We carefully curated the following list to include items that divert materials from the waste stream and use them again for practical purposes. These products are made by individuals and small businesses who are trying to make a difference.
Herbal grow jars
These innovative planters are made from vintage-inspired mason jars outfitted with a passive hydroponic system known as “wicking,” which brings water and nutrients up to the plant’s roots. Designed to sit in a bright window sill or under grow lights, they produce delicious herbs using recycled glass growing medium. This year-round indoor garden jar comes with everything you need to start growing. Just add water and set in a sunny window. And they’re made in the USA!
Choose from a selection of popular herbs or get the whole collection for a kitchen window garden.
Multi-colored recycled Solmate cotton socks
Inspired by natural seasonal colors, these socks are knit in the USA with recycled cotton yarn and ‘mismatched with care’. The recycled yarn is created by recovering the scraps left over from the production of cotton t-shirts. All the little cotton scraps are gathered, ground up and spun into yarn for Solmate Socks.
Available in five different color schemes, and in three sizes. These socks are for men or women, and are machine washable and dryable.
The recycled yarns used to knit these socks are certified by Oeko-Tex to be free of harmful toxins. View the different colors and learn more.
Backpacks made from recycled bottles
These unique backpacks are made from 100% recycled plastic bottles. The material is soft and supple, and is ideal for packs since it is also strong and durable. These packs are lightweight and fold to a compact size that’s easy to tuck away in luggage and use as a day pack.
When not in use, the backpack rolls up into its built-in pouch for compact storage. This makes it easy to slip the backpack inside your luggage, and use as an everyday carry bag while traveling. Bring this backpack traveling, hiking, to the beach, or to the gym.
Each pack measures 15″ wide and 16″ tall, with a 5″ gusset. They are available in two colors: blue and black. These packs are also machine washable.
One of the ways we can combat the negative effects of producing products for the travel and luggage industry is to choose products made from recycled materials, and to avoid buying products with a short-lifespan just because they’re trendy.
Scrappy stuffed animal kits
Discarded sweaters destined for the landfill are given a second life as these quirky little dogs.
The Scrappy Dog Stuffed Animal Kit is the perfect gift for children eight years and older and includes everything needed to make a one of a kind stuffed animal dog. You can even turn the box into Scrappy’s own custom doghouse. The Cate & Levi collection is handmade in Toronto, Canada. Learn more or purchase.
Jar conversion kits
Made in the USA from 100% recycled plastic, these kits convert standard and wide mouth mason jars into instant smoothie tumblers or drinking glasses. Simple to use, they’re also easy to clean, cheap, durable, heat-resistant and leak-proof. Convert any jar into a travel mug today!
See our Gift Selection for details.
Recycled wool puppet kit
Create your own one of a kind puppet from 100% reclaimed wool! Choose dog, monkey or giraffe.
These puppet-making kits are made using 100% recycled wool sweaters. And since recycled material is used, each puppet is one-of-a-kind.
Each hand puppet kit includes everything needed to make one puppet: the wool parts, detailed instructions, needle and thread, and a pair of puppet eyes. It takes 4 to 6 hours to complete, perfect for a rainy day project or a weekend at home with the kids. It also makes a wonderful gift for children ages seven and up.
The choice of reclaimed wool reduces demand for new materials that require both water and oil for production.
These puppet kits are handmade in Canada.
