Give the Gift of Eco Style

Because everyone looks good in green

By Katie O'Reilly

December 10, 2017

filename

Photo by MundusImages/iStock

Scrambling to find something to suit the loved ones on your holiday list? With eco- and adventure-friendly clothing, your gift is practical, unique, and ethically sound. Here are 12 gifty crowd-pleasers that’ll look as good as they feel.

 Recycled Cashmere Collection

They’ve bolstered land conservation efforts, fired back at Trump after his move to downsize Bears Ears and Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monuments, and made fleece look cool. Now, Patagonia’s designers have figured out a way to recycle one of the world’s most sought-after fibers. The eco-conscious brand’s Recycled Cashmere Collection features a soft and luxurious range of men’s and women’s sweaters ($199 to $249), hoodies ($279 to $299), scarves ($99), and hats ($69) made from cashmere collected out of factory scraps. The idea is to mitigate the outsize demand for virgin cashmere, which has led to the overgrazing of cashmere goats and desertification of delicate grasslands in Mongolia.

Glerups

'Tis the season to be hygge. Once you outfit your loved ones in the indoor/outdoor wool booties that are Glerups ($155), they’ll look and feel like the stars of a Hans Christian Andersen tale. The eminently breathable Glerups—made from a blend of merino and Gotland, with a double wool insole—captures moisture and odor, keeping these slipperlike boots dry, warm, and impossibly cozy. They’re unisex, lightweight, packable, and available in blue, charcoal, and gray.

reDEW

It’s no secret that denim is a dirty business, but men’s and women’s blue jeans ($165 to $195) from reDEW Foundation are made with 80 percent less water and chemicals and 50 percent less energy than your standard-issue pairs. Designers use natural dyes, ethically grown cotton, and lasers to create durable jeans with a worn-in, distressed look. Plus, reDEW donates a quarter of all annual profits to international wildlife conservation organizations. These blue jeans make for a surprising yet timeless gift you know will go to good use.

Nuu Muu dresses

If you haven’t tried it, dressing up for adventure can be fun. After all, it is a special occasion (in our book, anyway). Super-lightweight, wrinkle-free Nuu Muu dresses ($75 to $88) were created for hiking, yoga, running, paddling, and pretty much everything else. These stain- and tear-resistant dresses come in three classic styles, don’t bunch when layered and, somewhat miraculously, never show sweat.

Sundrop necklace

It’s hard to go wrong with an elegant, lightweight piece of jewelry. Thanks to the sun-melted glass and recycled silver selections from Sundrop Jewelry ($40 and up), you can further delight recipients with the news that her new necklace, bracelet, or earrings were handmade from discarded liquor bottles and stained glass, set in recycled sterling silver, and crafted in a solar-powered studio. Sundrop offers a full range of items in a rainbow of vibrant colors and birthstones, but we’re partial to the minimalistic grace of the black cameo pendant (pictured, $60).

American Rhino Pom Pom Hat

Buy a fleece-lined, 100-percent-wool knit hat for a wildlife-adoring loved one, and you just might stop a poacher. The American Rhino Pom Pom Hat ($55) couldn’t be warmer (it’s great for the slopes), benefits conservation organizations in Kenya, and helps giftees spread a crucial message.  

Fairisle Legwarmers

A good bet for winter survival? Take a cue from Scandinavians. They’ve been rocking festive leg warmers for years. This year, the eco-minded designers at Toad&Co., an outfitter that partners with the Conservation Alliance and Leave No Trace, unveiled the jacquard-patterned Fairisle Legwarmers ($45). Made from ultra-cozy lambswool, they lend a pop of color on any gray, wintry day. Pair with boots, casual wear, workwear, yoga class, and/or tea and gingersnaps.

PackDown Vest

The super-versatile, parka-length Women’s PackDown Vest ($185) from Mountain Hardwear provides core warmth, thanks to responsibly sourced down. It also boasts a flattering silhouette, big pockets, and a convertible hood.

 

boot

When it comes to frigid-weather adventure, it’s hard to beat Vasque trail footwear. Designed and manufactured in chilly Minnesota, the new Men’s Snowburban II UltraDry Boots ($160) offer great traction, the fit and feel of an alpine hiking boot, and the utmost in warmth.

Bear on a Bike! tee

For whimsical animal lovers on your list—and for those bike enthusiasts forever yearning to escape to their next adventure—check out the ultra-soft, unisex “Bear on a Bike!” tee from Richer for Wandering, a small, family company that embraces the concept of slow travel, i.e., exploring sans hurry. 

Wanderer pack

Give the gift of an innovative, off-the-grid charge. Energizer’s PowerKeep recently launched the Wanderer pack ($180), which comes in a variety of colors and patterns and features a lightweight solar panel on its exterior. This allows wearers to charge their laptops, phones, and tablets, no matter where they are, without having to worry about traditional batteries. And with this gift, you’ll also keep your beloved adventurers hydrated—the Wanderer features a 2L hydration bladder.

boot

The ski authorities at Helly Hansen know a thing or two about making stylish slopes-to-streetwear. Their new snow-proof Tundra boots ($175) offer both men and women abundant warmth and comfort, with seam-sealed construction, and generous insulation. With a grippy rubber outsole and warm felt lining, they’re great for technical snow adventure—and they’ll also help slopes-loving friends and family make a fashion statement back at the lodge.