Disclaimer: Hello Eco-fashion lovers! Please take note that some of the links are affiliate links, which means if you click on one of these links and then make a purchase, I may receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you!). I don't promote any specific brand as I believe that everyone has different criteria they are looking for. I love doing the searches, showcasing all the products from the different Eco brands and presenting them to you in a fun, inspiring and informative way! Looking for something specific? Send us a message at customerservice@greenorchyd.com. Please click here to read the full affiliate disclosure.

May 16th is National Love A Tree Day!  Trees are an integral part of our ecosystem. They house animals and provide oxygen as well as much needed shade amongst other things. Even dead and fallen trees serve a purpose! And I'm sure you are wondering how it relates to clothing? There are several brands that use Tencel as their fabric of choice, which is the processing of birch trees into fabric. The paper that is used in packaging comes from trees also. How do these brands participate in making this process a little more gentle on the earth? Here are three brands that are making a difference.

Do you know of a brand that supports our forests? If so, send us a message and tell us about it! We'd love to know!

Disclaimer: Hello Eco-fashion lovers! Please take note that some of the links are affiliate links, which means if you click on one of these links and then make a purchase, I may receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you!). I don't promote any specific brand as I believe that everyone has different criteria they are looking for. I love doing the searches, showcasing all the products from the different Eco brands and presenting them to you in a fun, inspiring and informative way! Looking for something specific? Send us a message at customerservice@greenorchyd.com. Please click here to read the full affiliate disclosure.

updated 5/31/2023

Father's Day is right around the corner and we're having fun compiling a list of gift ideas for the Dads, Dads-to-be and any person that plays the role of Dad! So here is our top 15 Eco-friendly and sustainable gifts for Dad. We've categorized them into: Music Lover, Outdoorsman, Techie, Dress him up! and Subscription Box ideas. To round things out, many of our Mother's Day gift ideas are good for Dad too!

For the Music Lover:  

We don't often think of the different parts of a musical instrument as not being eco-friendly or made with the environment in mind. Is the wood used to make the guitar, or violin come from a sustainable source? Is your guitar pick made from plastic? We've compiled a small list for you to get started on your Eco-friendly music playing journey. Or if you are feeling very creative, take a look some eco-friendly music instruments made from recycled materials.

For the Outdoorsman:

Here are a few ideas for Dads who enjoy being at one with nature.

1. Hammocks, Mugs & Towels

2. Backpacks

3. Hats

For the Techie:

Dads can still enjoy technological innovations while being gentler on the earth.

4. Briefcases & Bags

5. Smart Phone Accessories

Dress him up!

Gone are the days where you have to be uncomfortable when you dress up. Natural fibers will be softer on your skin and protect laborers. Whether he goes to work every day dressed up, or you just want to update his dressier side - here are a few ideas to get you started!

6. Cufflinks

7. Handkerchief (Pocket Squares)

8. Bow Ties

9. Dress Shirts

If you are unsure what to give your best dad in the world, there are a few fun subscription boxes out there to get!

Share with us your favorite Eco-friendly Father's Day Gift Ideas in the comments section!

Disclaimer: Hello Eco-fashion lovers! Please take note that some of the links are affiliate links, which means if you click on one of these links and then make a purchase, I may receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you!). I don't promote any specific brand as I believe that everyone has different criteria they are looking for. I love doing the searches, showcasing all the products from the different Eco brands and presenting them to you in a fun, inspiring and informative way! Looking for something specific? Send us a message at customerservice@greenorchyd.com. Please click here to read the full affiliate disclosure.

updated 5/1/2023

Mother's day is just around the corner, and whether you are the mom or you want to celebrate your mom (or mother figure!) we've compiled a list of 15 Eco-friendly gift ideas separated into three main categories: Relaxation, Gardening and Cooking. We also snuck in some gift sets to give you added inspiration. Celebrating in person might not be a possibility this year, but you can send her a little something to show her you’re thinking about her.

Relaxation Gifts:

Right now, Mom's may be feeling a little extra pressure from having their routines disrupted and having extra tasks to juggle. They may appreciate a little pampering, so here are a few ideas that can help you set Mom up for some relaxation time. These items can be used to set up a whole theme for a day at the spa, in your very own home!

Eye masks are a great way to make sure to relax! Aside from the obvious of getting to lay there with your eyes closed, you can pop them in the freezer for extra cooling and also add essential oils or dried lavender for a little aromatherapy. Eye pillows are used to go into a slightly deeper relaxation state as it blocks out light and also adds a little pressure, relieving the tension in those little muscles around the eyes.

We've included some super soft and silky Eco-friendly pajamas, robes and slippers to make her feel like she's at the spa.

1. Eye Masks

2. Pajamas

3. Robes

4. Slippers

Gardening Gifts:

Gardening is a great way to get outside and be active. It has lots of health benefits and can also be very satisfying to make a meal from the fruits of your labor. Here are a few things needed to make sure you don't burn in the sun and also to help tackle those particularly muddy areas. We've also added some blankets to enjoy some nice quiet time in your garden, reading or even writing in your journal to note the progress of your garden!  

Gardening can come indoors with the Plant Sax. They are decorative pot "covers" that give a modern twist to traditional flower pot decor. They have a great selection to complement your decor, but they have the added benefit of being lighter than traditional ceramic pots.

5. Hats

6. Sunglasses

7. Boots

8. Blankets

9. Journals

Kitchen Gifts:

Is Mom spending more time in the kitchen? Is she wanting to dive into the zero waste lifestyle? Here are a few items to get her started.

We often think it's impossible to cut down on plastic, but the Frusacks and beeswax wraps help us do just that. Frusack produce bags are not only reusable, but compostable too! Carry them to the farmer's market (or grocery store) and cut down on your plastic waste. Beeswax wraps can be used to cover almost any food that plastic wrap can. Use them to wrap your sandwiches or to cover that bowl of salad. They cannot be used to wrap raw meat or fish. Cloth napkins replace paper napkins (obviously!) and come in an assortment of fun colors and patterns.

10. Beeswax Wraps

11. Tea Strainer

12. Aprons

13. Napkins & Towels

Gift Sets

If you still don't know what to get Mom, here are a few fun yet sustainable gift sets to wow her with!

Disclaimer: Hello Eco-fashion lovers! Please take note that some of the links are affiliate links, which means if you click on one of these links and then make a purchase, I may receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you!). Please click here to read the full affiliate disclosure.

April 22nd, 2020 marks The 50th anniversary of Earth Day. It began in 1970 as a movement to bring awareness to the environmental impacts of the previous 150 years of industrial pollution and its relationship with human health. The movement led to the birth of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and subsequently the Clean Air Act (1963 with big amendments in 1970 and 1990) and as well as the Clean Water Act (1972).

The 50th anniversary should have been more of a milestone - a celebration, but with the current pandemic it might feel like there is not much we can do. Social distancing rules have made it more difficult to achieve certain organized activities, but not impossible. If we look on the bright side, we will see a few positives coming out of this global pandemic. The slowing down of our pace has cleared skies and reduced consumption as we are forced to stay and work from home.

So what can we do to participate in Earth Day this year and still make it a monumental year? EarthDay.org has set up a daily challenge for the month of April. Each challenge can be done any day and any time. In addition to these challenges, Earth Day Organizers are wanting to inspire people around the globe by hosting online events, global cleanups (organized cleanups are postponed until later this year, but you can still clean up your own parks and neighborhoods while following your local government rules and regulations) as well as getting people to participate in the Earth Challenge 2020 App, which is a citizen led project to collect observations of local air quality and plastic pollution amongst other projects/events.  

If you would like to learn more about what can be done and how you can participate, the organization “We Don’t Have Time” is hosting an online conference “Earth Day Week”. They are discussing topics such as finance, food and agriculture and circular economy and consumption to name a few. View their schedule at https://www.wedonthavetime.org/event/earthdayweek. It’s free to register and they have a vast group of speakers.

We would be remiss if we didn’t acknowledge the fashion industry because fashion and environmentalism are very much intertwined. From oil production for the creation of polyester to herbicides / pesticides used in non-organic agriculture, the environmental impact is significant. The use of unnatural dyes leach into and color the waterways. Huge landfills that do not decompose due to the presence of man-made fibers keep getting larger. For more information please read our more detailed post The Bleak Outlook of the fashion industry - is Eco-fashion the answer?

You can help by making your mindful purchases at companies that support environmental efforts. To make it easier, we’ve compiled a small list of companies that participate and donate to various environmental projects.

1. 4Ocean

3. Panamuna Project

1. Tasi Travels

2. Tshu

1. EarthHero

2. Made Trade

3. Soul Flower

4. Svala

5. Tamga Designs

You can always refer to our blog 5 things you can do today for Earth Day for some ideas on saving energy and reducing landfill waste! There are some easy tips on what you can do today and everyday.

Let us know how you are planning on participating in Earth Day!

Are you looking for more eco-friendly gift ideas this Valentine's Day? Read "10 Sustainable Valentine's Day Gift Ideas" from Going Zero waste or "Ethical Valentine's day Gifts for 2020" for even more ideas.

Or are you feeling inspired and want to see what other jewelry is available? head on over to our ethical directory - Men's Jewelry and Women's Jewelry sections to see what else is available!