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Buyers Guide

Nothing New Men’s Low Top Sneaker

Good Vibes: 20 Amazing Ethical and Sustainable Gifts

by , December 12, 2019

Looking for a thoughtful gift that doesn’t cost the earth? Our selection of sustainable gifts salutes eco-conscious and ethical construction, with options to suit all budgets. And while some are on the higher end, they’re a worthy investment that will perform well not just now, but years down the line too…


Cock & Bull Organic Cotton Picnic Anarchy Socks (around US$14.50)

Cock & Bull Organic Cotton Picnic Anarchy Socks

Who doesn’t love a good pair of socks? And these ones are a fine choice indeed. Made with 80% organic MAKO cotton, 18% polyamide and 2% elastane, they’re GOTS certified and add a dapper touch to your wardrobe.

United By Blue Reusable Straw Kit (US$15)

United By Blue Reusable Straw Kit

Those disposable plastic straws aren’t doing the planet any favors. But this Reusable Straw Kit provides a long-lasting, sustainable alternative. The kit features two stainless steel straws, a silicone tip and a cleaning brush. And the case is made with 100% recycled polyester ripstop with a water-resistant finish.

Patagonia Men’s Essential A/C® Boxer Briefs – 6″ (US$34)

Patagonia Men’s Essential A/C® Boxer Briefs – 6″

If you’re after comfortable, moisture-wicking, odor-resistant, and supportive boxer briefs that are sustainably made, you’ve found them. These boxer briefs are Fair Trade Certified™ sewn with a combination of TENCEL® lyocell/spandex jersey and breathable recycled nylon/spandex stretch micromesh fabric. They feature flatlock, chafe-free seaming, an anti-roll waistband and a stay-put leg design for all-day comfort.

Bellroy Pencil Case – Charcoal (US$39)

Bellroy Pencil Case

Bellroy’s Charcoal Pencil Case brings a touch of chic style to your daily carry setup. Not to mention a functional design that’s made with recycled soft-woven polyester and a premium, environmentally certified leather zipper pull. The case opens out wide to create a tray for easy access. And its versatile design holds a variety of items, from stationery to cables, small travel essentials and more.

KnowledgeCotton Apparel MAPLE 3 Pack Underwear (around US$45)

KnowledgeCotton Apparel MAPLE 3 Pack Underwear

This boxer brief 3-pack from Danish menswear brand KnowledgeCotton Apparel is made with 95% organic cotton and 5% elastane. Comfy and lightweight, the boxer briefs are certified by GOTS, the world’s leading certification standard for organic textiles. 

Truce Designs Shopper – Dacron Sailcloth (US$45)

Truce Designs Shopper – Dacron Sailcloth

Truce Designs gives recycled sailcloths a new lease on life through practical pieces such as their Shopper. A versatile tote-style bag that is easily compressible and works well as a grocery bag, beach bag, market bag, and a host of other uses. And there’s no denying it has one heck of a more adventurous story behind it than a disposable plastic shopping bag.

Will & Bear Woodley Green (around US$68)

Will & Bear Woodley Green

Make a style statement with the Will & Bear Woodley Green, a wide brim outdoor hat handmade from 100% Australian wool. The hat includes an adjustable vegan leather lanyard. And Will & Bear have teamed up with trees.org to plant 10 trees for each hat sold.

The Clean Collective Zero-Waste Bathroom for Him (around US$69)

The Clean Collective Zero-Waste Bathroom for Him

Get his day off to a sustainable start with this zero-waste bathroom kit. The kit contains mouthwash tablets, a plastic-free comb, a reusable razor, a cleansing bar and a pure sponge. Grooming that’s good for him and the planet, win-win.

United By Blue Crossover Pant (US$94)

United By Blue Crossover Pant

United By Blue’s Crossover Pant adapts to active and more laid-back settings alike, with understated styling that’s easy to slip into everyday wear or a travel wardrobe. The pant is responsibly made with 92% recycled polyester and 8% elastane. And for every product purchased, United By Blue removes a pound of trash from waterways and oceans.  

Nothing New Men’s Low Top Sneaker (US$95)

Nothing New Low Top Sneaker

Some eco-conscious footwear uses only partly sustainable resources. But these sneakers really step up in sustainability. They’re made with 100% post-consumer recycled plastic and other sustainable materials. Not just for the uppers but across the binding, label, laces, outsoles and more. And there are plenty of colorways to choose from to suit diverse tastes.

Allbirds Men’s Tree Runners (US$95)

Allbirds Men’s Tree Runners

A shoe made from trees? Meet the Allbirds Tree Runners, featuring uppers made from responsibly grown and sustainably harvested eucalyptus pulp. The laces are made from 100% post-consumer recycled polyester, while the bio-based TPU in the eyelets stems from microorganisms that consume plant sugars. The insoles are also lined with odor-resistant, moisture-wicking merino wool. And you’re spoilt for choice with colorway options too.

Bellroy Sling – Recycled Ripstop (US$99)

Bellroy Sling

Bellroy’s Sling in the Forest colorway not only brings a fresh feel to an EDC or travel setup but is also made from recycled fabric. Both the exterior fabric and lining are made from recycled water bottles, with an enticing handfeel and durability for the long haul.

Patagonia Men’s Better Sweater® Fleece Jacket (US$139)

Patagonia Men’s Better Sweater® Fleece Jacket

This fleece jacket delivers the warm and fuzzies on multiple fronts. Sustainable construction using 100% recycled polyester fleece that’s bluesign® approved. Fair Trade Certified™ sewn. And of course its comfy design that moves smoothly from urban streets to outdoor exploring.

IOAN Classic Madras Shirt (US$145)

IOAN Classic Madras Shirt

The IOAN Classic Madras Shirt is a timeless piece that works well in everyday and travel wardrobes alike. Made with 100% organic cotton grown in Tamil Nadu, India, it’s dipped 12 times in a fermented natural indigo dye that isn’t harmful to people or the environment.

FREITAG F41 HAWAII FIVE-O Messenger Bag (US$170)

FREITAG F41 HAWAII FIVE-O Messenger Bag

FREITAG have made a name for themselves through their use of upcycled truck tarpaulins, car seat belts and bicycle inner tubes to create a variety of carry options. And the F41 HAWAII FIVE-O Messenger Bag is a great unisex option for carrying smaller loads. The bag has a quick-adjust buckle on the strap, a zipped pocket under the flap, and further pockets inside the main compartment. And since each piece is made from recycled truck tarps, you’re getting a unique and eye-catching bag too.

Mafia Bags Deep Blue Bag (US$195)

Mafia Bags Deep Blue Bag

Mafia Bags and Yves Béhar teamed up to create the Deep Blue Bag. A versatile 20L backpack made from upcycled spinnaker and kite sails, repurposed wetsuit/drysuit material, as well as salvaged climbing ropes from Yosemite. The pack offers a range of features including a water-resistant pocket for storing wetsuits or gym gear and a discreet pocket for valuables.

Outerknown Puffer (US$198)

Outerknown Puffer

The Outerknown Puffer provides warmth without the bulk, packing down into a pocket for easy storage. It’s made with 55% recycled polyester and 45% polyester with a PFOA-free DWR finish. The 700-fill power duck down is responsibly sourced and will keep you warm on your travels and day-to-day excursions alike.

Patagonia Nano Puff® Jacket (US$199)

Patagonia Nano Puff® Jacket

Available in men’s and women’s options, the Nano Puff® Jacket is water resistant, windproof, and highly packable, making it great for both everyday and travel use. It features 60-g PrimaLoft® Gold Insulation Eco with 55% post-consumer recycled content, along with a 100% recycled polyester ripstop shell. And it’s Fair Trade Certified™ sewn too.

Fjällräven Greenland Re-wool Shirt Jacket (US$225)

Fjällräven Greenland Re-wool Shirt Jacket

Fjällräven’s Greenland Re-wool Shirt Jacket combines versatile styling with outdoor functionality, offering a piece that can be worn as a cozy mid-layer in cold temperatures or as a standalone outer layer in milder weather. It’s made with 80% recycled wool and 20% polyamide for added durability. Two front pockets provide quick-access storage, while an inside pocket provides secure storage for valuables.

Tretorn Arch Jacket (US$435)

Tretorn Arch Jacket

Tretorn’s Arch Jacket keeps you protected from the elements with its windproof, waterproof, yet breathable design made from OCEAN-SHELL® material. Tretorn’s unique insulated fabric is made with 100% recycled polyester and membranes created from recycled PET bottles that are collected from oceans around Taiwan.


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