Although the holidays are much different this year – one thing stays the same: the amount of waste produced during the season. One survey suggests that Americans throw away 25% more trash between Thanksgiving and Christmas than any other time of the year. To make sustainable shopping a bit easier, we’ve teamed up with Saalt, a wonderful partner and EarthHero brand, to share some of our favorite zero waste gifts under $32. Check out 15 zero waste gift ideas below!
SAALT – Saalt Silicone Menstrual Cup – $28.99
We’ll kick things off with one of Saalts, and ours, favorite zero waste gifts. The Saalt Menstrual Cup is reusable, zero waste, and 100% non-toxic. Made from 100% medical-grade silicone that is BPA free and chemical free, this menstrual cup is worn internally to collect – rather than absorb – your period. It lasts for years, saving you money otherwise spent on tampons and pads – and is a wonderful gift for someone you are close to this holiday season. Plus, Saalt donates 2% of their revenue towards providing reusable period care options, educational scholarships, and life skills training to those in need – making a huge impact on communities across the globe.
MARLEY’S MONSTERS – Organic Unpaper Towels – $19.99
Paper towels are wasteful, expensive, and overall bad for the environment when used all day every day. By switching to Unpaper Towels, you can reduce the amount of single-use materials you use, and save money! Handmade in the USA from 100% organic cotton, these kitchen towels are highly absorbent and durable to clean up any mess. When you’re done, just toss them in the washer and reuse them again and again!
FRIENDSHEEP WOOL – White Eco Dryer Balls – $22.99
Know someone trying to make their laundry routine a bit more sustainable? Get them dryer balls! Made from sustainably sourced and cruelty-free wool, these dryer balls are biodegradable at the end of their life – but can be reused countless time, making them a zero waste alternative to single-use dryer sheets. They can reduce drying time by 20-40%, and are great for sensitive skin. Practical, zero waste, and reusable – what more could you want in a green gift?!
KHALA & COMPANY – Cone Reusable Coffee Filter – 2pk – $13.99
For the coffee lover in your life, swap out their single-use filters for a reusable coffee filter! Handmade in the USA from organic cotton and organic hemp, this filter is washable and reusable for years of use. Roughly 140 million coffee filters are used each year – that’s over 1.5 million trees. By switching to a reusable alternative, your gift recipient can save money, reduce waste, and still enjoy their daily cup of coffee.
THE EARTHHERO LIBRARY – 101 Ways to Go Zero Waste – $12.99
Know someone that is inspired to start living more sustainably… but just doesn’t know where to start? The EarthHero Library is the place for them. With help from books like 101 Ways to Go Zero Waste, which is full of tips, tricks, and DIY recipes, they’ll be able to embark on their zero waste journey. Written by zero waste blogger and sustainability guide Kathryn Kellogg, 101 Ways to Go Zero Waste is perfect for anyone at the beginner level of their journey – showing them that “It’s not about perfection. It’s about making better choices.”
P.F. CANDLE CO. – Golden Coast Soy Candle – $11.99
Perfect for friends, family, coworkers, and honestly anyone in your life, a P.F. Candle is a gift you can’t go wrong with. Made from 100% vegan and non-toxic soy wax with scents of eucalyptus, sea salt, redwood, and palo santo, these candles are hand-poured into apothecary inspired glass amber jars with a Kraft paper label and brass lid. They’re great for homes, bathrooms, offices, and everything in between.
MEOW MEOW TWEET – Baking Soda Free Zero Waste Deodorant Stick – $14.00
A good natural deodorant is hard to find. We’ve made it simple. Meow Meow Tweet’s zero waste deodorants are perfect for sensitive skin (most are baking soda free!) – and actually work. This one comes in zero waste packaging, is made in the USA, and is aluminum-free. Great as a stocking stuffer, or as part of a zero waste personal care bundle, this eco-friendly deodorant makes it easy to make the switch.
GEORGANICS – Natural Toothpaste Tablets – $12.90
Give the gift of a new oral care routine with toothpaste tablets! Instead of plastic toothpaste tubes, these tabs are packaged in recyclable glass – and are 100% plastic free and zero waste. The individual toothpaste tablets are fun to use, and are made from high-quality natural and organic ingredients free of fluoride, SLS, and glycerin. Pair it with a bamboo toothbrush, and you have a perfect zero waste gift for friends or family!
UNITED BY BLUE – Lunar Moth Stainless Steel Bottle 22oz – $31.99
A (good) reusable bottle is key for any aspiring zero waster. Give the gift of freedom from single-use plastic bottles with this durable alternative. Made from double-wall insulated stainless steel, this 22oz water bottle keeps drinks hot or cold for up to 12 hours – so it works for coffee, water, and everything else. It has a braided paracord handle, making it perfect for camping, hiking, or on-the-go, and a fun lunar moth design on the front. Great for teens, fitness pals, or anyone who is ready to make the switch from plastic bottles, this bottle is our go-to “no brainer” gift.
U KONSERVE – Stainless Steel Straws – 2pk – $5.95
Help eliminate the 500,000,000 plastic straws Americans use every day with reusable stainless steel straws! This two pack of non-toxic stainless steel straws is ideal for cold drinks, cocktails, smoothies and more. Plus, the durable stainless steel is rounded and smoothed for maximum sipping comfort. This great is great for smoothie-lovers, iced coffee sippers, and everyone in between.
FULL CIRCLE HOME – Bubble Up Dish Brush and Ceramic Dish Set – $12.99
Gross sponge ruining the kitchen aesthetic? Give a gift that is both beautiful and functional with this dish set. It comes with a bamboo and recycled plastic scrubber, plus a ceramic holder (which doubles as a spring loader soap dispenser) that keeps water and soap away from the kitchen counters. Plus, Full Circle is a B Corp Certified company, meaning they pass rigorous standards showing their commitment to the environment! So you can feel good knowing your gift supports companies going a step beyond.
MELIORA – Eco Laundry Powder – $16.99
We all do laundry… but we don’t all do it sustainably. Unlike conventional laundry detergents, this laundry powder is 100% non-toxic, and easily removes stains and stink to leave clothes soft and clean. A great gift for anyone looking to overall reduce the waste in their home, this powder is packaged plastic free in recyclable (and refillable!) cardboard. Plus, Meliora is a member of 1% for the Planet, and pledges to donate at least 2% of all sales towards nonprofits like the Women’s Voices for the Earth; an environmental non-profit that gives back to our Earth through numerous charitable programs.
ECO-BAGS – Piermont Recycled Shopping Tote – $14.39
Single-use plastic bags, be gone! This zero waste gift doubles as a shopping bag, grocery bag, travel bag – you name it. Made from recycled cotton from post-industrial and post-consumer scraps, it is lightweight and compacts easily to bring anywhere you’ll be presented with single-use plastic bags. It’s wonderful for all recipients, and is durable for years to come.
ECO-BAGS – Cotton Mesh Reusable Produce Bag – $5.26
If your recipient already has a shopping tote, opt instead for a reusable produce bag! Made from GOTS Certified organic cotton, this mesh produce bag helps to reduce non-recyclable plastic produce bags at the store. Perfect for anyone who loves to cook with fresh produce, or often finds themselves at the farmers market, this produce bag can be easily kept inside your reusable shopping tote – making your grocery trip 100% plastic-free.
PLUM BRILLIANCE – Pink Clay Natural Facial Soap Bar – $10.00
Last but not least, a gift for all the skin care lovers out there! Made from decadent ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, avocado and olive oil, this facial cleansing bar is mildly exfoliating and detoxifying while removing grit and grime from the day. It comes packaged zero waste and plastic free, and is handcrafted in small artisan batches in the USA.
Now that you have some zero waste gift inspiration, go out and find the perfect gifts for everyone in your life on EarthHero! Plus, check out all of our Saalt products here. Happy holidays!
