Last Updated on April 16, 2024
I love entertaining and throwing parties. In fact, I was hosting dinner parties for my friends in high school. During my senior year in high school, my final project in speech class was about tablescaping.
I love making food, drinks, inviting over friends and family – there’s just nothing better.

This post was sponsored. All thoughts and opinions are my own; for more information please see my disclosure policy. Some of the links in this post are affiliate links; for more information please see my disclosure policy.
Creating signature cocktails for events is one of my favorite things to do. I recently hosted a prom-themed birthday party for one of my friends and created a signature cocktail called the Prom Queen which was a huge hit! (recipe later in the post)
I think fun drinks are a huge part of get-togethers and events, and I’m not just speaking from experience.
In 2022 alone sales of alcoholic beverages hit $259.8 billion U.S. dollars. This made me wonder, what exactly is alcohol’s environmental impact?
Everything that is produced, transported, and sold has some kind of impact on the planet. Be it haircare, the meal on your plate, or even your alcohol – it all has an impact on our planet’s finite resources.
The biggest impact for alcohol comes from the production process itself: It takes large amounts of water and fertilizer to grow and harvest the grain, grapes, rice, potatoes, and botanicals used in alcohol. Plus, the harvesting and processing of these ingredients uses up resources.
While Justin and I aren’t big drinkers, I do like to have a nice drink or two on special occasions. That’s why I’m glad there are sustainable alcohol brands to choose from that try to lessen their environmental impact.
Here are the best eco-friendly and sustainable alcohol brands on the market. If you like to host parties, or indulge in the occasional cocktail, there’s something for everyone on this list.

what is the most sustainable alcohol?
The most sustainable alcohol you can drink uses both ethical and sustainably sourced ingredients, alongside mindful packaging.
Choosing certified organic alcohol is a great option, though not many brands offer this. Michelob Ultra’s organic hard seltzers are one of the few I know about.
Certified organic alcohol ensures products must contain at least 95 percent organically produced ingredients (more on this later).
But there are many other factors to consider when purchasing sustainable alcohol, such as the ingredients, how they were grown and processed, what the packaging looks like, and transportation emissions of said goods.
For example, using lighter packaging like aluminum cans over heavy glass containers can reduce transportation emissions. Or, choosing a locally brewed beer with local ingredients over an international one that was shipped in via air freight has less travel emissions.
In other words, looking for certified organic alcohol is not the only telltale sign of a sustainable alcohol. Instead, looking into alcohol brands that implement eco-friendly practices is a good starting point.
This can mean using sourcing ingredients responsibly, using renewable energy sources, reducing water waste, curbing CO2 emissions, using biodegradable packaging materials, etc.
Here are some qualities to look for in a sustainable alcohol brand:
- Locally sourced ingredients
- Ingredients grown without pesticides and herbicides
- Fair trade and ethical labor practices
- Easy to recycle or innovative packaging
- Innovative water waste reduction practices

how can we make alcohol more sustainable?
To make alcohol more sustainable, let’s start by discussing how it’s made.
Alcohol is generally made by putting grains, fruits or vegetables through a process of fermentation. Yeast or bacteria react with the sugars in the other ingredients to produce ethanol (the alcohol in the drink) and carbon dioxide (which can mean the drink bubbles).
Wine and cider are made by fermenting fruit, while beer and spirits are made from fermented cereals such as barley and rye.
Spirits also go through a process called distillation, where a portion of the water is removed, leaving a stronger concentration of alcohol.
However, to create alcohol, usually monocultures (growing just one crop) will be used which harms biodiversity, and soil health. These crops tend to be sprayed with pesticides, fertilizers, and herbicides, all of which contaminate the soil and groundwater.
Ironically, one of the most impactful parts of alcohol production though is the distillation. The water removed from the alcohol to make spirits (aka, higher alcohol content) is often wasted.
For example, the water wasted making tequila creates a highly acidic pulp, called vinazas, which befouls the soil and groundwater in Mexico’s Jailsco region.
As a general rule of thumb, the higher the alcohol content, the higher the carbon footprint. A standard 750ml bottle of alcohol is said to produce around 6.5 pounds of carbon dioxide.
Understanding this, we can make the production of alcohol more sustainable by supporting brands that utilize organic farming and embrace holistic agricultural practices.
So for example, a vineyard that grows grapes for wine can be more sustainable by growing organic grapes, not using pesticides, and finding innovative ways to reduce water waste.
It’s a good idea to intentionally look for brands that prioritize soil health, biodiversity, and overall ecosystem resilience with their farming methods.
We can also support local breweries, wineries, distilleries, and alcohol made in smaller batches.
Here are a few other ways we can sip sustainably:
- Use public transportation to and from the bar, or carpool with a sober designated driver.
- Recycle (or upcycle) all the cans and bottles you accumulate. Ex: You can reuse wine bottles as water pitchers or flower vases!
- Consider buying refillable options such as growlers at breweries or refillable carafes at vineyards.
- Try to say no to single-use plastic cups by bringing your own cup (a collapsible/portable Stojo cup would fit in most purses). Or, ask your host for a real cup and offer to wash it after using it.

what is an organic alcohol?
An organic alcohol is free from chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. For alcohol to have organic certification, it must adhere to strict standards set by the government and the food industry.
In order to achieve the certified organic label, products must contain at least 95 percent organically produced ingredients. They must also use production methods that don’t give off pollution residues, including pesticides, fertilizers, and chemicals that can increase the risk of cancer and other health risks.
While looking for an organic certification is a good idea, it’s not the only thing to look at: You should also look into each brand’s sustainability efforts and how they’re implementing them.
gzw approved sustainable alcohol brands
I’ve rounded up a list of sustainable alcohol brands that get the Going Zero Waste seal of approval. All these brands make alcohol that tastes great and reduces the impact on the planet.
I’ve gone ahead and highlighted some of my favorite features of each brand, but it isn’t an exhaustive list. Be sure to check out their websites for more information.

1. half shell vodka
- First spirit in the U.S. to be sold in 94% recycled paperboard bottle which reduces carbon footprint up to 6 times compared to glass bottles
- Crafted from 100% American corn + filtered through activated coconut carbon + oyster shells
- Sip for Sustainability event in April where every bottle of their vodka sold from participating liquor stores will contribute towards planting a tree within Longleaf Pine ecosystem

2. anderson valley brewing company
- Beer brewing company
- Solar powered brewery
- Self-contained water system that returns 100% of waste water back to their property
- Nitrogen generator to reduce CO2 usage by up to 80%
- Spent grains and yeast repurposed to feed local cattle
- 100% plastic-free packaging

3. pure project brewing
- Beer brewing company
- Uses local California grown dry farmed, no-til and organic grain in their beer
- Implement various waste reduction methods such as eliminating plastic snap packs for to go beer
- 1% for the planet member
- Climate neutral certified

4. flor de caña
- Sustainably produced rum
- 0g of sugar + gluten free
- Distilled with 100% renewable energy
- CO2 emissions during fermentation are captured + recycled
- Carbon Neutral
- Fair Trade certified
- One Tree Planted partner

5. batiste rum
- Sustainably produced rum
- Non-plow sugarcane planting + annual harvest without burn or plow
- Recycle distillery waste used as fertilizer
- 2.5mgw solar farm for auxiliary power
- Boiler runs on crushed cane stalk
- Glass from 100% recycled glass cullet
- Cartons/labels from recycled carbon and cotton
- Third party verified carbon negative supply chain

6. 3 amigos tequila
- Organic blanco tequila
- Made with 100% blue agave in the highlands of Jalisco
- Certified organic and kosher
- Only distilled twice rather than three times
- Additive-free

7. beeble
- Honey spirits
- Europe-based
- Naturally sweet
- Local, ethical + sustainably sourced honey
- B Corp certified

8. gray whale gin
- Sustainably produced gin
- Locally sourced or wild foraged ingredients along the migratory path of the gray whale
- Designed with organic paint + a biodegradable cork
- Oceana partner to protect California wildlife
- 1% For The Planet member

9. mermaid gin
- Sustainably produced gin
- Ten ethically sourced botanicals
- Hand-crafted on the Isle of Wight, England
- B Corp certified
- Plastic-free packaging

10. woodford reserve
- Sustainably produced whisky
- Grain recipe of 72% corn, 18% rye + 10% malted barley
- 98% of waste material recycled, across all operations
- 10 acres of land on the Woodford Reserve property dedicated to native grass restoration
- 97% of food scraps are composted on the Woodford Reserve property

11. benziger wines
- Sustainably produced wine
- All wines have third-party certification of green farming practices: Sustainable, organic and biodynamic certifications
- Sheep, cattle, insectary, birds + gardens play a role in biodynamic farming

12. st. supery
- Sustainably produced wine
- Plants cover crops between vine rows to attract pollinators, discourage weeds, promote soil health + limit erosion
- Diverse collection of flora and fauna including ducks, geese, etc.
- Solar arrays offset 94% of the winery’s energy bill
- Water usage has reduced by 50% in the last 5 years + all process water is recycled

13. segura viudas
- Sustainably produced wine
- 800 year old heritage brand
- Uses grape varieties which are indigenous to the region
- Biodiverse farming methods that protect the ecosystem
- Certified as a Winery for Climate Protection
- Biosphere commitment to sustainable tourism
faqs
how do you make a sustainable cocktail?
You can make a sustainable cocktail by using up the ingredients you have on hand, avoiding single-use plastic straws, and finding creative ways to use up less than peak produce. Cocktails offer a unique opportunity to turn some less than peak fruits for muddling, simply syrups, and infusions. Using any of the sustainable alcohol brands listed above in your cocktails also helps!
Here are a few of my favorite cocktails I make for parties and get-togethers.
half shell vodka extra dirty martini
I made this for a friend’s happy hour before heading to the theater, and as the signature cocktail for my murder mystery birthday party!
Ingredients:
- 6 ounces of Half Shell Vodka
- 1/2 ounce dry Vermouth
- 1 ounce green olive juice brine
- 2-3 large jalapeño stuffed green olives
- ice
Instructions:
- Add ice cubes and cold water to a martini glass to chill glass.
- Add vodka, vermouth and olive juice into a martini shaker, add ice and shake to chill.
- Drain water from martini glass and strain martini from the shaker into the glass.
- Add olives for garnish and serve.
the prom queen (a twist on a french 75)
I made this for my friend’s Prom Themed birthday party and we called it the prom queen.
Ingredients for the cocktail:
- 1 ounce gin
- 1/2 ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 1/2 ounce strawberry basil simple syrup (recipe below)
- 3 ounces sparkling wine (I used Segura Viudas Cava Brut Rose)
- Garnish: strawberry or lime twist
Instructions for the cocktail:
- Add ice to a pitcher, the cocktail ingredients, then pour in the syrup.
- Stir with a spoon, garnish and enjoy!
Ingredients for the simple syrup:
- The tops from a box of strawberries
- The juice of a lime and it’s rind
- Handful of basil stems
- ½ cup of water
- ½ cup of sugar
- ¼ teaspoon of cayenne and black pepper if you’re feeling spicy
Instructions for the simple syrup:
- Combine the water, sugar, strawberry tops, lime rind, and cayenne pepper and black pepper in a pot and bring to a simmer so the sugar dissolves.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Add in the basil stems and turn off the heat.
- Strain the infused simple syrup and add in the lime juice.
Which of these sustainable alcohol brands would you give a try? Let me know in the comments!
The post 13 Sustainable Alcohol Brands to Try at Your Next Party appeared first on Going Zero Waste.
Green Living
What is Planned Obsolescence? +6 Ways to Combat It
Last Updated on December 19, 2025
If you’ve ever bought an electronic only for it to short out prematurely, congratulations: You’ve met planned obsolescence.
And planned obsolescence isn’t just for electronics. It’s factored into everything we buy – including our clothes and furniture. But what exactly is planned obsolescence, and how can you avoid it?

In truth, it’s hard to avoid – but there are ways we can fight back. Here’s everything you need to know about planned obsolescence and ways to combat it.
what is planned obsolescence?
Planned obsolescence is essentially when something is built to fail. This can be anything – electronics, light fixtures, clothes, or furniture.
Items aren’t made to last on purpose, forcing us to buy replacements frequently. And why is this done? In short, for profit.
If we buy a lightbulb and it lasts us twenty years – that’s a one and done sale. But if we have to replace that light bulb every three years, businesses profits will soar.
And mentioning lightbulbs is intentional – because planned obesolence started out with one. In 1924, lightbulbs lasted 2,500 hours.
But lightbulb manufacturers realized their lightbulbs lasted too long, forming Phoebus Cartel – which intentionally reduced lightbulb lifespan by over 50%. This meant lightbulbs would only last 1,000 hours, forcing customers to buy bulbs sooner. Not to mention, prices rose.
This can still be seen today – we have enough clothing to cloth the next six generations. Yet fashion brands continue to pump out cheap garments that will break apart after only a few wears. Some of the garments are so cheap even clothing recycling initiatives cannot resell them.
And by pumping out new models and designs, industries can make our items still feel outdated (even if they’re not). For example, if you have a functional desk but see a new one on sale with a ‘cuter design’ – you may be tempted to buy it just because. This is a marketing tactic – and considered ‘dynamic obesolence.’

is planned obsolescence legal in the US?
Planned obsolescence is legal in the US, and in fact, flourishes here. Manufacturers are free to set the durability level of the products without any repercussions. There’s no end of life considerations – everything is basically designed for the landfill. And very few brands offer takeback programs to recycle their products.
what countries have banned planned obsolescence?
Countries that have banned planned obsolescence include France and Canada.
Here’s examples of legislation they’ve passed:
- In 2015, France made it a criminal offense with laws penalizing companies for designing products to fail prematurely, requiring lifespan disclosure and promoting repairability.
- In Canada, planned obsolescence is being tackled through landmark provincial legislation in Quebec (Bill 29), banning designs that fail prematurely, mandating repair info, and ensuring part availability.

what can we do to combat planned obsolescence?
Now that you know the problem, you can be part of the solution! We can combat planned obsolescence in a number of ways.
1. choose durable, repairable goods
First and foremost, make sure you’re purchasing goods of the highest quality you can afford.
For clothes, that means choosing organic clothing brands that aren’t made out of cheap, virgin polyester. Some of my clothes are 5+ years old because I simply take care of them – and invested in good brands.
RELATED: Clothing Care: 5 Ways to Maintain and Care for Your Clothes
Materials matter. Organic cotton, hemp, and wool are going to last longer than flimsy polyester every time.
The same goes for furniture and electronics. Always buy from a trusted brand and look at their materials before you do.
Are they sourcing their wood ethically? Any take-back programs or recycled materials? Do they have a repair program or warranty? Do your research and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
But whatever you do, avoid ordering from Temu. Lots of their products are low quality and may be toxic.

2. support the right to repair movement
So many companies make it difficult to repair their products. Electronic brands are notorious for this, especially Apple.
This is due to proprietary screws, glued components, soldered parts, and software locks that limit third-party access.
But what if we put pressure on brands to support the right to repair?
Technically, the Right to Repair law did pass in several states – New York, California, Minnesota, Colorado, and Oregon. This means manufactures have to provide parts, tools, and info for repairs.
But we need this all over the country, not just in a few states. Call or write your local representatives and push them to pass it in your state!

3. buy secondhand and refurbished goods
Especially with electronics, it’s always a good idea to buy refurbished if buying new-to-you!
Refurbished basically just means the item was repaired/is secondhand. This gives it a second life. Back Market is a great place to get refurbished tech.
For other items, check thrift or vintage stores first. Things were built so much better in the past.
You can thrift for more than just clothes too – kitchenware, furniture, books – you name it, they have it!
Checking places like Facebook marketplace, or your local buy-nothing group, is also a great idea. Plus you get to connect with like-minded individuals near you!

4. repair and reuse
Most importantly, learn how to repair your items! This goes for all kinds of things, be it clothes, furniture, cars, or electronics.
Self-taught is easy nowadays with free resources like YouTube tutorials, libraries, informative blogs, etc. But don’t hesitate to take a class if you need to (sometimes libraries hold free ones!).
Some tools that will help you repair items include:
- Sewing kits
- Scrap fabric
- Power tools
You can find a lot of these at discounted prices at thrift stores or reuse stores. I can’t recommend visible mending enough – and learning how to sew a button is SO handy.
These are a few fixes everyone should know how to do. But if you aren’t handy, be sure to find someone who is!
You can take your items to a tailor, cobbler, mechanic, or repairman to get fixed. Or even bring it to a repair cafe. Speaking of…

5. attend or host a repair cafe
Repair cafes are typically held in local libraries or community centers and they’re completely free! It’s a volunteer-run event where people bring household items (think electronics, clothes, bikes, furniture), to be fixed with the help of skilled volunteers.
The goal is to reduce waste, share knowledge, save money and foster community. I recently attended one to repair my chair – but it couldn’t be fixed. Thankfully, the carpenter helping me took it back to her workshop and managed to repair it!
So this is what I mean by building community! Check and see if a repair cafe is happening near you, and if not, organize one with your local library.

6. buy less, maintain often, borrow more
Of course, the best way to reduce planned obesolence is to just buy less. Ask yourself if you really need something before making a purchase. I like to wait 30 days – it helps curb impulse buys!
Don’t forget to take care of the items you already own: Be it sanding and polishing your outdoor furniture, re-upholstering your chairs, or learning to care for your sweaters.
And try borrowing items more if you need them – especially if someone in your circle has it! Ex.: Need a ladder? Ask dad, or a neighbor, before buying a new one.
In the spirit of borrowing, also consider looking into local tool libraries. Or even just your local library – they let you lend out more than just books (think magazines, newspapers, DVDS, and more).
But of course – the most sustainable thing to do is simply using what you have.
So, what are some ways you’re fighting planned obsolescence? Let me know in the comments!
The post What is Planned Obsolescence? +6 Ways to Combat It appeared first on Going Zero Waste.
Green Living
How Toad&Co’s Clothes Help Everyone Enjoy the Outdoors
This is a sponsored article about a brand that was independently assessed by our rigorous ratings system. We’re proud to only collaborate with “Good” and “Great” rated brands. Learn more.
US brand Toad&Co has a socially and environmentally responsible approach to clothing, creating pieces inspired by the outdoors and with a lower impact on the environment. Not to mention an enduring commitment to helping everyone get outdoors through its work with non-profits. Read on to discover the brand’s environment-first ethos.
Focusing on what matters most
“We make feel-good clothes for positive impact—fostering community around doing good, enjoying life’s simple pleasures, and embracing the unexpected,” says Sarah Palladino, director of people and impact at Toad&Co as she introduces the Californian brand. This “simple pleasures” concept applies to Toad&Co’s approach to design, too, and prioritises quality and responsibility over trend-led items. This, in turn, means the brand focuses its energy on clothes that are comfy and practical enough for everything from work to outdoor exploring, and on maintaining its ongoing commitments to using lower-impact materials, partnering with cleaner factories, and looking for new ways to do more with less.
Since day one, it’s been about more than just clothes. From choosing sustainable practices in every corner of our business to supporting programs that protect the planet and make the outdoors more accessible to everyone—knowing we stand for more is what keeps us going
Gordon Seabury – CEO at Toad&Co
Lower-impact materials and producer responsibility
Opting for lower impact materials is one of the core ways brands can address their impact on the planet: “Sustainable materials make a world of difference,” Toad&Co says. “We use organic cotton, recycled fibres, and other high-quality materials known for low-impact growing and cleaner manufacturing.”
The brand’s selection of more sustainable materials includes organic cotton, hemp, TENCEL Lyocell, and recycled fabrics like wool, cotton, and polyester. It also looks to third party clothing certifications like bluesign®, OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, and Global Organic Textile Standard, and it publishes its list of restricted substances for all to see.
Toad&Co also operates a resale platform, called ToadAgain, online and at its IRL store in Maine, US, to keep its clothes in the loop.
Supporting non-profits and access to the outdoors
Toad&Co donates 1% of its profits to organisations working to empower others and, in particular, enable better access to the outdoors for all.
In 1996, Toad&Co partnered with Search, Inc. to co-found the Planet Access Company, a full-functioning warehouse that trained and employed up to 70 adults with disabilities annually.
Determined not to stop at the front door, the brand also co-founded Search for Adventure in 2004, a unique travel program to facilitate vacations for adults with disabilities. Over 20 years later, the social venture partnership has evolved—and includes a flagship store in Chicago, a program called Visibility Arts that nurtures creativity through sharing Search, Inc. artist’s work, neurodiversity and disability awareness training, and an expanded Search for Adventure program. In 2024, the brand supported 147 nights of camping for adults with disabilities through the program.
We give back to—and partner with—organisations that align with our three pillars of giving: conservation for human enjoyment, equity and accessibility, and do the right thing
Sarah Palladino – director of people and impact at Toad&Co
One of Toad&Co’s key partnerships is with Brave Trails, which is dedicated to LGBTQ+ youth leadership, to support it in putting on accredited camps, mentorship programs, and meet-ups for LGBTQ+ youth.
Shop favourites from Toad&Co’s new collection
Read on to discover some of the standout items that balance style with practicality from Toad&Co’s lineup.

Woven with a beautiful alpine jacquard pattern, this hoodie is made from non-mulesed Merino wool and features pockets at the sides. It’s ideal as a mid-layer under a longer coat when you’re out exploring, or as a cosy item for grabbing a post-walk hot chocolate.

This Alpineglo sweater is a blend of 50% organic cotton and 50% non-mulesed Merino wool, so it’s going to help regulate your temperature in most climates. On top of that, the neutral tone and straight fit make it really versatile—you’ll be reaching for it on the regular.

Toad&Co calls these cropped trousers “sweatpant comfortable, going-out presentable”, which makes sense, given they’re made with organic cotton and Tencel Lyocell for softness and have a comfortable wide waistband, not to mention a pretty floral pattern.

This Nomader jacket is reversible, packable, and water-resistant. In other words, it’s the ideal item to take with you for outdoor adventures. It’s made from recycled nylon and lightly quilted for warmth.

Toad&Co picked the crepe-like organic cotton for this jacket so that you could fold it away in a bag and have it still look presentable when you pull it out. It’s also packed with recycled polyester padding for extra warmth.
Balsam Cutoff TrousersThese Balsam Trousers are made with a tiny bit of stretch and a special waistband for comfort, so they’ll flex with you and feel good all the time. The neutral brown colour also goes with so many options.These Balsam Trousers are made with a tiny bit of stretch and a special waistband for comfort, so they’ll flex with you and feel good all the time. The neutral brown colour also goes with so many options.

Going from a walk to dinner? From the office to drinks? This Kennicott shirt jacket fits the bill for all of the above. The smart twill fabric incorporates recycled Italian wool.

This is Toad&Co’s Re-Form Herringbone: a blend of recycled cotton and polyester that offers a soft drape and an attractive herringbone weave that looks smarter than the average checked shirt.

Like the women’s equivalent, these Balsam trousers have a touch of stretch and a comfortable ‘FlexForm’ waistband that mean they’re going to feel comfortable from the get-go—and you won’t need to worry about a belt, either.
Discover more of Toad&Co’s clothes.
The post How Toad&Co’s Clothes Help Everyone Enjoy the Outdoors appeared first on Good On You.
Green Living
50 DIY Christmas Presents Anyone Can Make
Last Updated on November 21, 2025
If you’re on the handmade Christmas kick this year, you’re not alone. So am I!
I’m choosing presence over presents this year and bringing back the 90s Christmas I loved as a kid – simple, crafty, low pressure, and full of small moments that feel meaningful.

If you want to gift thoughtfully, and without breaking the bank, these DIY Christmas presents are for you. There’s something for everyone on this list – whether you prefer easy or complex DIYs.
I’ve included all kinds of DIYs – beauty, cooking, fashion, and practical gifts alike. Best of all? Many of these tutorials are zero waste (or close to it).
what are good homemade Christmas gifts?
Good homemade Christmas gifts include consumable items, like homemade nut butters, vanilla extract, or jams. But not all homemade gifts are edible – you can also make items like bath bombs, candles, body scrubs, beeswax wraps, and so much more.
If you’re extra crafty, you could even make wooden gifts (like shelving or tablet holders), ceramic items (like mugs or jewelry), or knitted/crocheted pieces (like blankets, scarves or hats).
It all depends on your level of skill, time at your disposal, and ingredients/materials you have access to.

what are good inexpensive Christmas gifts?
Some good inexpensive Christmas gifts are DIY cornstarch ornaments, handmade body or lip scrub, seasoned salt blends, and homemade treats (like these chocolate chip cookies or vegan sugar cookies).
And never forget to hit up your local thrift store – you can find so many great items that would make affordable gift baskets!
Wrapping DIY Christmas gifts also doesn’t have to be expensive. Reusing gift bags and ribbons from last year, upcycling packaging paper, or even repurposing a scarf for furoshiki wrap are all low-waste and affordable!
RELATED: Gift Wrapping: How to Keep It Easy, Eco and Chic
how can I make a last minute gift?
You can make a last minute gift by getting crafty using the materials you have on hand!
For example, if you have a cardboard box, why not try making an upcycled cardboard dollhouse, vehicle, or pirate ship for a child? For adults, a DIY storage container or a shoe rack works.
One of my fav last minute gifts is scented bath salts in an upcycled glass jar – just a little Epsom salt and essential oil blends will do the trick!
Here’s my list of DIY Christmas gifts – something for everyone and every skill level.

- Bath salts
- DIY makeup like mascara/eyeliner, or lip to cheek
- Bath bombs
- Lip scrub
- Lip balm
- Face mask
- Body lotion
- Natural perfume
- Dry shampoo
- Shampoo bar
- Body soap
- Deodorant
- Rose water toner
- Hand-poured coconut/soy/beeswax candles
- Simmer pot in a jar
- Cookie, brownie, soup mix or hot cocoa mix in a jar
- Handmade seasoning blends
- Vanilla extract
- Vegan caramels or plant-based butter wrapped in compostable parchment paper
- Herb or citrus infused olive oil
- Peanut butter + jam
- Beeswax wraps
- Apple or pumpkin butter
- Sourdough or no-knead artisan bread
- Finished embroidery hoops
- Embroidered pillows, tote bags, clothes or cloth napkins
- Sewn cotton rounds
- Knitted scarf, hat, gloves, sweater, or blanket
- Hand warmers
- Quilt blanet, quilted coat or quilted wallet
- Tie dyed secondhand silk scarves, clothing or sheets
- Hand painted or drawn artwork
- Air dry clay paint palette
- DIY wooden frame for paintings or print photos
- Handmade ceramics (mugs, chawan, chasen holder, vase, spoon rest, etc.)
- Woodworked items (birdhouse, shelving, bookcase, wall guitar mount)
- Carving wooden bowls by hand
- Natural branch coasters
- Plant propagations in one of these DIY planters
- Seed balls using native seeds
- Handwoven baskets or bowls
- Macrame produce bag
- Macrame plant hanger
- Fabric paper mache bowls
- Upcycled paper earring jewelry
- Clay earrings
- Handmade plush toys
- Felt ‘food’ toys
- Wooden toys (like vehicles, blocks, or dollhouses)
- Knit or crocheted baby clothes
What do you think of these DIY Christmas presents? Let me know in the comments!
The post 50 DIY Christmas Presents Anyone Can Make appeared first on Going Zero Waste.
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