Whether you’re celebrating an accomplishment or doing a holiday swap, choosing gifts for coworkers can be a challenge. Homing in on your coworker’s interests and passion can help you select a meaningful gift that she’ll love.
If your coworker prides herself on living a sustainable, eco-conscious lifestyle, you’re in luck. Here are some fantastic eco-friendly gifts for your female coworkers.
1. A Desktop Garden
Putting together a desktop is an excellent gift for your eco-conscious coworker. This creative project can be scaled for any budget and style and also works well as a group gift.
When creating a desktop garden, consider the location of your coworker’s desk. If her desk is away from the window, you’ll need to find plants that thrive in a low-light environment. If she has a nice spot, look for bright, sun-loving plants and flowers.
Desktop gardens offer several eco-conscious benefits. They can help purify the air without requiring another drain on the electricity. Furthermore, flowers improve mood, memory, and focus to create a happy, healthy work environment.
2. Sustainable and Ethical Jewelry
Jewelry often gets overlooked as a gift for coworkers out of fear that it could be inappropriate. By no means should you purchase your coworker a diamond bracelet or give her jewelry if she never wears any. However, if your coworker is known for accessorizing, an affordable piece of sustainable and ethical jewelry is appropriate.
Look for a jeweler who uses recycled and natural materials to make their products. Consider the symbolism of the piece you choose. Selecting something with a positive message or association is a nice way to share your good wishes with a coworker.
3. Eco-Friendly Lunch Kit
Food packaging and single-use plastics are one of the main offenders against our planet. Things like sandwich bags, plastic wrap, disposable cutlery, and plastic straws add 130 million metric tons of waste to landfills in a year. While most of this comes from major corporations, every little bit of effort counts.
Put together an eco-friendly lunch kit for your coworker. Include things like bamboo utensils, cloth napkins, stainless steel straws, beeswax and fabric food savers, and glass containers. This gift is a simple gesture that’s both practical and meaningful to someone who cares deeply about the environment.
4. Water Bottle from a B-Corp
A B-Corp is a business that shows proven positive impacts on society and the environment. These for-profit organizations must adhere to rigid standards to achieve their certification. While purchasing a reusable water bottle is a nice gesture, it’s also important to confirm that the producer also uses sustainable manufacturing processes.
If your coworker already has a tried and tested water bottle, choose a travel mug or another vessel instead. You can even get stainless steel beer growlers and wine tumblers for the coworker who enjoys a nightcap after a long day at work. Pair your gift with a sample of your coworker’s preferred beverage for an added touch.
5. Natural Soaps and Lotions
Putting together a collection of natural, handmade soaps and lotions is another great, eco-friendly gift for a female coworker. Look for local makers at small stores and craft markets to support your community. You can also get natural hand sanitizers and beauty products to create a self-care gift basket.
These simple, meaningful gifts are perfect for an eco-minded coworker. Choose one or multiple items from this list to make an impact, both on the recipient and the world around you.