Your 2019 socially conscious gift guide

The holidays are a magical time. We’re thinking about warm spices wafting out of the kitchen, and homemade loaves of sourdough bread baking — about long, cheery family gatherings, playing games and making crafts together, snowy days, and the joy of watching a loved one unwrap a thoughtful gift.

But behind all of this, we know, are the mounds of trash we will produce between November and New Years — a whopping 25% more, in fact, than any other time of year. We’re tossing leftover food and shopping bags and plastic packaging; holiday cards, bows, and all that waxed cardboard from children’s toys (which is often not recyclable); wrapping paper, ribbon (read: plastic), lights, and decorations.

Which leads us to the question: what can we do to have a more sustainable holiday?

Let’s start this season by shopping with intention. One of the easiest ways we can advocate for our planet and for producing less waste is by voting with our wallets and choosing who to buy our gifts from.

Which is why we’re partnering with 4 other companies this month on our Socially Conscious Gift Guide, who are dedicated, like us, to using business as a force for good in the world. As you're jotting down your lists and perusing online, be sure to check out these inspiring companies, choosing to do business just a little differently. And what’s more? They’re offering you some special deals this month only. Read on for more details!

Paper Culture

Spice up your holiday cards with sustainable stationery from Paper Culture. This certified Green Business adds sustainability into their mission by making all products from 100% post-consumer recycled paper, offsetting their carbon footprint, and planting a tree for every order — they've planted over 1,000,000 trees to date! They're offering 50% off holiday cards with the code GIVEBACK.

 ECOlunchbox

Opting to BYOL is a great first step for those wanting to be more eco-conscious. Encourage sustainable habits with non-toxic, plastic-free ECOlunchboxes. Stock your friends and family up with bento boxes, snack containers, lunch bags, and utensils — all from a women-owned, mission-driven family business. ECOlunchbox is offering 20% off sitewide with code GIVEBACK.

Seaweed Bath Company

What's better than natural bath products? Bath products with a mission! Seaweed Bath Company strives to energize people from head to toe with natural products that draw from the healing powers of the ocean. Pamper the self-care enthusiast on your list with innovative, green products that help to detoxify, repair, and protect skin and hair. They're offering 20% off sitewide with code GIVEBACK.

Lake Champlain Chocolates

We all know our sweet tooth gets heightened during the holidays. Feed into those cravings and gift sweet treats from Lake Champlain Chocolates. A Certified B Corp that's committed not only to being the best chocolate in the world, but to being the best for the world. Lake Champlain Chocolates is offering 10% off first purchase with code GIVEBACK.