According to Stanford University, Americans throw away 25 percent more waste during the holiday season, amounting to approximately 25 million tons of garbage. To help combat waste this holiday season, consider wrapping with reused and recycled materials, power your lights with renewable energy sources, and shop for sustainable gifts. To make things easier, we’ve compiled a eco-conscious holiday gift guide, with something for everyone on your list. Happy shopping!
Sustainable Stocking Stuffers
KooShoo Hair Ties
If you’ve ever ventured out into the surf with your hair pulled back, the ocean has likely claimed your hair tie a time or two. Made from 75 percent GOTS certified organic cotton and 25 percent natural rubber, Kooshoo hair ties are the first and only plastic-free hair ties in the word. Made in a Fair Trade certified facility, these hair ties are fully biodegradable, so you can rest easy should you lose one during a surf session. Available in five different color schemes, KooShoo hair ties keep your hair firmly in place while adding a bit of flair to your style, making them the perfect gift for the eco-conscious athlete in your life.
Jungmaven Scrunchies
Good for you hair and the environment, Jungmaven’s hemp scrunchies are made in the USA from quality, globally sourced material. To cut down on the companies’ waste as a whole, their scrunchies are made from scrap material. Perfect for pulling back your hair during or tough workout or wearing on your wrist as an outfit accessory, Jungmaven’s scrunchies make a perfect stocking stuffer for the paddler in your life. Available in six different colors, you can purchase as a pack or simply pick your favorite.
Evolve Travel Goods Towel
At Evolve, they claim to manufacture the ultimate adventure towel. After 12 months of sweat and love, they developed a unique Ecolite fabric—a soft, lightweight fabric that contains 20 recycled plastic bottles per towel. Developed by a high school science teacher, the towels pack down small, dry quickly, are antimicrobial, and are sand free. To further their efforts in sustainability, 10 percent of profits are donated to environmental charities committed to saving the wild. Although we haven’t had the opportunity to try all the towels out there, Evolve’s towel definitely sets the bar high as a top notch travel and adventure towel.
Outerknown APEX Trunks
Founded by surf legend and 11x world champion Kelly Slater, Outerknown’s APEX trunks are Kelly’s signature trunks made with the environment in mind. Made from 86 percent recycled polyester and 14 percent spandex, the APEX trunks are sewn in a Fair Trade certified facility and each pair contains 10-12 recycled plastic bottles. The trunks are ultra lightweight, dry quickly, and pack down into their own back pocket, making them the perfect travel trunks and stocking stuffer.
Raw Elements Sun/Skincare Products
As paddlers, our skin is constantly exposed to the sun, even during the cooler winter months, which is why sunscreen is so important. While traditional sunscreens are laden with chemicals that are bad for your skin and the environment, Raw Elements crafts their creams from natural and organic ingredients. 23 percent non-nano zinc oxide is the only active ingredient and their sunscreens are hypoallergenic and contain no fragrances or preservatives. When it comes to sun protection, Raw Elements has everything you could possibly need but a few of our favorite items are the Face + Body Tin, Tinted Face Stick, and the SPF 30 Lip Rescue. Fun fact, Raw Elements sunscreen can even be applied while underwater!
Costa Untangled Collection Sunglasses
Through the Untangled Collection, Costa is taking old fishing nets and recycling them into a collection of polarized sunglasses. Featuring men’s and women’s styles, the glasses are comfortable, durable, and good for the planet. Each pair features nylon frames made from recycled fishing nets, PLUSfoam recyclable nose and temple pads, mineral glass lenses, texture patterns along temples and frame face, and a recycled aluminum Costa logo detail. Available in seven different lens colors, Costa’s Untangled Collection has something for every waterman and waterwoman in your life.
Eco-Conscious Gifts
Patagonia’s Better Sweater
There’s nothing better after a chilly training session than cozying up in a warm fleece. Available in men’s and women’s styles, Patagonia’s Better Sweater has the aesthetic of a wool sweater but is instead made from 100 percent recycled polyester fleece. In addition to being made from recycled materials, the fleece is dyed with a low-impact process that reduces the use of dyestuff, energy, and water when compared to traditional dyeing methods. The sweater is ultra-warm and durable and is available in quarter-zip, full-zip, and pullover styles, so you can easily find one for everyone on your list.
Patagonia Black Hole Pack
With the holidays comes lots of travelling. Whether you’re visiting family, taking a much needed vacation, or simply exploring your own backyard, Patagonia’s line of Black Hole packs has you covered. Made with the environment in mind, the Black Hole pack is made from 100 percent recycled polyester fabric, 100 percent recycled polyester lining, and 100 percent recycled nylon webbing. Packs are thoughtfully crafted and include laptop compartments, water bottle pockets, easy access stash pockets, a padded shoulder harness, and a sternum strap. Available in a number of different sizes and styles, the pack is ultra strong and durable, perfect for any adventure you may throw its way.
Sand Cloud Bag Towel
As paddlers, we’re constantly on the move. Whether it is in search of perfect waves or a quiet, secluded lake, a packable towel always comes in handy. Sand Cloud’s Bag Towel is a full-size towel that easily packs down into a backpack, with a zippered pocket included. Made from 100 percent Turkish Cotton, the bag towel is the perfect way to dry off and stash your goods, all at once. If you’re more old school, Sand Cloud also has a number of other traditional towels and eco-friendly accessories, so you can find something for everyone on your list. Additionally, Sand Cloud’s mission is to help save marine life and 10 percent of profits are donated to marine conservation.
Carve Designs Arleta Sleepwear
After a long day on the water, nothing is better than snuggling up next to the fire in a comfy pair of pajamas. Carve Design’s Arleta Leggings and Arleta Long Sleeve Henley are manufactured from sustainable fabric made with biodegradable, earth-friendly yarns and non-GMO pesticide-free cotton. Available in two fun colors, the leggings feature a drawcord and elastic waistband while the Henley features a four-button neck, making them super comfortable. Both pieces fit loose and run large, so if you prefer a smaller fit ordering a size down may be a good option. In addition to sleepwear, Carve Designs offers women’s athletic wear, swimsuits, and street clothes, perfect for wearing on the water or a night out on the town—we’re big fans of the La Jolla Reversible Top and Stinson bottoms paired with the Haley Bomber Jacket.
Soulti Surf Onezie Swimsuit
No female paddler’s wardrobe is complete without a comfortable functional, one-piece swimsuit. At Soulti Surf, they make eco-friendly surf suits for women on the move. The Onezie features long sleeves for wind and sun protection, an open back for effortless paddling, seamless stitching for a sleek design, and a hidden key attachment to stash you key. All suits feature a sustainable techno-fabric made with Econyl, a regenerated polyamide fiber from post-consumer materials such as recycled fishing nets. Soulti Surf’s suits are feel like butter against your skin, are cute, and most importantly, they stay in place.
Recover T-Shirt
Whether it’s for a workout or lounging on the beach post-paddle, everyone can use some comfortable tees in their collection. Recover is all about the environment from start to finish. To make their shirts, plastic bottles are first shredded into flakes, then they’re melted into pellets, converted into yarn, and finally, knit and cut. The result: a soft and comfortable t-shirt. Additionally, all products are shipped in a recyclable mailer and are packed in fully compostable packaging. In addition to classic t-shirts, Recover has comfy sweaters and lightweight layers to keep you warm during wintertime workouts. Since the company was first founded in 2010, they have diverted 7.8 million plastic bottles from the landfill and saved 29.2 kilowatts of energy, 11.8 million pounds of carbon emissions, and 2 billion gallons of water.
Big Ticket Items
Swellness Coaching ‘Where’s the Bliss?’ Online Course
SwellWomen surf retreats’ sister company, Swellness Coaching is a six-week online course designed to help women become unstuck and reconnect with their truth, power and purpose. Based on a proven methodology, the powerful course is aimed towards motivated women who want to make a shift in their lives. In just thirty minutes a day, women will explore glowing health in mind, body, and spirit. There’s nothing more sustainable than investing in your own well-being—if you know a special woman who is ready to make a change in her life, this could be the ultimate gift. Tested first-hand by PaddleXaminer staff, ‘Where’s the Bliss?’ is sure to help give you the push you need to make a positive shift in your life.
Nosara Paddlesurf Retreat
For the ultimate gift, invest in a week of SUP surfing and coaching in Nosara, Costa Rica for yourself or a loved one. All-inclusive surf packages include jungle tropical lodging, airport transfer, homemade meals, two surfs a day, expert coaching advice, video feedback, educational workshops, and a massage. The water is warm, the lineups are empty, meals are excellent, and coaches are knowledgeable and personable, making for an amazing week on the water. As we can personally attest, a week at Nosara Paddlesurf is the perfect way to hone in and improve your skills while having a great time.
#EnvironmentallyFriendly #GiftGuide #Sustainable
