For months, LIVEKINDLY’s editors, on a never-ending quest towards zero waste, have looked for ways to give up wasteful paper towels, with one wee caveat. As much as we care about the environment, we want a practical solution that doesn’t involve us, like, living off the grid or washing a dozen dish towels each day.

Then we discovered Papaya Reusable Paper Towels. (Hear that? That’s the sound of angels sighing.) They’re compostable, washable, not to mention simple to use—and easy to organize, as each set comes with drying hooks you can hang anywhere. We were floored to learn that one Papaya towel replaces 17 rolls of disposable paper towels —which means this game-changing environmental move is also saving us a ton of money. 

Let’s face it: We’re addicted to paper towels

The first-ever paper towel, according to business legend, was a happy accident that sought to avoid waste. In 1907, Arthur Scott, president of Philadelphia’s Scott Paper Company, had a dilemma on his hands: an entire railroad car of toilet tissue was rolled too thick for its intended usage. Unwilling to let the paper go to waste, he decided to cut it into larger pieces and sell them as disposable paper towels. Easy to use, multipurpose, and eliminating the need for laundering, they were nothing short of revolutionary.

But Scott’s good intentions led to a whole heap of trouble for the environment. Americans alone use 13 billion pounds of paper towels each year, which adds up to about 80 rolls per person. That’s a lot of trash going into landfills, which emit large amounts of methane, a greenhouse gas 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide. 

But all the trash that creates isn’t our only problem. Paper towels are made by using significant water and tree-pulp resources. (In order to get certain paper towels pristinely white, chlorine and formaldehyde are added to the wood pulp, putting chemicals directly into contact with our skin and the surfaces we use.) The paper-making process likewise requires gas, to make these products and move them across the country. This is why the paper and pulp industry has become the fourth largest energy-consuming industry in the world. So reducing paper-towel dependence, even incrementally, could have a significant, positive impact on the environment.

The solution is a godsend

First, the superficial stuff: Papaya’s Reusable Paper Towels are utterly Instagrammable. No, really, their designs are so chic we don’t have to hide them when friends swing by, like we do with our stained dish towels.

Aesthetics aside, we were admittedly skeptical at first. Could these little sheets really work for cleaning, drying, washing, or even smudging off our makeup? The proof is in the paper, because these did work when it came to all of the above. (For more ideas on maxing them out, check out our pointers below.)

The versatility is great, but we’re most excited about their smell—inasmuch as, they don’t have one! That means no more stinky kitchen sponges or cleaning rags to contend with; Papaya easily replaces them. The cotton and cellulose they’re made from is quick-drying, which means odor-causing bacteria doesn’t get a chance to set up shop. After using them a few times, you can give them a simple wash-and-wring with dish soap. And when they’re ready for a deeper clean (Papaya suggests once a week), you can toss them in the dishwasher or washing machine—then hang to dry.

One Papaya Reusable Paper Towel can last us up to nine months. They’re also zero waste: at the end of their life-cycle, unlike a dishrag, these paper towels can go right into the compost bin. Or you can even throw them in the trash and rest easy knowing they’ll soon return to the earth.

Our fave thing about Papaya paper towels is how customizable they are. You can snag ’em in packs of two, four, or six—or like us, build out a subscription box for freshies whenever you need them, or want to gift them (and you will!). The hooks are a key differentiator, making it easy to station them like little soldiers fighting messes: one for the sink, one on the backsplash, and one on the kiddo’s highchair to wipe his often messy mouth (good for pet paws, too). We’ve got even more ways below. To grab our exclusive 20% discount, use code LIVEKINDLY20 on Papaya’s site.

Unique ways to use your Papaya Reusable Paper Towels

Win the war on dust

We’re constantly confronted with the fact that we routinely forget to dust (why is it everywhere, all the time?). Well, not anymore. Just run a damp Papaya Reusable Paper Towel wherever dust collects and watch it disappear, lint-free. Rinse and repeat.

Learn to love doing dishes (hear us out)

A sink full of dirty dishes used to fill us with dread—but not anymore. Papaya paper towels make this chore, dare we say, fun? We use two: One to clean every inch of our utensils, measuring cups, and kitchen tools. The other we keep on hand to mop up excess water on washed dishes to cut down on drying time.

Pimp your ride

Our cars collect a lot of gunk—from coffee spills and dusty dashboards, to muddy boots and kid messes (So. Many. Cheerios.). Nothing gets into nooks and crannies like a Papaya paper towel. Just wet it, wring it, and wipe the day away. If only it could do something about this traffic…

Glow-up your beauty routine

We love to keep a clean Papaya towel handy to take the day off our face, but our favorite beauty secret is using one to clean all those makeup tools. Brushes, sponges, and rollers (even that jade gua sha massager) work better when they’re free from product buildup. It’s official: clean is the new glam.

Pet pampering

We used to constantly launder smelly rags after wiping our pups’ paws and eyes, but now they’ve got their own designated Papaya paper towels (should we get them monogrammed?).

Streak-free your mirrors

Disposable paper towels were our best mirror cleaners, but Papayas are our new leave-no-trace answer to streaks and mirror-glomming fibers. Morning affirmations, here we come.

So I was thrilled when I found that interior designers were heralding a new era of maximalist design, complete with layered wallpapers, color-bursting chandeliers, and ornate sideboards. Ah, my time has come, I thought vaingloriously. 

There was just one problem. Our current system of fast decor is harmful to the environment, with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) noting in 2018 that end-of-life furniture and furnishings in the United States comprised 12.1 million tons of waste—and that’s not even counting carpets and rugs. Along with my stuff-loving aesthetic, I’d also just vowed to go more sustainable and low-waste, which begged a million-dollar question: How does one live  a zero-waste lifestyle as a maximalist?

Figuring out how to go low-waste my way had to start with getting  to the root of why I loved maximalism so much. Maximalism is associated with self-expression and, for me personally, my upbringing. I grew up in the eighties and nineties, emulating my beautiful, brightly-clad mother, who wasn’t afraid to don a full outfit composed of fuchsia or bright turquoise. I remember her tennis outfits fondly, complete with bright headbands and skirts with the neon squiggles that were so popular in the eighties. She’d pile layer upon layer of clothing upon one another, somehow making it all work together. And she’d crown it all with a hot pink lipstick kiss and Aquanet-sprayed bangs.

On special occasions, my mother dressed me in the saturated colors of traditional hanbok that we would buy during summers in South Korea, but for daily wear I would layer two neon skirts on top of one another, and sometimes two t-shirts and four necklaces (one a Bonne Bell Lip Smackers, natch). Madonna wasn’t extra enough for me; I wanted to be a cross between Paula Abdul, Debbie Gibson and Salt-N-Pepa. Accessories were vital: hot pink Keds with beaded safety pins and the signatures of your friends, electric blue scrunchies, and at least four or five neon slap bracelets. Capitalist choices, like choosing the pink rollerskates over the staid white ones, felt like freedom and expression to teenage me.

As a thirty-something in a tiny Brooklyn apartment, my style was a cross between Lemonade-era Beyoncé (the freedom and movement of that mustard-colored, off-the-shoulder Cavalli dress with all its flouncy layers!) and Louis XIV (more mirrors, more gold, and more brocade, please). But my excess stuff ended up in the landfill. When I moved out of my apartment to go cross-country, I threw away what I couldn’t give away, from an ornate dresser, to linens and candlesticks. I felt horrible sending those items to the landfill, and vowed never to do it again.

But I still wanted to express my personal style and “more is more” maximalism in my new west coast home. Though it’s more streamlined, I’ve figured out a few ways to go low-waste—and in some cases, even zero waste—while still enjoying life as a maximalist to the fullest.

Express maximalism beyond materialism

My central view toward expressing maximalism is playfulness and openness to ideas, philosophies, and conversations that your space can perpetuate. The first tenet of doing zero-waste maximalism is learning to express your more-is-more aesthetic beyond materialism. Maximalism is about expressionism that paints the house with your mood, whatever it may be. Use the power of your five senses to enliven your house. So for example, place speakers in the right places in your house, so you can hear your music wherever you are. Your moment of maximalism in the day might be opening up the windows to soak in nature or city sounds. Flinging open the curtains to let in all the sunshine might be your approach to maximalism—or conversely, closing the curtains and turning your lamps and spotlights so that they hone in on a wall of gothic black velvet paintings might be your approach to more. Your maximalism could be using what you do have in other configurations, like piling pillows on the floor and gathering textured faux fur blankets around them, or painting a mural on the wall with leftover house paint—whatever helps you add flair without purchasing more. 

Repurpose everything

It can take creativity or fresh eyes to devise a second life for an item, so ask your community for suggestions. Instead of throwing out artificial flowers you already have, can you turn them into a piece of apparel or your children’s outdoor fairyland? Instead of throwing out a bookshelf, can you transform it into a shoe rack, a record shelf, or a bench? Your sofa could be the perfect addition to your neighbor’s ADU or garage hangout, while a van’s seats could make a cool vintage-themed theater. Your leftover fabric makes a fun Halloween costume for your friends, and old towels and rugs may be helpful at the local animal shelter.

Be the lifeblood of a local gifting group

The high-waste issue with being a maximalist and having a lot of stuff is that when you get tired of an item, you want to get rid of it—and there’s a lot to get rid of. If you can’t repurpose an item by sanding it down and painting it another color, give it away in a local gifting group like Freecycle or Buy Nothing, which has an app as well as various hyperlocal groups. These groups, which exist across the globe, help you find a recipient for your trash who will love it like it’s brand-new. You can also find your new home decor or organization items in these groups, and even ask for them by posting what’s called an “ask.”

I furnished my baby’s room almost entirely with cute paintings and rugs from Buy Nothing, as well as clothing him in stylish, colorful outfits without any of the waste of kids’ fast fashion. The best part was the friendships I made in the group, which helped me befriend other maximalists, DIYers, and vivid expressionists.

Master the multi-step barter system

Do you remember the famous story of the person who started with just one red paperclip and bartered his way up to a house? This brilliant soul knew that each item along the way had inherent value to someone, as long as he could find that someone. 

Facilitating a three-way trade isn’t as hard as you think, but if it’s easier, organize an interior design swap or a clothing swap where lots of friends can come together and barter at once, eliminating your need to store anything over time. If shopping is what you love, there are few things better than a swap party, because you can take all you want without shoppers’ remorse. If you took too much, bring the items back to the next swap. My friends and I often laugh when we show up for drinks and someone is sporting a pair of pants that five of us have owned—we’re literally The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.

Be patient

The tendency nowadays is to furnish a house or an apartment as soon as you move in. My mother told me that she didn’t decorate her first house right away, but instead collected meaningful items over the years from travels, friends, and thrift shopping. I think it’s so much more beautiful to furnish a house this way. I want the items within to express the maximalist me, instead of whatever trendy items CB2 happened to be selling that year (no shade, CB2–love you, but I believe our fast furniture habit needs to slow down and recycle). So resist trends and assimilation, and wait for what intuitively makes your heart sing when you see it (yes, I believe in furniture love at first sight).

DIY it before you buy it

Sometimes, your house holds all the ingredients you need to craft an item—and you can make it extra by designing it yourself. Craving a sunny yellow item? The answer is turmeric, which I use to dye my canvas totes, bedsheets, t-shirts, and pants, soaking them longer to make them extra bright. When the tie-dye trend was in full force, I followed YouTube videos to make wildly tie-dyed shirts at home using a mixture of natural and synthetic dyes. During the macrame rage, I joined a fiber arts group online and made my own macrame wall hangings with leftover rope, string and yarn. When store-bought Christmas wreaths bored me with their simplicity, I invited friends over and we harvested from our yards to make our own, the base of the wreath fashioned with luscious fir branches and leftover craft wire, and the branches weighed down with an excess of bougainvillea flowers and mandarins from a neighbor’s tree. 

I’m not a crafty person at all, so some of these projects took me several tries—but it felt better than buying one more trendy item that I knew would end up in the landfill. If you’re struggling to DIY, check out library books and YouTube, classes at your local botanic garden, craft shop, and mall, and online courses like Skillshare.

Get thrifty

To decorate your maximalist way—without the guilt—head to thrift shops like Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore and Goodwill. My local hospital also has a furniture shop where it sells gently used chairs and sofas. Check local wallpaper shops for leftover samples, and fabric stores or thrift shops for reupholstering. Head to your hardware store or local junkyard for creative solutions—hanging vintage nails or hooks in your kitchen so you can see all your bright aprons won’t cost much, or create any waste. And of course, ask your local community center, church, or Buy Nothing group for what you need, too.

My journey to low-waste maximalism has actually been a lot more fun than I expected to be. Along the way, I’ve learned a lot of skills and knowledge, sharing them with my community to help them low-waste their lives. I’ve also met a lot of people who feel similarly: we all want to live life to its utmost (no FOMO here), while boosting the environment. Learning the tactics of low-waste maximalism has allowed me to express myself fully, without contributing to fast furniture. Who says you can’t have it all?

The views expressed in opinion pieces are those of the author(s) and do not represent the policy or position of LIVEKINDLY.

Our predecessors lived a somewhat-circular lifestyle not by design, but out of necessity. But today, we throw things away when they break, tear, or simply because we don’t want them anymore. We’re creating more trash than we ever have. According to a study by the risk-assessment firm Verisk Maplecroft, the world generates 2.1 billion tons of garbage every year, which would stretch out to nearly 25,000 miles if laid out in a neat line. (That’s just over the Earth’s circumference.)

This landfill waste, which is made up of mountains of food, packaging, old clothes, unwanted electronics, and more, is the third-largest source of human-caused methane emissions, a greenhouse gas that’s 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide. In addition to that, plastic pollution’s meteoric rise during the second half of the 20th century has led to microplastics everywhere—in the oceans, in the air, in the soil, and in our food. Scary, right? 

The examples in Child’s book offer just a few examples of the ways in which the domestic sphere (and more specifically, women) has reduced, reused, and repurposed throughout history. Really, up until the early 20th century, neither the rich nor the poor saw worn-out sheets, broken bowls, or empty bottles as garbage. 

“Sheets should be turned ‘sides to middle’ before they are allowed to get very thin,” British author Isabella Beeton wrote in her 1861 book, Mrs. Beeton’s Book of Household Management. This meant cutting them lengthways down the center, then sewing together the outside edges. Countless domestic advice books and magazines instructed women to repair, repurpose, donate, or refashion old clothes to keep up with the latest styles. (Not surprisingly, a lot of this domestic work fell on women’s shoulders.)

Can ‘zero-waste’ fix anything?

If you care about sustainability and you’ve spent a minute on social media, then you know what zero-waste means and what the lifestyle supposedly looks like: metal water bottles, reusable utensils, and highly organized cabinets stocked with mason jars filled with pantry essentials. It’s the eco-friendly way of life that’s been on the rise for the past decade: Google searches for “zero-waste” more than doubled between August 2012 and August 2021, peaking in January 2020.

The zero-waste lifestyle feels like it could be a panacea to our non-biodegradable trash problem. You can buy solid shampoo and conditioner instead of the stuff that comes in plastic bottles. You can sign up for a refillable cleaning product subscription, where you’ll be mailed new supplies on the regular. (You might even make your own cleaning products and clean with ratty old towels cut into rags.) And, you can visit a supermarket with a package-free section to stock up on pantry staples. 

It’s better for the planet, but—and that’s a very big “but”—it’s not accessible to everyone. You need a lot of time, money, and ideally, both of those things, to do it perfectly. A lot of times, convenience wins out. And, convenience is really why we started wasting so much. 

When did taking good care of our belongings so that they last as long as possible become such a foreign concept? And when did wasting so much become both normal and easy to do? 

The evolution of throwaway culture

“There’s no one particular date when people started throwing things away,” Susan Strasser, an award-winning historian and the author of the book Waste and Want: A Social History of Trash. This is because there was no one specific historical event that acted as the catalyst for throwaway culture. 

We know that the Paris Agreement was signed in April 2016, for example, but if we look at how our habits have changed, then we’ll see a messy timeline of our move from “zero-waste” to mass consumerism. “Older people tend to hang on to habits that younger people don’t adopt, cities adapt faster than the countryside, and the rich pick up these changes faster than the poor,” adds Strasser. Nothing happens at once. 

But, the Industrial Revolution during the later 19th century is a good place to look for where the shift towards consumer culture started. With it, came the rise of the middle class and a whole new population of people with disposable income to spend on newly manufactured goods.

Households may have used to save the wood ash from their stoves, refine it into potash, turn that potash into lye, and combine it with leftover animal fat to make soap. But, the process of making soap is time-consuming and labor-intensive (and, yes, they learned that lye is toxic). And, so when industrialization brought soap, and when companies employed advertising tactics that made it desirable, people chose the convenient route. 

That isn’t to say that when people stopped making soap that they abandoned DIYing altogether. While some younger people in cities bought the latest manufactured goods, they still took good care of their belongings, particularly their clothes. “People were sewing for many decades after they stopped making soap,” explains Strasser. Upper-class women would send their garments away to the original designer to be reworked in the latest style. Women who couldn’t afford the luxury could buy patterns for the most fashionable new collars and sleeves, so they could remake their old dresses. Clothes were also passed on from rich to poor. The secondhand clothing market was so popular during the 16th century that there’s a Venetian proverb that says: “Never inquire who owns the clothes a person is wearing.”

It wasn’t called “zero-waste” back then, but history provides countless other examples of the ways we wasted less. Kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken ceramics, is said to originate from the 15th century. Before the 1860s, paper was made from cotton, and factories relied on cloth scraps that thrifty housewives sold to peddlers or that were salvaged from the streets by “rag pickers”—lower class men, women, and children—for mere pennies. 

Novelty and advertising take over

In the later decades of the 19th century, thanks to industrialization, society began to look a little more like it does today: advertising agencies took the sudden influx of sellable goods and played on people’s FOMO. The US magazine industry exploded in the late 1800s, and periodicals like Ladies’ Home Journal, which ran from 1883 to 2016, were packed with gender-targeted advertisements for made-to-order dresses in the latest fashion, tooth powders, hair removal products, and trendy perfumes. 

“People responded to branding and the novelty that technological advancements allowed. Buying things advertised in national magazines became the modern way for young people, people in cities, and rich people to shop,” Strasser explains. “They set the pattern for these changes in daily life. And then that increase in manufacturing capabilities led to more products and more packaging.” (Let’s pause here to reflect how many items we’ve purchased off Instagram…)

With more products came more trash and the need to do something about it because if there was one thing that the forward-thinking consumers didn’t want to be associated with, it was being out-of-style. “The whole concept of newness became central to the way things were advertised,” says Strasser. 

That still holds true today; no matter where you go, our daily lives are bombarded with advertisements for new things. People embraced the idea of “out with the old, in with the new.” 

And, thanks to the rapid rise of municipal waste collection in the 19th century, people could easily dispose of their belongings rather than hold onto them, or throw them onto the street, as was the case with New York City and many other urban environments.

From the age of plastic into a zero-waste future

Many of the early mass-produced products were packaged in metal or glass, but in 1907, a Belgian chemist named Leo Baekeland would invent something that would shake up consumer culture: the very-first fully synthetic plastic, called Bakelite. It was affordable, durable, and it could easily be mass-produced to make telephones, radios, and even jewelry. And, it was long-lasting to boot. In fact, it won’t biodegrade. (eBay is a treasure trove for vintage Bakelike.)

It was also during these early decades of the 1900s that companies like Dow Chemical and ExxonMobil—two of the biggest producers of single-use plastic today—helped the plastic industry skyrocket. From 1950 to 2015, plastic production increased 200-fold, going from 2 million to 381 million metric tons per year. Plastic—found in water bottles, shopping bags, straws, cosmetics, household cleaning products, utensils, and our clothes—very quickly became ubiquitous. But, plastic isn’t alone: the production of napkins and paper towels led to a shift away from cloth and towards something that could be forgotten about once used to clean up messes. (Heck, disposable paper dresses were even a thing in the 1960s.)

So, that brings us to today and our existing trash problem. World leaders have promised a global treaty to handle plastic pollution, but it remains to be seen what that will entail. Mega-corporations like Amazon, Walmart, and Nestlé make sustainability promises that they consistently fall short on.

People are understandably frustrated with the state of overconsumption and are taking to TikTok, Instagram, books, podcasts, and blog posts to share the little, practical ways that we can consume, and waste, less. Instead of buying soup stock in a carton, we can make it from food scraps. Always have a reusable bag with you, shop from your local farmer’s market, and develop a meal plan every week to cut back on waste. Sustainability influencers are more in demand than ever (for better or worse). We can’t go back completely to the zero-waste lifestyle practices of our predecessors. The 40-plus-hour workweek expected of most of us just won’t allow it unless we’re willing to forgo our time to rest in favor of girlbossing our way into a picture-perfect zero-waste lifestyle. 

This brings us back to shampoo bars, plastic-free cosmetics, refillable deodorants, and the countless other zero-waste products that have hit the market over the past few years. Are they truly helping the planet, or are we being given the illusion of choice, considering how fast every single industry (Food, fashion, beauty, furniture… the list goes on) is nowadays? 

The reality is, the real responsibility of combatting overproduction lies with corporations and lawmakers. Using more sustainable materials, like recycled polyester or organic cotton is a start for companies like Amazon or Adidas, but they also need to produce less. And, laws need to be put in place to hold them accountable for their carbon footprint.

But that doesn’t mean our consumer choices are powerless. When we support a small brand using deadstock fabric, an emerging beauty company pioneering the new wave of upcycled skincare, or a local zero-waste business, we’re making an impact on that founder’s vision that we can return, at least a little, to the more planet-friendly ways to make the most out of the resources that already exist. 

This is the kind of hybrid plant-care/self-care that they’re bringing to their first book, You Grow, Gurl! Plant Kween’s Lush Guide to Growing Your Garden, out on March 22.

Becoming the Plant Kween

Today, Griffin’s apartment is filled with more than 200 plants, all of which you can find photos of on their account, often paired with a caption offering nuggets of wisdom about watering schedules, authentic self-love, and family memories that helped the “Plant Kween” become who they are today. By their own account, their Instagram success is unexpected—but they’ve hit 360,000 followers and have created campaigns for a wide variety of companies, like Warby Parker, Ruggable, and KitchenAid. They even created a series about plant care for Architectural Digest. Griffin’s joy is hard to miss, whether they’re posing among parlor palms in a red floral dress, or lounging in a fluffy white robe with persnickety staghorn ferns. 

Griffin, who works as the assistant director of NYU LGBTQ+ Center, never loses sight of the influence that caring for house plants has on us. We spoke with Instagram’s resident plant educator extraordinaire about how our house plants can help us be more mindful of ourselves, their family’s green legacy, and how their love of plants extends to being kinder to the Earth. 

LIVEKINDLY: The last time we spoke, you shared some very timely spring plant care tips. And, your Instagram continues to be this wonderful green space full of gorgeous plants, tips on keeping them alive, and so many nuggets of joy and wisdom about self-care and being yourself all year round. What led you down this path of becoming a hybrid plant-care/self-care educator?

Christopher Griffin: My plant journey started without me really knowing. My grandmother grew up on a farm in Clayton, Georgia, and our family grew most of our own food. So gardening, whether it was indoor or outdoor, is ingrained in my family’s legacy. My grandmother left Georgia and eventually settled in Philadelphia. She started a little garden for herself—a little oasis of joy that brought her roots and family legacy to Philadelphia. She had the best garden on the block—she was even known as “the plant lady.” 

When I was five or six, she just took me under her wing. I never got to experience my great-grandmother’s farm in its heyday, but my grandmother did. And the lush lessons she learned she passed on to me.

As a kid, I got to see my grandmother, this strong, beautiful Black woman create her own spaces of joy, which she shared with me. She let me pick out plants to take home and was like, “When you come over to my house, you have to water them. ‘Cause they’re your responsibility.” And that’s how it really started. My grandmother was the original “green goddess” in my life.

LIVEKINDLY: And eventually, that led to you buying your own plants. When did that happen?

Griffin: Even though I knew that I enjoyed plants, it wasn’t until I bought my first one (in the summer of 2016) that I realized how special of an interaction that was for me. I was reliving the memories of my grandmother, and as a nurturer, I got to put love into something and the response was growth.

Plant Kween started from me documenting my own experience, for my own purposes. Back then I wasn’t really seeing a lot of folks like me in the online plant community—Black, brown, and non-binary. So I was like, let me start putting my joy out there. It became like a diary entry, documenting my thoughts and ponderings as I navigate plant parenthood. I’m a storyteller, so I like to talk a lot (laughs).

LIVEKINDLY: So you were growing your Instagram following, documenting your growing indoor jungle. Was there anything about your followers’ response that surprised you?

Griffin: There was a moment back when I started the account when nobody knew who was in charge of it. It was all about the plants, so no one ever saw me. But then I decided that I need to get in front of the camera. As a Black non-binary person who had been bullied, who had been harassed, just for existing unapologetically, I knew how real cyberbullying was. So that was one of my first hesitations. But once I put myself out there, I got back so much love, happiness, and connection with other people. That’s something that every person of color, trans or non-binary person, deserves. The community building surprised me, and it’s something that I’ve really come to love about being online.

LIVEKINDLY: Plants are a lot more than decoration. They’re living things that respond to the care that we put into them, which can be rewarding. Does that resonate with you?

Griffin: There’s something simple, yet intricate, and beautiful about plants. Bringing them into our homes has obvious aesthetic benefits. But studies show that having them around can help reduce stress and anxiety. And from my experience, the love that we put into our plants can be a mirror into how we’re treating ourselves. 

LIVEKINDLY: How does your love for plants help connect you to nature?

Griffin: This appreciation for nature has manifested into a journey to green up the spaces I call home. But being a plant person can be more than just building that fabulous plant fam … it can extend into a whole lifestyle, from environmental politics, to the food you choose to eat, to the clothes you wear, to the products you use… It’s a whole world out there, and this queen is learning more and more each day. I am getting better about practicing routines, habits, and ways of being that are ultimately healthier for me and healthier for this beautiful precious planet we call home.

LIVEKINDLY: What are some of the ways that you bring sustainability into plant care?

Griffin: I reuse planters instead of throwing them away and I compost non-infested house plant matter and soil. I also fertilize my house plants with eggshells, loose tea leaves, banana peels, and coffee grinds. And, I support local plant shops and avoid buying plants online to reduce packaging waste and cut carbon emissions.

LIVEKINDLY: What are some of the lessons you’ve learned from your plants?

Griffin: You know, the first thing I realized when I started is that this whole “green thumb” rhetoric, that you need some intrinsic skills in order to take care of plants, is completely false. It just provokes anxiety. 

Another thing I’ve learned is patience. Growth can be slow. It takes time, energy, dedication, and resilience. So that’s reminded me that I need to be patient with myself. 

I also learned a lot while I was writing my book. I did a whole chapter on water—it’s so interesting to me because it’s this thing we’re so used to having access to that we don’t really think about it. So I looked into what tap water actually is. What’s in it? How does it get to us? Writing my book made me more aware of my surroundings and how these essential, mundane things that we take for granted are really so intricate. The research I did gave me a moment to reflect on the things we take for granted, the resources we use without question, and how they eventually reach us. But the usage of various resources without understanding how they make their way into our homes is irresponsible, and so I have begun to be more mindful, and investigative what I have access to and the items I bring into my home. 

Caring for plants has also taught me to be intentional with myself, and to listen to what my body is telling me. And one more thing about plants: when you pay attention to them, you notice that they each have their own personalities. The greenery that we bring into our homes is beautiful, but they’re living, breathing things that have their own energy. And that’s been something amazing to connect with.

This holiday season, she’s giving us practical ideas sourced from her own life and work. From a Japanese philosophy that guides her purchasing habits, to the genius fridge hack that helps her family maximize their food supply, the guru of tidying up reveals her best sustainability tips for an organized, low-waste lifestyle.

LIVEKINDLY: We loved the tip on your website that recommended using linen covers for bowls, rather than plastic wrap. What made you commit to a low-waste, sustainable lifestyle? 

Marie Kondo: There is a Japanese philosophy known as mottainai, which advocates for minimizing waste in life. The idea is that the longer an object is in your life, the fewer objects you will have to purchase over the course of life. This is one aspect of Japanese culture that I incorporate into my life. 

Another thing I have tried to instill in my family is a Japanese tradition in cooking. We cook vegetables in whole—with the tops on versus chopping off the ends. Now, certain parts of the vegetable aren’t edible like onion peels, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be used for flavor. I take all of those vegetable pieces and create soup stock from them. 

LIVEKINDLY: You keep your fridge at home 30 percent empty. Can you tell us more about this fridge technique and how it helps you stay low-waste?

Kondo: Living a sustainable lifestyle can be a challenge in today’s busy world. I think the first thing to strive for is living mindfully. A refrigerator that is too full doesn’t allow you to see and appreciate what you have in it. By leaving the refrigerator 30 percent empty, you limit food waste as the result of expired food that you forget about. 

LIVEKINDLY: The holidays can be a time where there’s a lot of waste, from food to unwanted presents—in fact, Americans create 25% more waste from Thanksgiving to Christmas. What are some examples of how you advise your clients to stay low-waste during the holidays, whether with furoshiki wrapping cloths or through conscious gift-giving?

Kondo: Gift wrapping and food storage can create a lot of waste during the holiday season. Furoshiki is a traditional cloth item in Japan that people use to wrap, carry, and store items. This is a creative and waste-conscious way to present a gift. The wrapping itself is part of the gift that the recipient can use for many years as a paper napkin alternative, dish towel, or re-gift as wrapping for the next birthday or holiday! 

In terms of food storage, I avoid plastic wrap, bags, and foils whenever possible. For grocery items, I recommend reusable product bags, not just during the holidays, but year-round. When storing food, I generally avoid large plastic food storage, including single-use, non-recyclable plastic containers and multi-use containers as well when possible, or cling wrap as that can be very wasteful. Instead, cover food in bowls, cups, and plates with stretchable, reusable lids that fit multiple sizes of bowls and serving wear. They are really durable and can be used again and again throughout the year.

LIVEKINDLY: Sometimes people think that organizing just means obtaining more organizational items and getting more stuff. How do you gently teach them to limit that?

Kondo: One of the things you do before you tidy, as well as a way to keep clutter away after tidying, is evaluate where you can repurpose storage. Look for storage options that can move from room to room as well. For example, a toolbox can be used for craft or office supplies, but can also be used for make-up brushes, a pantry or kitchen for utensils, or for gardening supplies.

LIVEKINDLY: What are the sustainable or eco-friendly organizational items you love recommending to clients right now? 

Kondo: I like to use sustainable products as much as possible. I worked with The Container Store to launch a collection earlier this year that includes many of the products that my clients find useful in tidying, (such as a) bamboo kitchen collection (that) features drawer and shelf organizers, and other food storage solutions crafted from sustainable bamboo. 

I also worked with Soapply to create an eco-friendly home cleaning kit. This helps cut down on the waste that comes from plastic cleaning containers. The kit includes three essential products: a reusable dish soap bottle, a reusable all-purpose cleaning spray bottle, and a cleaning concentrate. The pure, natural and unscented cleaning concentrate can be diluted and fill the kit’s refillable dish soap and glass spray bottles. In addition to waste limiting, each order of concentrate is tied to a $4 donation that funds global water, sanitation and hygiene initiatives.

LIVEKINDLY: After all the organizing you’ve helped people do, do you think minimalism and slowing consumption is the answer to our waste problem?

Kondo: There is a misconception that the KonMari Method is minimalism, but actually I don’t advocate for living with less. Instead, I encourage people to live among items they actually cherish. Taking the time to tidy isn’t about eliminating things from your life; it is about taking the time to evaluate what brings you joy and surrounding yourself with those things. 

What brings someone joy is very personal; it is as unique as the vision they have for their ideal life. So, while that may be minimalism for some, others may find joy from many items. Find more of Marie Kondo’s low-waste and tidying recommendations on her website.

Humanitarian causes

For the relatives you see once a year: Good Paper cards

San Francisco’s Good Paper sells Fair Trade cards handmade by women who have escaped sex trafficking and exploitation in the Philippines, as well as young adults orphaned by HIV and AIDS. The cards are made using recycled office scraps and come in a huge variety of different designs.

For the sustainable fashionista: Toms apparel

Blake Mycoskie, the founder of Toms, pioneered the one-for-one business model back in 2006, and the company says it has helped more than 100 million lives. Toms also donates one-third of its profits to grassroots organizations and long-term community partnerships. It also stocks a clearly labeled vegan collection and a sustainable ‘Earthwise’ collection.

For the vodka aficionado: Fourth and Pride

New York’s Fourth and Pride produces smooth vodka and donates five percent of its profits to partner organizations in the LGBTQ community. Founded by Jesse Weinberg, the son of the iconic Boiler Room bar’s Neil and Gina Weinberg, Fourth and Pride work closely with DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting Aids) and Sage, which supports and advocates for older LGBT people.

For the ornamental expert: Bird & Stone jewelry

Bird & Stone began as a jewelry company supporting female entrepreneurs in Kenya with small loans. Today, it aims to empower all of its customers to be micro-philanthropists by supporting a huge range of different organizations with every sale. You can even shop by cause to find something that’s a perfect fit for you and the gift recipient. One hundred percent of profits from its Black Lives Matter collection are donated to organizations fighting for racial justice.

For the coffee sommelier: Redemption Roasters

Redemption Roasters is the UK’s first-ever prison-based coffee roastery. It is based inside HMP the Mount in Hertfordshire and operates barista academies in institutions nationwide. The company aims to help offenders reintegrate into society equipped with coffee industry skills, and employs its own graduates in coffee shops and via wholesale clients. Its finely crafted coffee is also ethically sourced, and Redemption Roasters offers a subscription service.

Environmental causes

For the make-up master: Chantecaille cosmetics

British company Chantecaille combines beauty products and causes to great effect. According to founder Sylvie Chantecaille, the company has helped to raise awareness for endangered sea turtles, coral reefs, gorillas, wolves, bees, elephants, giraffes, and more through its various philanthropy collections. Specific groups and products can be viewed here, and Chantecaille has vegan-specific categories on its website and store. 

For the sustainable writer: Baron Fig stationary

Baron Fig produces high-end stationery with an emphasis on notebooks and even has a gift guide. The company also plants a tree for every participating notebook sold. According to Baron Fig, this helps mitigate climate change and reduce ozone levels while supporting wildlife recovery, forest health, and clean water, as well as increasing human wellbeing.

Animals and wildlife

For the low-key animal-lover: Big Wild Thought

Big Wild Thought is based in Sheffield, UK. The clothing and accessories brand produces designs with unique animal themes (you can even shop by theme here) and donates 10 percent of every sale to wildlife charities relevant to the design. Big Wild Thought supports 10 different charities worldwide, and even packs its products in fully recyclable tissue paper and cardboard.

For the stylishly bespectacled: Fetch Eyewear

This Portland-based nonprofit donates 100 percent of net proceeds from its stylish glasses to animal rescue, vet care, low-cost spay and neuter programs, and education. Fetch Eyewear is partnered with the unique Pixie Project, and even has a lifetime frame warranty.

For the craft coffee connoisseur: Brewing Good

The Brewing Good coffee company slogan is simple: “Save money. Save animals.” It offers craft-roasted Fair Trade and organic coffee and donates 10 percent of its profits to animal charities. Brewing Good ships nationwide in the U.S. and highlights its nonprofits of the month here. Customers can also purchase coffee blends, tea, subscriptions, and gift packs.

For the friend with a sweet tooth: Endangered Species chocolate

Endangered Species produces high-quality chocolate products and donates 10 percent of its annual profits to conservation organizations around the world. Since 2016, the company has donated more than $2.6 million to its “Giveback” partners, including the National Forest Foundation and the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. While not all Endangered Species products are plant-based, customers can search using a vegan filter to find suitable dark and oat-milk varieties that are completely dairy-free.

For the person who wants to match their pet: Hendrick & Co

Hendrick & Co sells clothing, accessories, home goods, jewelry, and more (including products for your pet), and allows customers to hand-pick a charity for the company to support. Since 2011, Hendrick & Co has partnered with over 600 rescues, shelters, and sanctuaries across the U.S. to raise more than $2 million.

Marine life and the ocean

For the gin-loving conservationist: Grey Whale Gin

Grey Whale Gin makes California-inspired alcohol using locally sourced or wild foraged ingredients. The company also supports wildlife and nature conservation in the Golden State, and one percent of all sales go to environmental causes and groups such as Oceana and One Percent For the Planet. Even the bottles feature sustainably sourced materials such as biodegradable cork and organic paint.

For the outdoor types: Waterhaul sunglasses

Waterhaul recycles old fishing nets into sunglasses. The company, which is based in Newquay, UK, uses a unique recycling and molding process to create a 100 percent recycled frame to match recyclable mineral glass optics. Each product is guaranteed for life, and returned frames are re-added to the recycling loop, so every purchase removes plastic from the waste stream permanently. (Waterhaul also recycles face masks into purchasable litter pickers and facilitates educational workshops.)

For the person who really did want socks: Conscious Step

Every organic, Fair Trade sock purchase from Conscious Step supports one of its many partner organizations. So far, the company has raised nearly $507,000 to build new homes, conserve rainforests, educate young people, protect the environment, and fight for equality. Customers can choose gift boxes based on the designs and causes that they care about the most, including charities such as Oceana.

For the whole family: United By Blue fashion

United By Blue removes approximately one pound of rubbish from oceans and waterways around the world. So far, the company has cleaned up more than 3.5 million pounds. It also prioritizes sustainable materials and ethical business practices in the production of its fashionable clothing and accessories. To learn more, read United By Blue’s 2020 impact report here.

LIVEKINDLY is here to help you navigate the growing marketplace of sustainable products that promote a kinder planet. All of our selections are curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, LIVEKINDLY may earn a commission.

Americans create 25 percent more trash from Thanksgiving to New Year’s— an extra one million tons per week compared to our usual—but there’s a smart new way to combat all this waste while treating your nearest and dearest to gifts they’ll remember far longer than that unused power drill. The pandemic created opportunities to learn to play the guitar, solve a murder mystery, master Uzbek cuisine, or take a dance class—all from home.

Whether you’re devoted to your zero-waste lifestyle, or just want to reduce your trash this winter, these fun sustainable gifts help you lower your carbon footprint. And not only will these gifts avoid the dumpster, but they’ll bring you closer to friends and family by offering exciting opportunities to bond and make lasting memories. 

For the world traveler stuck at home: A virtual cooking class

If your loved one is itching to get to other countries but can’t just yet, consider gifting a virtual cooking class like The League of Kitchens or Todo Verde. Whether they prefer a live class or a recorded lesson, they’ll immerse themselves in cultures and food, from tasty Uzbek sambusa pastries to decadent tamales de xocolate con atole.

For the introvert: Virtual murder mystery

You’re all gathered in a room, ready to scream, “J’accuse!” But you’re actually at home in your pajamas, and you’re using unique software that allows you to participate in a virtual murder mystery called Ghost Ship Murder Mysteries. Not only is this at-home experience the introvert’s dream, but if you’re the villain, it’s even more fun.

For the extrovert: Dance class

You knew outdoor fitness classes took off, but have you taken an outdoor or virtual dance class yet? Your nickname may not be Twinkletoes, but no one will laugh you off the stage at Pasadena Civic Ballet’s outdoor classes, where you can get the people fix your extrovert self has been craving. If you need a virtual class, check out Mark Morris’ virtual dance workshops.

For the hoarder: A kintsugi repair kit

Have you been hoarding broken dishes for the day you’ll miraculously morph into a full-blown mosaicist? It’s time to invest $25 in Marie Kondo’s kintsugi repair kit, which lets you preserve your broken dish and reuse it in golden splendor.

For the animal lover: A tour at an animal sanctuary

Animal sanctuaries all over the world offer special tours, from feeding and bathing elephants in Chiang Mai to hugging cows in LA. The Gentle Barn in Santa Clarita, about an hour north of Los Angeles, offers tours for $12. Farm Sanctuary, which has locations in Acton, California and Watkins Glen, New York, offers tours for $10. Why not book a full afternoon of visiting rescued cows, pigs, chickens, turkeys, and other farm animals in their happy new homes?

For the clean queen: Refill store gift certificates

Chances are, there’s a refill shop near you (Psst! Check this zero-waste, state-by-state guide for your nearest). Stocking up on soap, shampoo, apple cider vinegar, shea butter and more is easy at these shops, so gift to your friends generously. But if you really love them, help them make the switch to solid beauty, including refillable deodorants and soaps. For more, check out our zero-waste tips by room.

For the friend who impulse-purchased a guitar: Virtual music lessons

You can now find an even better music teacher than you would’ve pre-pandemic, thanks to the prevalence of online classes. Share the love with a friend who’s always nurtured the secret dream of being onstage by checking sites like TakeLessons and scouring local community colleges offerings and social networking apps like Nextdoor. You can always say you knew them when.

For the zen soul

Otherland ‘Chandelier’ Candle

As its name connotes, this candle has a bright, luminous scent (think champagne, saffron, and leather) that feels appropriately celebratory for holiday—or just a regular Tuesday. It’s made in the US with premium glassware and a vegan soy/coconut wax blend.  

Geo Candle Holder Set 

Handcrafted in Ohio, these candle holders from Lauren HB Studio are made of porcelain but inspired by the freeform beauty of geodes. They add an instantly calming, contemporary vibe to any space you decide to grace them with.

For the vegan foodie

The Sweet Potato Soul Cookbook

From sweet potato cinnamon rolls to jalapeño hush puppies to low country grits, this debut cookbook from noted vegan food blogger Jenne Claiborne brilliantly reinterprets classic Southern soul food without a plant-based twist. 

Brightland Flavor-Infused Olive Oil Collection

EVOO is a staple in the kitchen of every foodie worth their pink Himalayan salt. And this bundle of three flavored olive oils—lemon, chili, and basil—takes the genre to the next level. All are vegan, organic, and produced on California’s Central Coast. 

For the sweet tooth

Warming Ice Cream Scoop

Who has time to wait for ice cream to soften? This ingenious warming scoop has some major science behind it; biodegradable liquid inside transfers heat from the handle to the scooping ring, which softens ice cream without melting it. No batteries, electricity, or Herculean muscle strength is needed. 

Hu Chocolate Bar 12-Pack

Hu’s chocolate bars are all vegan, but they’re loved by vegan and non-vegan chocolate connoisseurs alike for their incredible quality and taste. Made of certified organic, fair-trade, house-ground cacao, each bar—whether in simple or salty dark chocolate or a more complex flavor like hazelnut coffee and vanilla crunch—will make a welcome break from holiday stress.

For the celeb-obsessed

Fenty Beauty Butta Drop Whipped Oil Body Cream

This light-yet-hydrating cream is enriched with Barbados cherry extract—packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, it’s the closest we mere mortals get to capturing even a fraction of the megastar’s signature glow.

Lemlem Eshal Sarong/Scarf

Internationally renowned supermodel Liya Kebede created Lemlem—a brand of clothing, accessories, and more, all made by expert weavers in Ethiopia—with a mission of inspiring economic growth and preserving the art of weaving in the region. This vibrant, versatile scarf is the perfect example of the superb craftsmanship evident in each of the line’s pieces. 

For the devoted grower

Chef ‘N Countertop Sprouter

This compact sprout-grower features a ventilation system designed to increase airflow, reduce mold, and create the ideal environment for growing sprouts. You’ll definitely be posting daily progress updates on Insta. 

Terrain Glass Terrarium

Love greenery and gardening? Here is an eye-catching way for you to bring your artistic vision to life. This handmade glass terrarium’s sleek, low silhouette makes the perfect canvas for whatever layers of fabulous fauna you layer within.

For the skincare lover

Plant Apothecary Superfacial Organic Superlight Oil Moisturizer

If you’re a beauty lover, you’ll know: oil moisturizers are good for your skin—especially if it’s oily. This incredibly light, serum-like moisturizer has a mix of soothing and hydrating oils, from white tea to pomegranate.

Caldera Lab The Clean Slate Balancing Cleanser

Elevate your morning and evening routines with this extra-special cleanser (a cult favorite in the beauty world). It’s powered by plant extracts, glacial ocean silt extracts, and gentle-yet-invigorating amino acids, instead of the harsh surfactants the vast majority of other cleansers are packed with. And it has a featherweight feel that’s downright luxe. 

For the style-seeker

Veja V-10 CWL 

Made in Brazil of organic, ecologically friendly materials like Veja’s proprietary CWL (“cotton worked as leather”) and a sole made of wild Amazonian rubber that helps with the area’s conservation efforts, the V-10 is incredibly conscious. It also happens to be very chic: with its timeless silhouette and minimalist white-and-natural palette, it’s a daily style staple that you’ll enjoy dressing up or down.

Adidas by Stella McCartney Tote Bag

Vegan or not, nearly any fashion follower would be thrilled to get virtually anything from the Adidas–Stella McCartney collab. This roomy tote—made with Primegreen, a combination of high-performance recycled materials—is incredibly practical in addition to being effortlessly stylish. 

The Chic Homebody

Recycled Glass & Reclaimed Wood Hooks

Here’s an inspired way to elevate your space this holiday: Made out of earth-friendly materials by artisans in Indonesia, these are a unique, bespoke take on an item that’s normally strictly functional. No two of the orb-shaped organic glass hooks are exactly the same. They’re available in sizes from 1 to 4 hooks. 

The Citizenry San Cristobal Wall Hanging 

This eye-catching assemblage of cascading geometric shapes—cast in gleaming bronze by artisans in Chile, then assembled in Austin, TX, by designer Corie Humble—is an inventive alternative to conventional wall art. It’ll add instant warmth and texture to any room.

LIVEKINDLY is here to help you navigate the growing marketplace of sustainable products that promote a kinder planet. All of our selections are curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, LIVEKINDLY may earn a commission.

For the one who always burns rice: An Instant Pot

Show of hands, who else can’t cook rice on the stovetop without burning it? It’s more people than you think—and that’s why we have rice cookers and multi-purpose gadgets, like the Instant Pot. This cult-favorite pressure cooker is foolproof when it comes to making fool-proof rice as well as easy suppers like soups and stews. 

For the homebody: Le Creuset Dutch oven

The Le Creuset Dutch oven is the technicolor cast iron cookware that’s on every home chef’s wishlist. Its icon status is well-deserved. Its versatility makes it ideal for a wide range of dishes, from slow-cooked stews to braises, desserts, breads, and more. (And not only can it be used in the oven, but it’s also suitable for all stovetops. Swoon.) These enamel-coated pots are easy to clean, conduct heat evenly, and the tight-fitting lid helps circulate steam, which helps lock moisture into your food. And if you take proper care of them, then they last for decades.

Plus, these enameled cooking vessels come in so many shapes and sizes in candy-colored hues (or muted tones, for fans of neutral colors). What’s not to love? We recommend the classic round Dutch oven (technically, Le Creuset makes French ovens), which is the perfect shape for a multitude of culinary creations. The 5.5- and 7.25-quart Dutch ovens are just the right size for families and batch-cookers but for smaller households, we suggest going for the 3.5-quart version.

For the amateur pastry chef: Nordic Ware stackable cooling racks

It’s a tough rule to follow, but you should always let your baked goods cool before you take a nibble. And sadly, cooling racks don’t always have enough space to fit even a basic batch of cookies, which means that some need to stay on the sheet pan while the others rest. If you have a small kitchen, cooling down your baking projects has another level of difficulty added on because you need to free up precious cooling rack space before you can move on to the next batch. 

This two-tiered cooling rack is the gift that the friend who’s always got a fresh batch of treats to share will love you for. And when they’re done with it, this pretty, space-saving copper rack disassembles with ease and stores easily in a cabinet, just awaiting the next batch of vegan chocolate chip cookies.

For the vegetable butcher: A nakiri knife

A staple of Japanese cooking, a nakiri knife is designed to slice through thick-skinned vegetables like pumpkins and butternut squash with ease and precision. This is because the thin blade cuts straight through them–no rocking needed, like you would need to do with other blades. This nakiri knife from Bernal Cutlery is forged and hand-finished in the city of Seki, Japan, which is considered the home of modern, state-of-the-art Japanese cutlery. This 6.5-inch knife holds a nice edge and is easy to sharpen, making it a great gift for home cooks and professionals alike.

For the indoor grillmaster: Finex cast iron grill pan

Grilling isn’t just for indoors (cue cheering from everyone who doesn’t have a backyard). This cast iron grill pan features BBQ-width grill ribs that give you those ‘gram-worthy cross-hatch marks from searing. Each rib is a quarter-inch tall, providing enough room for excess fats and juices to drain away, so veggie burgers will sizzle, rather than fry. (But it’s for more than just burgers and sausages–hello, grilled vegetables all year round.) The thick, heavy base distributes heat evenly, whether it’s on the stovetop or on the grill.

For the DIY geek: Ohio Stoneware fermentation crock

Know someone who eschews store-bought pickles and ‘kraut in favor of making their own? Then they’ll probably love this handmade stoneware fermentation crock. This versatile vessel, made out of American-made stoneware, is fairly unchanged from the crocks used to store and preserve food before refrigeration became the norm. Your giftee will be making sauerkraut and kimchi or preserving vegetables like cucumbers and cabbage in no time. (Hello, gut-healthy probiotics.)

For the coffee connoisseur: A Fellow French press

In case you didn’t know, some people take coffee seriously. And if you’re not one of those people who insist on drinking French press or pour-over coffee daily, then you probably know at least one person like that. This 24-ounce French press makes enough coffee to caffeinate a grown human until lunchtime and it does it all while looking good, with a matte black exterior and walnut wood details. The double-walled stainless steel exterior helps keep coffee hot while you go about your morning business.

For the college kid: Bodum electric kettle

Dorms don’t allow much but chances are, your college-bound nieces, nephews, and niblings can keep an electric kettle on hand. This electric kettle was specially designed with coffee and tea lovers in mind, as some teas like green and jasmine are too delicate for boiling water. It has five temperature settings, from 140ºF to 212ºF, so you can pick the perfect setting for your beverage of choice. It has a sturdy double-walled glass carafe and a warming plate function to keep water hot. But it’s good for more than just teas–it can also be used for instant noodles, soups, and more dorm-friendly foods where you need only add hot water.

For the bread baker: Emile Henry clay loaf pan

Eating freshly-baked bread is one of the most life-changing experiences in the world. And the right equipment can work wonders on homemade loaves. This pan is handmade in France from Burgundy clay, which retains heat while the vented lid sends excess moisture packing, resulting in a wonderfully crisp crust and a fluffy interior that absorbs butter like it’s nobody’s business. This pan fits loaves up to 1¾ pounds or a half a dozen dinner rolls.

For the plant parent chef: Click & Grow Smart Garden

Fresh herbs are one of the simplest ways to elevate a dish. But the price of fresh herbs can add up fast—especially if you need only a few basil leaves to complete your creation. This self-watering smart garden is equipped with specs that keep herb plants happy and healthy all year round, like a self-watering mechanism, an energy-efficient LED lighting system, and a companion app to ensure that your plants get the care they need. Plus, this set comes with a complementary set of seed pods to get the garden started: tomato, basil, and lettuce.

LIVEKINDLY is here to help you navigate the growing marketplace of sustainable products that promote a kinder planet. All of our selections are curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, LIVEKINDLY may earn a commission.

Our beloved pooches even put up with all of our WFH shenanigans throughout quarantine. The dogs loved it: They got endless belly rubs. They were taken on extra walkies. They even got to indulge in all of our late-night Postmates orders. Let’s face it, they’re the only reason we stayed sane throughout the pandemic.

Your fur babies probably already have it all: The aforementioned memory foam dog bed, a custom, handmade matching leash and collar, a set of porcelain food and water bowls … the list goes on. But they deserve to have more, gosh darn it. So we’ve put together a list of some of the best indulgences your fur kiddos will love. And they’re all sustainable!

10 sustainable gifts pet parents will love

Treat yo’ pets. Here are ten ultra-luxe gifts to give your companion animals (or your favorite pet parent) over the holidays.

Nordic Ware dog treat pan

A great treat for a very good dog. Nordic Ware is a staple in many kitchens. Now, you can get baking for your pup with the company’s dog treat pan. Heck, you can even whip up adorable dog bone-shaped treats for yourself. Sharing is caring.

Furbo dog camera

When the humans are away, the pups will play. Thankfully, with the Furbo dog camera, you can check up on your pooch with the touch of a button. Furbo’s 1080p full HD camera, which even features night vision, allows you to check up on your dog anytime of the day. It has a barking feature that notifies you when your pet is yapping, sending push notifications straight to your phone. It’s two-way audio allows you to speak to your pet. And it even lets you throw your dog a treat! Yeah, you’re going to want to order this luxe gift STAT.

Only Natural Pet organic sherpa pet bed

The snuggle is real. This pet bed is so soft, you’ll want to crawl right in there with your doggo. Rated four out of five dog paws, this pet bed is as sustainable as it is comfy. It’s made with organic sherpa (faux-shearling) and recycled cotton yarn. It’s filled with recycled fill from water bottles and features chemical-free dyes. The bed machine-washable, removable cover makes keeping it clean a breeze.

BarksBar luxury waterproof car seat cover

Let’s be real: This luxe pet gift is just as much for you as it is for your dogs—because mud, hellooo. This luxury car seat cover is made with waterproof polyester. And it holds up to even the unruliest and drooliet of pup passengers.

PetSafe stainless steel water fountain

This water fountain brings out your pet’s instinctual behaviors to drink running water. Capable of holding up to 60 ounces of water, the fountain mimics a natural water source, delivering fresh, filtered water straight to your dog or cat’s mouth. The fountain also includes a carbon and foam filter to remove any debris—saliva, pet hair, etc—from the water. 

Feeding snuffle mat

If you liked the water fountain, definitely add this feeding mat to your online cart. It promotes your pet’s natural foraging instincts, allowing them to hunt for their food similar to how they would if they were in the wild. Made from sustainably-sourced, non-toxic materials, it’s totally pawsome.

Sisal cat climbing pole

Help your kitty take a load off with this climbing pole and scratching post, which features sustainable materials like sisal and bamboo. Fun fact: Did you know that cats like to scratch to display a wide variety of emotions like stress and excitement? They also like to scratch in order to stretch their muscles and to shed their claws.

Cat tree tower

Give the kings and queens of your home a place of their own. This climbing condo features multiple levels of fun, fit with spring balls, perches, and scratching posts galore. It even has two spacious rooms—we’re talking prime real estate, folks.

Boba & Vespa hemp dog bone

Give a dog a vegan bone. This particular bone, available at the Package Free Shop, is earth-friendly: It’s made with a durable hemp cotton canvas. It makes a great, sustainable alternative to plastic toys (which get torn to shreds in mere seconds). Fido approves.

Hemp Pyramid Catnip Toy

Also by Boba & Vespa, a treat for the furry felines of your life. This plastic-free toy is made from the same all-natural materials (hemp canvas) and features an organic cotton filling. It also contains organically grown catnip to help put your cat in a good mood.

LIVEKINDLY is here to help you navigate the growing marketplace of sustainable products that promote a kinder planet. All of our selections are curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, LIVEKINDLY may earn a commission.