The way we treat our planet has ramifications on our neighbours. We've all had to deal with rubbish flying into our garden as the result of someone else's failure to dispose of it properly. Now imagine that on a much larger scale. That's the reality for many people living in developing countries. Our unwanted goods when not properly recycled end up polluting their lands because waste disposal companies transport it over there.
As Christians, our duty to love our neighbour extends beyond borders. And if we're serious about this, then it means we have to re-evaluate some of consumption habits. One easy way to do this is to change how we shop.
It's easier than ever to recycle used or unwanted items and make sustainable shopping choices. And although giving someone a present made from recycled materials would probably have been a social faux pas years ago, today you can grab a great gift that's ethical, socially responsible and won't cause any upsets.
To mark World Recycling Day, here are six sustainable gift ideas that will help you to shop more sustainable.
Hand-painted dangly earrings by Uncommonly Beautiful
This independent jewellery brand uses unwanted wooden household furniture to fashion a collection of original and ethical accessories. As a self-proclaimed anti landfill brand, Uncommonly Beautiful demonstrate a dedication to produces stylish but sustainable accessories. These dangly earrings are made using reclaimed wood, and all purchases come in recycled gift boxes.
Two-tone bobble bowl by The Recycled Glassware Company
This brightly coloured glass bowl from the Recycled Glassware company would make a great gift for a new home, and they'd also work well if you're keen to add a pop of colour to your own kitchen. It's not just quirky, it's also made 100% recycled glass materials.
If you know someone who's a winter sports enthusiastic then this gift will be right up their street. This snowboarding brand is committed to sustainable practices and have even produced snowboards made from recycled materials. This bold red hooded jumper is made from cotton and recycled polyester.
White off-the-shoulder top by Reformation
Reformation claim to put sustainability at the core of everything they do, and when you look into their practices, you could say they're doing a pretty good job. Around 40% of the fabrics that they used are vintage or deadstock, which means they save otherwise landfill destined materials from making their way onto the rubbish dump. This off the shoulder white top is made from surplus fabrics.
Recycled high-waist leggings by Under the Same Sun
Under the same sun are all about eco-friendly fashion. This brand believes that we must all do our bit to take care of the earth, and they endeavour to do theirs by producing sustainable clothing that's made from majority recycled fabrics and made using processes which minimise waste. These wave leggings are made using their Newlife, their custom made fabric created out of recycled plastic bottles.
DIY
If you're still on the search for the perfect eco-friendly gift, why not make something yourself? There are thousands of craft tutorials on sites like Pinterest and YouTube and you'll be surprised what the unassuming items around your house can be re-purposed to create. Plus, you'll be able to add your own touch and make something truly unique.
