Gift ideas for nature-loving friends

Gift ideas can be hard to think of when it comes to our nature-loving friends. We all have at least one friend who loves hugging trees. Someone who feels completely regenerated only when they are surrounded by nature and who does everything they can to protect the environment with their daily actions. A higher green awareness is becoming increasingly more present in the modern world, where the empire of needs and consumption shows doomsday scenarios. By now, it is up to the small ecological consciences of individuals to lead to a change of direction. So let’s give a green light to a whole range of original gift ideas for those capable of seeing the essence of life in a single blade of grass:

1) Seedlings, plants, large plants

Whether it be a bean seedling in which a greeting message has been engraved, a vegetable garden for the window sill, a sunflower sprouting from a stone or a coffee cup to brighten up the office, or a large leafy creature that hang from a vase on the ceiling that wishes you goodnight before you close your eyes, these plants proposed by the Sicilian company GRIN are great for satisfying the souls of those who desire to have a unique touch of green near them! The above are just some of the original and sustainable gift ideas from the company so it is definitely worth while browsing through the many gadgets available on their website to find the perfect present!
https://sproutworld.com/

2) Adopt a tree

TREEDOM allows you to pick a very special and unique gift for your friend. Choosing from 12 countries all over the world, mostly developing countries, why not present your friend with their very own tree?! The tree will be planted and cultivated by a local farmer and your friend will be sent the geolocation as well as photos, allowing them to follow the various stages throughout the tree’s growth. Not only is this a great and unique gift idea but it is also a wonderful initiative to do a good deed for the environment too as trees absorb CO2, favour biodiversity, and counteract soil erosion and desertification. At the same time, adopting a tree will promote the local economy of the countries involved in the project as the money invested in the tree will finance the maintenance of the plant until it becomes productive. Moreover, the farmers involved with the project will receive training which will allow them to create better income opportunities.

3) Double life bags!

“Beautiful, and good!” is the slogan of the social cooperative “Rio Terà dei pensieri” which has had the brilliant idea of creating bags and accessories using industrial waste matter. Without neglecting style they have instead launched rather an innovative one. The bags and other items produced come, in fact, from the PVC found on advertising billboards and truck tarpaulins. Material processing and production is carried out by prison detainees in Venice; this way, not only in addition to buying an eco-sustainable product, it favours an educational and professional reintegration method, as well as a relational one, for these people. The product line is called “Malefatte Venezia“, and includes, among other items, backpacks, briefcases, wallets, keyrings, all of which are colourful, resistant and waterproof.
Another company which has also adopted the idea of reusing materials is “Neomeno“, which offers hand-made bags and backpacks made from remnants of industrial neoprene, inner tubes, and bicycle tires. The items have a rock and aggressive vibe to them and for the most part focus on grey shades. Thanks to their origins, the artifacts of “Malefatte Venezia” and “Neomeno” are all the results of craftsmanship. Gift ideas as unique as the bags!

4) Eco T-shirt “Rapanui”

Described as really soft and comfortable, this is due to the 100% natural cotton used and the attention Rapanui have made in making the production process as less artificial as possible, from beginning to end. The manufacturer has looked to reduce the environmental pollution that, inevitably, every T-shirt produces. For example: no pesticides or fertilisers are used but instead natural alternatives, the manufacturing of plants powered by sustainable energies, water which is used for dyeing then re-filtered until it becomes drinkable again, production of garments only once they have been ordered, and shipping packaging consisting of paper bags or cardboard boxes. All of this does not prevent the company offering a wide range of products to choose from (including bags, sweatshirts, bathrobes, socks and underwear), a fast and efficient delivery service (delivery the following day for national shipments, for international shipments usually from 3 to 5 days) nor does it prevent the ability to a hassle-free return or exchange.
The icing on the cake: to prevent clothes from ending up in landfills, Rapanui asks that used clothes be sent back in order to study a method of manufacturing new fabrics from old ones and in return, the buyer receives a voucher to spend in store. Note the design of some T-shirts bearing the signature of great designers who, with their work, have chosen to support charitable fundraisers (for example, that of Vivienne Westwood in favor of children involved in the war in Yemen).

https://rapanuiclothing.com/

5) Environmental friendly cups

Did you know that every year across the world half a trillion disposable cups are made? Or that 4 billion trees are used in paper processing industries? Those numbers are enough to make us shiver and should lead us to replace the disposable cups with a reusable version. Here are two awesome gift ideas: the Greenpeace line which supports the protection of endangered animals and is made with organic inks, and Ecoffee cups, made of natural fibers, corn starch and resin, instead of harmful plastic substances like BPA, BPS and phthalates. The first depict the four animal protagonists of the Greenpeace campaigns and can be purchased in sets with a discount. The latter can be plain in colour or with numerous patterns. All cups have an ergonomic sheath so you don’t get burned when you pick up the cup, along with a spout lid which keeps the drink warm.

6) Travel box “Verdi emozioni”

The online travel portal Boscolo offers a very particular gift: a trip for 2 people to choose from 28 places in Italy immersed in nature. The package is valid for one weekend and includes a one night stay in a prestigious hotel with an opportunity to be at one in a typical local landscape. The lucky person who receives this gift will find inside a small informative guide of the chosen place and of the planned activity (e.g. itinerary by bicycle, trekking, visit of gardens or caves …), together with the voucher, all he or she will have to do is decide when to use it! The package, which can be ordered online, is valid for 12 months. An excellent solution to disconnect from the everyday routine, regenerate the body and soul with various routes, and leave the room for some naturally breathtaking views!

7) The “Lush” world

Lush is a cosmetics and hygiene product company which is now famous worldwide for two reasons: for the absolutely original tastes and forms of its items, and the fact that they preserve a strong ethical and ecological footprint. All Lush’s products are handmade and are 100% natural, as preservatives are eliminated or reduced to a minimum. Even packaging is avoided as much as possible in the interests of the environment. Furthermore, the company guarantees working conditions which respect individual dignity and opposes animal testing. What does it offer? From solid shampoos to bath bombs, from lip scrubs to toothpaste in tablets, from oils to talcs… Each of these products are available in at least a dozen different colours and smells to choose from, allowing you to find the most personalised gift possible.