Something different -- earth-friendly ideas for holiday gifts.
The Leakey Collection -- ZuluGrass
Based in central Kenya, East Africa, The Leakey Collection offers handcrafted products developed by Philip and Katy Leakey.
The products use natural elements such as fallen wood, grass, and ceramic, and provide economic opportunity to the local communities.
Its Zulugrass jewelry made from grass beads dyed with textile dyes and mixed with hand blown Czech glass beads and Japanese glass beads, and strung on elastic. It is sold by the single strand to design your own jewelry.
Me to We Style -- Bamboo Clothing
Based in Toronto, Me to We Style creates socially responsible, fashionable apparel, using certified organic cotton and bamboo. The company contributes 50% of its profit to Free The Children
Bamboo fabric is light and strong, and soft. It is normally mixed with 30% cotton to help keep its structure. Bamboo clothing is anti static, so it doesn't stick on a hot day, and is highly breathable.
Bamboo has a natural antifungal antibacterial agent so it does require the use of pesticides. It's fast growing, and absorbs about 5 times the carbone dioxide and produces about 35% more oxygen than an equivalent stand of trees. The extensive root system holds soil together, prevents soil erosion, and retains water.
VerTerra -- Renewable Dinnerware from Plants
VerTerra single-use dinnerware is made from 100% renewable plant matter and water.
They are created from fallen leaves treated only with steam, heat and pressure, and then sterilized with UV light. There are no chemicals, glues or bonding agents.
They're non-toxic, and compostable -- they biodegrade naturally in 2 months.
They're also durable and versatile -- you can reheat in the microwave, bake in the oven, or cool in the fridge, and then reuse them several times.