Whether or not brides and grooms incorporate environmentally friendly practices, like renting formal wear and biking to their ceremonies, into their weddings, a couple may appreciate receiving a gift that helps them create less waste or live more sustainably.
In shopping for such a gift, consider these general tips: Choose an item or service from a local business, buy something pre-owned that has been refurbished or simply give cash.
For more specific ideas, four experts who study and promote sustainable living share the eco-friendly gifts they like to give. From ugly (but plenty edible) produce shipped to a couple’s door to consciously made linens, all have a less harmful impact on the planet.
Rae Wynn-Grant
Ms. Wynn-Grant is a wildlife ecologist and conservation scientist with a Ph.D in ecology and evolution from Columbia University.
Credit…Misfits Market“It delivers produce and other items that often do not look as aesthetically appealing and might get tossed by grocery stores, and offers gift cards for up to $250. Using the service can reduce food waste.”
Misfits Market gift card, from $10
Credit…“Solar lights can illuminate the dark without burning a candle or using electricity. This can be taken anywhere, including on a camping trip, and also comes in handy if the power goes out.”
Pottery Barn Nellie Outdoor Solar Lantern, $299
Lea d’Auriol
Ms. D’Auriol is the founder of Oceanic Global, a group that consults on sustainable business operations.
Credit…“The Vitamix FoodCycler can fit neatly on a countertop or tucked away in a cabinet. It converts food waste and hard-to-compost items, like chicken bones, into nutrient rich soil that can be used to fertilize plants or gardens.”
Vitamix FoodCycler FC-50, $399.95
Credit…“This album is made by hand and with a mixture of natural and post-consumer recycled materials. Even the adhesive takes ingredients into consideration. The company trains local bookbinders to operate with its sustainable values.”
Rag and Bone Bindery Personalized Photo Album, from $63.85
Danny Seo
Mr. Seo is an author, TV host and the editor in chief of Naturally, Danny Seo, a lifestyle magazine about green living.
Credit…“The more you wash it, the better it feels and looks, and it does not ever need to be ironed. Coyuchi also takes it a step further by taking back its old bedding when a customer is ready to swap it out. They then recycle it into a renewed collection that is a fraction of the cost of new products.”
Coyuchi Organic Crinkled Percale Duvet Cover, from $168
Credit…“Pentair is the maker of water filters for big coffee chains, restaurants, hotels and hospitals. But unlike a commercial filter that needs a professional installation, this is something you add to the water lines to under a sink and you’re done. It eliminates the need for bottled water and it is far more effective than, say, a Brita. A couple will use and enjoy it for years.”
Pentair FreshPoint Easy Flow Under Counter Water Filtration System, $139
Alisha Gallagher
Ms. Gallagher is a co-founder of MOB Beauty, which makes vegan, cruelty-free cosmetics in refillable packaging.
Credit…“With sparkling water more popular than ever, this could make a big impact. My husband and I bought a SodaStream and making our sparkling beverages at home has eliminated countless cans and bottles, as well as the emissions from transporting them.”
SodaStream One Touch, from $129.99
Credit…“A truly zero-waste gift. There are so many great classes. My husband took the Alice Waters and Thomas Keller classes. His cooking skills went up a serious notch.”
MasterClass annual membership, $180
