apothecary also offers Gift Box sets with luxury bath items, aromatherapy spa sets, Hug in a Mug tea gifts, and more.

For a wide range of products, we turn to Eco Maniac.  Owner Christina Trapani is involved in many plastic pollution reduction efforts with organizations across Virginia.  And in addition to the online store, you can visit her beautiful solar-powered mobile eco-boutique!  We purchased many items from Eco Maniac, including a set of three reusable bowl covers — an alternative to single-use plastic wrap and foil.  Another favorite product of our is the Stasher Sandwich Tie Dye plastic zipper bag replacement – great for to-go food, or to organize travel toiletries, craft projects, recharging cords.  One Stasher bag can replace 260 single-use plastic bags every year.  Now that’s a gift that keeps on giving!

We hope that you’ll give sustainable gifts this holiday season, it’s a beautiful thing to do!