Ever since reading Fibreshed by Rebecca Burgess, where she makes an outfit entirely locally in California, I couldn’t stop thinking if the same concept could be possible in my northern Canadian city, Edmonton.
Last year I challenged myself to find out (and filmed the whole process!)
Farm to Closet is a slow fashion documentary series exploring each stage of making an entirely local garment, in Edmonton and area. The series features interviews with experts and we learn about everything involved, including:
regenerative wool and fibre farming in Alberta
historical yarn spinning
natural dyeing using invasive weeds
locally hand-weaving fabric
the unique properties of wool
what makes a design timeless
Edmonton’s garment manufacturing history
the role of slow fashion in our ultra fast fashion world
One of the best parts of this experience was meeting so many talented and knowledgeable people in my area, and getting to sit down and have a wonderful long chat with them (only about 10-20% of each conversation actually ended up in the film!). We have an incredible local community and it was a delight to learn from and collaborate with so many people.
Plastic free hair care! Jack59 is an Indigenous-owned, package-free, vegan hair and body care company. They offer sulphate-free, silicone-free and gluten-free options for all hair types, as well as some other local body care goodies.
Our Gift Pick: Their mini travel sets are a great way to test out the products and see what works best.
Soap So Co. creates gorgeous handcrafted-in-Edmonton, vegan soaps in liquid and bar form. Their bar soaps make especially great gifts and come in a wide range of design and scents – including natural fragrance (essential oils) options.
Our Gift Pick: We honestly love all their bar soaps and it’s fun picking out styles or scents to match the person, or their seasonal collection is of course perfect for the holidays and makes a great stocking stuffer!
A veteran in the Edmonton soap scene, Wild Prairie Soap Company creates plant-based and cruelty free soaps and body care products. Not sure limited to soap, they also have lotions, bath bombs, hair care and more!
Our Gift Pick: Their Craft Beer Soap Pack is a fun gift for Canadian beer lovers. Their bath bombs also make a nice stocking stuffer or you can get a bath bomb set.
A small batch, luxury clean beauty and skincare brand. Pura uses plant-based ingredients and glass packaging. Their products are cruelty free, GMO-free and gluten-free.
Our Gift Pick: Their Overnight Watermelon Face Mask is amazing for Edmonton’s dry winter and a truly luxurious and pampering experience.
Super comfortable stretch belts made from recycled plastic bottles. Unbelts cares deeply about their their products are made and are a certified living wage employer, B Corporation, and take sustainability into account in all areas of their business. Their belts are size inclusive and fit up to 54” hips, and they also have kids belts.
A local darling creating luxury leather and vegan leather goods, including shoes and accessories, as well as their new knitwear collection. Poppy Barley focuses on ethical production and partnerships, and have recently increased their use of sustainable materials, such as vegan leather made from cactus leaves and other organic materials. (Offers womens shoe sizes 5 to 12 and mens 6 to 13)
Our Gift Pick: The 3-in-1 Wristlet is the perfect versatile accessory and minimalist bag for essentials. It’s available in both leather and their vegan, cactus leather.
A made-to-order clothing company specializing in jumpsuits and comfy, every-day clothes. Gus Sloan also has their SCRAP collection which saves fabric scraps from the landfill by turning them into beautiful accessories.
Of course a gift certificate to a favorite local restaurant or cafe always makes an excellent experience gift. Check out some of our top veg-friendly restaurants and goodies here.
Carbon specializes in eco-conscious products for home, body and lifestyle. Their new location in Manchester Square has a wide selection of giftable goods.
Their downtown retail locations features a huge variety of socially-conscious brands. You can find food products, bath and body products, home goods, and more!
Looking to simplify your wardrobe and discover your personal style? A capsule wardrobe is could be your perfect solution – never find yourself with a closet full of clothes but “nothing to wear”.
I have been using the capsule wardrobe concept for myself and my family for 10 years. So I don’t say this lightly, a capsule wardrobe can revolutionize your mornings getting dressed, your approach to personal style, and the way you shop. But first…
What is a Capsule Wardrobe?
A capsule wardrobe is a curated selection of versatile, seasonal clothes that easily mix-and-match to create different outfit combinations.
Very simply, a capsule wardrobe = fewer pieces but many outfit possibilities.
Benefits of a Capsule Wardrobe
The reason I’ve stuck with a capsule wardrobe for 10 years is because of the numerous benefits to this way of dressing. Here are some of the key reasons you’ll love it too:
Simplify Getting Dressed: It’s easy to put together outfits so getting dressed in the morning becomes a breeze. It also removes some big decisions from the start of your day, reducing decision fatigue.
Saves Time: Not just getting dressed every day, but also save a tone of time with shopping. No more endless browsing, with some capsule wardrobe experience you’ll know what gaps you need to fill in your wardrobe, what will work and what won’t.
Find your Personal Style: Since capsule pieces are thoughtfully chosen and you wear them more frequently, it is an incredible tool to hone in on what you truly enjoy wearing and feel your best in. Most people see a significant confidence boost!
Save Money: You buy less clothes! But it also means you can budget to invest in quality, long-term pieces instead of flimsy clothes that fall apart and need frequent replacing.
Takes Up Less Space: A leaner wardrobe translates to more space and less stressful clutter.
More Sustainable: Fashion is an incredibly harmful industry for people and our planet. Buying less clothing, rejecting fast fashion “micro-trends”, and investing in quality over quality benefits you and our world.
Shop more Mindfully: Impulse purchases are a waste of money and rarely end up being a good decision. Having a capsule wardrobe makes you much more conscious of what pieces reflect your personal style and are worthwhile to add to your closet.
Reduce Stress: It’s unfortunate how much stress our clothing, shopping, and getting dresses can cause. With some capsule wardrobe experience you can say goodbye to wardrobe-induced stress.
Do you want to try it for yourself? Be aware that It can take some time to see these benefits in action. The first capsule you plan takes come extra work and typically you’ll learn a lot from your first few capsule wardrobes which you can forward to building your next one.
How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe
#1 The Big Declutter
First get rid of clothes that no longer fit, you never wear, and you don’t feel good in. I recommend separating all your clothes into 4 piles:
Donate/Sell
Maybe/Undecided (revisit later)
Keep!
Mend (make time to mend them or take to a tailor or repair cafe)
Decide if you want to do 4 seasonal capsules or a Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter capsule. Pack away any seasonal clothes that you for sure won’t be wearing in the current or upcoming season.
#3 Start with your Absolute Favorite and Most-Worn Items
Pull out your go-to items that get the most wear – don’t forget to check the laundry basket! These will form the foundation to build your capsule around. If you have a lot, try to narrow them down to the top-tier.
#4 Separate into Categories
Group your clothes by type (ie. tops, bottoms, layers, etc.) and sub-type, (ie. tanks, blouses, sweaters, etc.). It’s most helpful to lay everything out where you can see it, on a bed or the floor.
#5 Fill out the Capsule
Pulling from your remaining “keep” pieces, fill out the categories to maximize versatility; for each item in your capsule you want to think of a minimum of 3-5 outfits you can wear that items with.
Should you have a certain number? I don’t think you need to hit a specific number to have a capsule wardrobe, different people have different clothing needs and it’s about what works for you. Even your categories might be weighted different. For example if you love dresses you’ll likely have more of those and less tops/bottoms, or if you live somewhere with very temperamental weather you’ll need more layers. However a number can also be a helpful guide.
So if you want a general outline to get started, here are some averages:
Most people aim for 30-40 items:
Tops: 8-12
Bottoms: 7-9
Dresses: 3-5
Layers: 3-5 (eg. cardigan, blazer)
Outerwear: 1-3
Shoes & Accessories: 5-10 (note: some people like having shoes and accessories included in their capsule, some don’t)
#6 Factors to Consider
When filling out your capsule be sure this think about these things:
Regular Activities: Do you have clothing for a typical week’s or month’s activities? For example, do you need special clothes for meetings, certain hobbies, going out, etc.
Weather Fluctuations: Are you prepared for some temperamental weather?
Laundry Schedule: You need enough clothes to last past laundry day!
Colour Palette: You can definitely have a capsule wardrobe with lots of colour (here are my tips for building one) but it’s helpful to have an idea of the type of colour palette your aiming for which allows for more mix-and-match versatility.
#7 Identify Gaps
Now that you’ve sorted out most of your capsule wardrobe. Make note of any obvious gaps – first check through your “keep” and “maybe” clothes pile to see if anything fills those gaps. If you need to buy something, consider what could fill that gap in the most versatile way. For example maybe you could use another pair of dressier pants or a sweater – what colours and cuts would work with the majority of your other pieces?
#8 Pack Away any Clothes Not in your Capsule
It’s best to keep the clothes which didn’t make the capsule wardrobe cut out of site. When you build your next season’s capsule, repeat the decluttering process with them.
#9 Learn from your Capsule Wardrobe Experience
Your first capsule wardrobe will almost certainly not work out perfectly – it’s a great learning opportunity! Make note of what you wore the most, what you didn’t wear often, what pieces and outfit were the most versatile, and what gaps you discovered while wearing your capsule. Take everything you’ve learned to help you build your next one!
Don’t get discouraged if your first attempts don’t turn out as you hoped, it takes some practices!
#10 Enjoy it!
Remember this is all about creating something that benefits YOU! Don’t worry about “rules” or if you have to make changes, find a capsule wardrobe system that’s best for you and your lifestyle.
Capsule Wardrobe FAQs
Are loungewear and activewear included in a capsule wardrobe?
No, unless you wear them for regular daily wear.
Does a capsule wardrobe has to be all neutrals?
Most capsule wardrobe examples use neutral colour palettes because it’s easy to mix and match pieces. However you can build a wardrobe full of colour, here are my tips on how to do so.
Should I have a separate work and weekend/home capsule?
If you have very different work and casual clothing then it can help to separate them into 2 smaller capsule wardrobes.
Does a capsule wardrobe include accessories?
It can, it’s up to you and what you want from your wardrobe. The popular Project 333 method includes shoes and other accessories.
Looking for meaningful and useful gifts for dad? We’ve collected some of our favourite sustainable Father’s Day gifts from Canadian small businesses. You can not only show your love with a unique gift, but also support ethical brands in Canada!
Intrepid Stretch Belt from Unbelts
Image credit: Unbelts
The Intrepid is a super comfy, elastic belt that blends style, functionality, and sustainability.
Comfortable – Made from flexible and durable elastic that’s adjustable up to size 5X
Innovative Features – The Intrepid Belt boasts a non-slip inner silicone grip, is fully machine-washable, and a secret inner pocket for emergency cash and keys.
Sustainable – Crafted from recycled water bottles
No bulk – the hypoallergenic, nickel-free buckle lies flat under t shirts.
Lifetime Guarantee – Backed by a lifetime guarantee, you know this belt will last.
Ethically Made – sewn in Edmonton with a living wage supply chain!
Organic Cotton Socks from Q for Quinn
Image credit: Q for Quinn
What dad can’t use socks? We love Q for Quinn’s fit, comfortable fabric and mix of colourful/prints and neutral styles.
Unique Flavours – Wabanaki syrups come in barrel aged varities (using whisky and bourbon barrels) or infused with elderberry or chipotle. Want a try a few flavours? Get a bundle!
or High-Quality Classic – If you’re looking for a classic maple syrup they have as well – it’s caramel-y and flavourful.
Consumable – Edible gifts are great for dads who don’t any more “stuff”
Indigenous-owned – 100% indigenous female-owned and follows the traditional maple syrup harvesting boiled and refining that date back generations.
Sustainable Practices – They are “committed to helping to preserve our environment and helping Indigenous communities thrive”.
Gives Back – Wabanaki partners with environmental nonprofits working to protect forests.
Recycled Cotton Shirt from Anián
Image credit: Anian
For dads who appreciate a quality shirt that can be dressed up or down.
Timeless Style – Their classic short and long-sleeve shirts always look good.
Quality – Anián is known for their quality fabrics and attention to design.
Recycled Materials – A proud circular brand, their shirts are sustainably made from recycled textiles and buttons.
Versatility – With its classic design, these shirts can be dressed up for work or dressed down for everyday wear. People also love their wool shirts for layering and hiking/outdoor activities.
Made in Canada
Coupon Code! – Use code VERENAERIN for 20% off!
Slim Cork Wallet from Rok Cork
Image credit: Rok Cork
Wallets are an everyday essential and usually something dads wear out – upgrade his with a sustainable and vegan-friendly cork leather option.
Holds Necessities – 4 card slots plus bill compartment.
Slim Design – Isn’t bulky or uncomfortable.
Sustainably Sourced – Cork is a renewable materials that come from the bark of trees.
Durable and Easy to Care for – Unlike leather it requires no conditioning. It is lightweight, water repellent, easy to clean and durable for long-term use.
No PVC/PU – unlike many vegan leather Rok Cork’s products do not contain these materials.
Ethically Made – the bags and wallets are made by artisans in Portugal where workers are paid “above fair wage levels”.
Audiobook Credits that Support Local Bookstores
Image credit: Libro.fm
Audiobooks make a great gift for dads on the go or a gift for the dad who “doesn’t need anything” or is hard to shop for. We love Libro.fm because they partner and share profits with local bookstores across Canada.
Something for Everyone – With tons of genres, bestsellers, and bookseller picks, Dad is sure to find books he’s interested in!
Supports Small Businesses – Unlike Audible (which is owned by evil corp. Amazon), Libro.fm is a social purpose corporation. One of the cool things they do is partner with independent bookstores across Canada – you can choose one in your community to support and they get a portion of all your audiobook purchases!
Saves Trees – A digital gift requires no paper 🌳
Options for all Budgets – Gift credit bundles range from 2 to 24 credits, there’s an option for every budget.
Perfect Last-Minute Gift for Dad – Waited too long? Forgot Father’s Day? No problem! You can buy audiobook credit gifts in just a couple minutes.
Whether it’s a belt, a shirt, something to eat, something to listen to, or a pair of socks, there’s something for every dad out there. Let’s celebrate fatherhood while also making a positive impact on the planet – choosing sustainable and useful gifts for dad and supporting local small businesses!
Make a splash with these Canadian sustainable swimwear brands. From bikinis to one-pieces, cheeky to full-coverage styles, and size-inclusive swim brands, you can find the perfect eco-friendly swimsuit!
What Is Sustainable Swimwear?
Over here at My Green Closet we usually avoid polyester and encourage wearing natural fibres both for sustainability and comfort, however they aren’t ideal for swimwear. Synthetic materials like nylon or polyester don’t absorb water like natural fibres and dry a lot faster, making them more practical and comfortable for swimming – no one wants a soggy suit.
So when looking for a more eco friendly swimwear option choose good quality swimwear made from recycled materials like RPET (usually from plastic bottles) or Econyl (recycled nylon made from plastis waste such as fishing nets). It’s also important to select a style you know you’ll get a lot of wear from and avoid trendy pieces that only last a season!
Here are our favorite Canadian sustainable swim brands:
(please note: some affiliate links are used in this post which means we may get a small commission)
Londre has a variety of unique and sexy swimwear cuts, including their viral “minimalist” suit and fan-favourite cheeky scrunch bottom design. Their swimsuits are made in Canada from recycled plastic bottles. Their fabric is compressive, double layered so you’re guaranteed it’s not see-through, and Oeko-Tex certified. They also have a repair program and take-back recycling when your suit wears out.
To ensure the right fit, they offer free exchanges within 30 days.
Nettle’s Tale is all about body-diversity – designing suits to fit and flatter all types of shapes and sizes. They take fit very seriously and all their swimsuits are locally made in Vancouver from recycled polyester.
Most of their bottoms are fuller coverage so they are a great option if that’s what you’re searching for!
A brand founded on body positivity, sustainability and quality. Selfish Swimwear takes a slow fashion approach, designing and producing swimwear to last – designer Naomie Caron says their suits last at minimum 5 years. They have a range of cuts depending if you want to show more skin or fuller coverage, as well as “retro” styles and fun prints.
Their sustainable swimwear is made in their Montreal studio from recycled nylon. Selfish Swimwear also offers a repair service.
Size Range: S – XXL (+ made to measure for an extra fee)
Unique printed swimwear. One of our fave Canadian clothing brands, Thief & Bandit also has swimwear collection featuring their gorgeous prints!
Their swimsuits come in classic cuts and are made from Chitosante polyester – a fabric made from recycled plastic bottles and biomass from crab and shellfish shells which has anti-microbial properties. They also offer “zero-waste” patchwork swimsuit styles made from their off-cuts.
Origami Customs is a purpose-driven, gender and size inclusive brand based in Montreal. All their pieces are made-to-order in their studio and they have the option for FREE custom sizing – made to your specific measurements and needs.
They try to source deadstock and recycled fabrics wherever possible and their suits come in a variety of vibrant colours.
Sporty, classic and retro cuts in a variety of colours and artist-created prints. Minnow Bathers designs one collection a year with a focus on low waste production. Their suits are made from digitally-printed (saves water) Econyl.
Minnow Bathers are sewn in Toronto and many styles are made-to-order to reduce waste. They also say employees are paid a living wage – a public statement we love to see!
Swimwear with cute, mix-and-match prints. Mimi & August’s swimsuits are made from digitally-printed Econyl and come in one and two piece styles, including “extra high-waist” and full-coverage options.
Mini & August is based on Montreal however their swimwear is made in Peru. They claim it is “ethically made with love” but have no other information about their manufacturing.
Variety of classic and modern swimwear cuts including unique design details. Some (not all) Beth Richards swimwear is made from recycled polyester or Econyl.
They say their products are all “ethically made in Canada” but don’t have much additional manufacturing information I could find.
Saltwater Collective‘s one- and two-piece suits come a wide range of cuts and colour options.
This sustainable swimwear brand uses Econyl, a material made from regenerated nylon that comes from abandoned fishing nets and other pre and post industrial plastic waste.
If you’re looking for sustainable fabrics you’ve likely come across Modal on some clothing tags. Learn more about what it is and if it’s truly an eco-friendly choice:
What is Modal?
Modal is a type of rayon, which is a cellulose-based fiber made from natural sources, such as wood pulp, that go through a chemical process. Modal, viscose, rayon, bamboo, Tencel and lyocell are all in the same family and sometimes referred to as semi-synthetic or cellulose-synthetic fibres because of this process.
However, what distinguishes modal from traditional rayon is the raw material used and the manufacturing process. Modal is typically produced from beech trees, known for their fast growth. LENZING™ Modal is also made in a less toxic, closed-loop system which recovers the chemicals, but it’s important to note that not all modal is made by Lenzing.
Fabric Characteristics
Hand (Feel): Modal fabric is soft, silky and lightweight, with nice drape.
Breathability & Heat Retention: Modal is comfortable and breathable. It typically has a ‘cool’ feel and low heat retention.
Cost: Like most regenerated cellulose fabrics, modal is a cheaper fabric to manufacture with. However compared to rayon or viscose it tends to be more expensive with LENZING™ Modal being the most expensive.
Care & Longevity: Modal is wrinkle resistant, quick-drying, and can usually be machine washed, however it doesn’t hold up to heat well so cold water washing and air-drying are recommended.
Is Modal Fabric Sustainable?
Modal is often touted as a sustainable alternative due to beech trees growing rapidly and requiring less water, and it using a “less toxic” chemical process compared to conventional rayon.
The criticism of modal though is that it still requires a manufacturing process with toxic chemicals and typically in areas with little environmental regulation about what happens to the water and waste from the process.
As mentioned above, one of the confusing things with modal is that there is both generic modal and LENZING™ Modal. LENZING™ Modal claims to be made in a closed-loop system and from sustainably managed forests to address these concerns with cellulose fibres.
Our Conclusion: Look for LENZING™ Modal and if it doesn’t specify, ask brands where their modal came from. The sourcing of wood and chemical use/recovery with cellulose fabrics is a significant concern but Lenzing’s products (also including Tencel and Ecovero) seem to be the most sustainable option currently available.
Ecotourism is on the rise with more travelers prioritizing green hotels, eco-lodges, and environmentally-conscious experiences. Canada has incredible wilderness and natural wonders to explore, but they also need to be protected and respected. Here are some eco-lodges and sustainable hotels in Canada:
Located in Smoky Lake, just over an hour north-east from Edmonton, Alberta.
Métis Crossing is a lodge and cultural heritage center along the North Saskatchewan River with various experiences and activities around education and celebrating the Métis people’s rich history and culture. They offer a variety of workshops, historical exhibits, outdoor activities, cultural events, tours and interpretive experiences. As well as trails, art exhibits, a gift shop featuring Métis artisans, and a restaurant with Indigenous-inspired cuisine, so there is no shortage of things to do!
For accommodation Métis Crossing has their inviting and sustainably-built lodge as well as outdoor accommodation options including sky watch domes to experience the prairie stars, trappers tents, and a campsite.
Accessibility suites available: Yes
Price: $250 – $400 per night (camping and trappers tents less)
Unlike most of the other accommodations on this list which are in more remote/wilderness locations, Hôtel du Vieux-Quebecis is right in the city, in historical ‘old Quebec’. The hotel has cozy modern decor and is well rated across travel sites.
They have a 5 Green Key rating and sustainability initiatives include rootop gardens and bee hives, using ‘biogas’ from waste material, energy and water reduction initiatives, and the hotel features locally-made furniture from FSC certified wood.
Located in Tobeatic wilderness in southwestern Nova Scotia.
Trout Point Lodge is an award-winning ecotourism destination nestled in the wilderness and has received 5 Green Keys . This 5-star resort feature culinary, wellness, forest-bathing, stargazing, and kayak/canoe experiences.
The eco-lodge prioritizes energy efficiency and waste reduction, and local and sustainable sourced foods.
Mere Hotel is a modern accommodation located near The Forks – a popular tourist destination with historic buildings, shopping, and food.
They have a 5 Green Key rating and their sustainability features include geothermal heating and cooling, heat recovery system, light sensors, a waste-reduction program, and sourcing local products.
Located in Tofino on the west coast of Vancouver Island.
Right on the coast the Wickaninnish Inn is a 5 star hotel offering adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences as well as a fine dining restaurant.
Their sustainability initiatives include energy efficiency, composting, locally-sourced foods and contributing to community programs.
Located at Greig Lake, in Meadow Lake Provincial Park, Saskatchewan.
Waters Edge Eco lodge is situated right on the lake with lake-view suites as well as 3 cabins. The location offer a variety of trails, water activities, and wildlife watching opportunities. Recently purchased by Waterhen Lake First Nation, they also plan to offer Indigenous cultural experiences.
Sustainability initiatives include geothermal heating, energy and water conservation, local material sourcing, composting, waste reduction, and more (read more about their sustainability here).
They also have an event venue for weddings, parties, retreats, and work events.
Located at the southern edge of Algonquin Park, Ontario (3 hours from Toronto or Ottawa).
Algonquin Eco-Lodge is a rustic off-grid lodge for wilderness enthusiasts and the perfect base to take advantage of the hiking, cross country skiing, cycling, snowshoeing, and canoeing in the area. They offer various guided experience packages including horseback riding, canoe trips, and snowshoeing.
The lodge is powered by micro-hydro electricity and even boasts a carbon neutral hot tub!
Price: $195 – $205/person/night with meals included (experience packages extra)
Located on the north coast of Fogo Island, Newfoundland.
Fogo Island Inn is a modern, luxury hotel on the Atlantic coast with unique architectural design and seasonal nature, sport, craft, cultural, culinary, and relaxation experiences.
They are a Regenerative Travel member and their initiatives include reinvesting in the community and local culture preservation, sourcing local and seasonal foods, low impact building materials, locally-made wooden furniture, a zero waste kitchen, heat recovery systems, and carbon offsetting programs.
Located near Ucluelet, Vancouver Island, British Columbia.
Wya Point Resort, situated on the west coast of Vancouver Island, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and Indigenous culture. Owned and operated by the Ucluelet First Nation, the resort provides guests with various accommodation options, including beachfront yurts, beautiful cabins, and camping sites, all designed to create an immersive connection with nature. Outdoor activities include whale watching, surfing, and fishing.
They are committed to sustainability and eco-hospitality. The resort takes measures to protect and preserve the pristine natural environment that surrounds it.
We’ve heard from a bunch of you who are specifically searching for sustainable gifts for the men in your lives. So in addition to our popular sustainable gift guide, we’ve created this one for the guys.
(please note: some affiliate links are used in this post which means we may get a small commission)
Image credit: Unbelts
The Most Comfortable Belt
Unbelts are game-changing! My husband frequently claims the Intrepid belt is the best belt he’s ever worn and he’s never going back to traditional belts. The elastic makes them super comfortable and versatile – especially for helping pants that are too big in the waist fit just right.
In addition to their fit and comfort, the bulk-free buckle also doesn’t look lumpy under shirts or create little holes.
Unbelts are size inclusive (0-5X+) and made in Canada with a variety of sustainability initiatives, including using recycled polyester elastic and a zero waste upcycling program. They’re also a B Corp, living wage employer, and give back to community programs and organizations.
Experiences not only make great eco friendly gifts but are also perfect for those who don’t want more stuff.
Tinggly makes it easy to give experiences and getaways all over the world. You simply select one of their packages or a specific experience. They have everything from culinary experiences, tours, and adrenaline adventures, to weekend getaways and hotel stays.
Tinggly gives you the option of an e-voucher or a gift box. Tinggly also carbon offsets each experience by 200% — making them a more sustainable (and often more affordable) way to purchase travel and experience gifts!
Location: International
Image credit: Anian
Recycled Wool Shirt
A true wardrobe staple that’s designed to last. Anián’s wool shirts have developed a loyal following and it’s not surprising because they are the perfect blend of stylish, functional, sustainable, and timeless.
Their modern melton wool shirt is a heavy-weight recycled wool perfect for fall and winter and can be worn alone or as a layer. They have lighter-weight shirts as well and overshirt/shaket and outerwear styles.
Anián prioritizes recycled and natural materials and circularity – they also offers repair services and a take-back resale program. All their products are made in Canada. Use code VERENAERIN for 20% off!
Location: Canada, ships international
Image credit: Colorful Standard
Recycled Merino Wool Beanie/Toque
A staple winter accessory with a much lower impact. Colorful Standard’s beanies are made from soft, 100% recycled merino wool (GRS certified), reducing the need for new resources and minimizing the carbon footprint.
They come in a wide variety of colors so there’s options for guys who prefer classic, neutral styles or those who go for bold and bright accessories.
Colourful Standard uses a variety of organic and sustainable materials and all their products are made in their own factory in Portugal.
Location: Denmark, ships to EU, UK, US, and Canada
Images from Pela
Compostable Phone Case
Give his phone an eco-friendly makeover with a Pela phone case. Their cases are made from a biodegradable ‘Flaxstic’ – flax shive and bio-based polymer. They provide protection for the phone while being compostable when no longer needed. They are also BPA, BPS, phthalate, and lead free.
Pela cases come in a wide range of designs and styles to fit all personalities and their accessories like compostable grips, phone card holders, and airpod cases also make great sustainable stocking stuffers.
When you buy a new Pela case you can also send your old one back for recycling.
Location: Canada, ships free to Canada and US
Image credit: tentree
Cozy Hoodie or Sweatshirt
Who doesn’t love a soft and classic hoodie?
A tentree hoodie is my husband’s Christmas gift 🤫 and his third tentree hoodie because he loves them so much. They have both minimalist styles or more bold styles with graphics but all are made with soft and sustainable fabrics.
tentree has a variety of environmental initiatives such as planting 10 trees for every purchase (hence the name). They are a B Corp and have great transparency about their manufacturing with public factory lists and code of conduct.
Location: Canada, ships international
Image credit: Q for Quinn
Fun Organic Socks
Quality socks are something everyone can use and the soft cotton and unique patterns also makes them a special gift.
Our favourite socks to gift are:
Image credit: Conscious Step
Q for Quinn – Organic cotton and merino wool socks for the whole family (including matching holiday sets). Their socks are GOTS and Oeko-Tex certified and are made to last. They also donate a meal to school children for every pair sold. (use coupon code MYGREENCLOSET for 10% off!) Location: Canada, ships international
Conscious Step– Organic and fair trade socks that give back to different causes. A thoughtful gift as you can select a cause the receiver cares about. Location: USA, ships international
Recycled Firehose Laptop Case
Image credit: Elvis & Kresse
What’s more durable than a fire hose? Elvis & Kresse upcycles this unique material into bags, wallets, cases and other accessories.
Classic styles are given a sustainable update with reclaimed and highly durable materials, including decommissioned British fire-hoses, reclaimed printing blankets, and military-grade parachute silk lining. Elvis & Kresse is a B Corp, Living Wage Employer, and gives back 50% or profits to charity.
Location: UK, ships international
Weighted Blanket
Help him experience the ultimate relaxation with a weighted blanket – the weight can help with calming the body and promoting deeper sleep. We love our chunky knit blanket from Bearaby both for the aesthetic and also because it’s not full of plastic beads like many weighted blankets.
Bearaby offer two natural fibre options; organic cotton and also Tencel for those looking for a cooler option. They come in variety of weights and also individual or queen/king sizes.
Location: USA, ships to USA and Canada
Or if you’re looking for other types of styles of weighted blankets also check out our sustainable and organic weighted blanket roundup.
Wooden Headphone Stand
Image credit: EarthHero
A wooden headphone stand is a perfect blend of functionality and aesthetics. Crafted from sustainably sourced FSC certified oak or walnut wood, this stand from Oakywood is stylish way to ensure his headphones are always within reach and free from tangles. A thoughtful gift for music lovers, gamers, or anyone working from home.
Oakywood products (sold in the US through EarthHero) are handcrafted in their workshop in Poland, shipped with plastic-free packaging, and each purchase plants a tree.
Libro.fm audiobook credits are our favorite gift to give and receive! It’s sustainable, supports small businesses, and customizable to everyone’s interests. This digital gift is especially excellent for book lovers, family or friends living around the world, and hard-to-shop-for people.
Libro.fm is unique because they share profits with local independent bookstores. They have a huge selection of audiobook titles, bestsellers, and curated collections. The best part is the receiver can choose whatever book they want!
They offer gift credit bundles (1 credit = 1 audiobook) ranging from 2 to 24 so there’s options for all price points.
Etsy offers a wealth of unique and handcrafted products, however with the sheer volume of goods available it can be challenging to navigate. Plus many of Etsy’s policies mean it’s unfortunately hard to genuinely tell what is sustainable and responsibly made. If you find it daunting to sift through countless listings to find those that align with your ethical and environmental values, where here to help!
We’ve scoured the Etsy marketplace to uncover the hidden gems of values-focused and sustainable Etsy stores.
(please note: affiliate links are used in this post which means we may get a small commission with sales)
Image credit: Thief & Bandit
Clothing
Thief & Bandit (Canada) – beautifully screen-printed clothing and accessories made from eco-friendly materials. I own one of their tops and the prints are stunning!
Sustain by Kat(USA) – Naturally hand-dyed, organic women’s and children’s clothes.
notPERFECTLINEN (Lithuania) – timeless linen clothing and home goods. I’ve owned a skirt from them for 5+ years and the linen is beautiful and so soft!
Gaia Conceptions (US) – women’s clothing made from sustainable and certified organic fabrics
Simka Sol (US) – women’s garments with unique custom prints on mostly sustainable materials.
Image credit: Saya Designs
Jewelry & Accessories
PaperMelon(India) – unique jewelry and decor made from upcycled paper rolled into beads and shapes.
Atypicalthing(UK) – recycled silver and gold jewellery.
One Happy Leaf(Australia) – laser-cut bamboo and wooden jewelry inspired by nature.
Image credit: Marley’s Monsters UNpaper Towels
Home & Lifestyle Goods
Marley’s Monsters (USA) – wide range of reusable and washable fabric alternatives to single-use products including facial rounds, “unpaper” towels, cloth wipes, cleaning cloths, napkins, and more.
Magic Linen(Lithuania) – linen bedding, home textiles, and clothing in a variety of colours. We have their sheets and they are a dream!
Scoria(Canada) – eco friendly yoga mats made from cork and natural tree rubber.
Image credit: Friendly Toys
Kids Clothing & Toys
Pure Colour Baby(Canada) – Organic baby and kids clothing and accessories made from organic cotton featuring custom prints and “grow with me” designs.
Friendly Toys (Lithuania) – heirloom wooden toys made from sustainably harvested wood, milk paint, and non-toxic linseed oil.
Tumbling Tree Toys (Canada) – handcrafted wooden toys, including animals, stacking toys, wooden puzzles and more.
Sewing & Crafting Supplies
RecraftedxCo (US) – curates a variety of deadstock fabrics for your sewing projects.
We’ll keep updating this list as we discover more sustainable makers on Etsy, and if you have any favourites we missed, please share them!
Are you ready to embark on an adventure that not only takes you to beautiful destinations but also allows you to travel more sustainably? By incorporating these conscious and regenerative travel practices into your journey, you can both reduce the impact of your trip and also save some extra cash!
(please note: some affiliate links are used in this post which means we may get a small commission)
Travel in the Off-Season
This is not only a great budget hack but it’s also better for the planet and local communities. Especially in places with high tourism, seasonal travel means a spike in resource use such as water and energy, as well as a peak in waste and pollution. All putting strain on locals systems, infrastructure and the environment.
Seasonal travel also doesn’t offer job security, employees can be laid off or put on unpaid leave during quiet times. So traveling off-season is also beneficial to hotel and tourism workers as well as local artisans and anyone whose income relies on tourism.
Pack Light
Whether you’re traveling by car or plane, extra weight leads to increased fuel consumption and carbon emissions. For example on airplanes a 1kg reduction in weight saves 0.02-0.03 kg of fuel per 1000 km (source) so if each passenger packed just a few kg lighter it could add up!
By traveling with just the essentials, you not only reduce your ecological footprint and makes it easier to carry your bags, but you also avoid paying additional baggage fees.
Choose Eco-Friendly Accommodation
There are fortunately sustainable hotel and accommodation options for all budgets! However unfortunately there is also a lot of greenwashing around hotels and tourism so you do need to be careful. Look for places that demonstrate a variety of sustainability initiatives (not just something like recycling), LEED certification, Green Keys, and/or places that also have a positive impact on the local environment or community.
Where to Find Green Hotels and Accommodation
Bookdifferent – find hotels with eco certifications as well as qualifications such as fair employee treatment, respect for local culture, sustainable management and other environmental practices.
IBEROSTAR – plastic-free hotel chain with other sustainability and responsible tourism initiatives.
EcoHotels – a database of certified hotels. However there is a large variety in sustainability initiatives among the listed hotels so we recommend doing further research.
If you have more of a budget, check out these incredible regenerative hotels.
Opt for Public Transportation
Embrace the local experience and use public transportation whenever possible. Trains, buses, and trams are not only more eco-friendly than cars and taxi’s, but they’re also a fantastic way to save money. Many cities offer travel passes or discount cards that provide unlimited access to public transport, helping you explore on a budget.
Even better, try to use trains or busses get to your destination instead of flying!
Support Local and Sustainable Food
When dining out, choose restaurants that prioritize local, seasonal, and/or organic ingredients. Supporting local farmers and food producers not only promotes sustainability and supports the local economy but also ensures that you get freshest food! Additionally, eating at small, local eateries is often more affordable than dining in touristy areas and gives you a more authentic culinary experience.
Carry a Reusable Water Bottle and Utensils
Reduce your plastic waste by bringing along a reusable water bottle and utensils with you. Many destinations have water refill stations, allowing you to stay hydrated without purchasing single-use plastic bottles. Packing your own utensils is also an easy way to avoid unnecessary plastic cutlery while on the go. Plus you’re always ready for a spontaneous picnic in a lovely spot!
Instead of buying mass-produced plastic trinkets that are often made in other countries, choose souvenirs that are locally made or support community initiatives. Handcrafted items, artisan products, locally produced textiles, or artwork from local artists not only make for unique mementos but also help sustain the local economy and preserve craftsmanship.
Conserve Energy and Water
Adopt similar eco-friendly habits in your accommodation as you would at home. Turn off lights, air conditioning, and heating when you leave the room, and use water sparingly. These small actions can make a significant difference in conserving resources.
If staying in a hotel be sure to forgo daily cleaning and towel/bedding washing.
Explore Free and Outdoor Activities
Some of the best experiences during your trip may not cost penny. Take advantage of free walking tours, explore local parks, hike scenic trails, or have a picnic at the beach. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also immerse yourself and be able to appreciate the destination’s natural beauty.
Engage in Responsible Wildlife Tourism
If you’re eager to witness wildlife during your travels, choose responsible wildlife tourism operators. Avoid activities that exploit animals or disrupt their natural habitats. Opt for reputable sanctuaries, national parks, or wildlife conservation programs that prioritize animal welfare and education and stick to observation only experiences.
By following these 10 tips, you can lighten your travel footprint and save some money along the way. So, go forth and explore the world while being mindful of our planet.
