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Did you know you can encourage more people to help preserve the environment? One way is by giving eco-friendly gifts. You can give these gifts on birthdays, Independence Day, Christmas, or even when you meet up with old friends.
Eco-friendly gifts also stand out from other gifts, making them more unique and memorable. So, what eco-friendly gifts can you give to your loved ones? Here are some recommendations.
Eco-Friendly Gift Ideas
Eco-friendly gifts are meaningful choices that also benefit the environment. Here are some ideas:
Plant Seeds

Plant seeds, such as tree seeds, can be an eco-friendly gift option. Planting seeds potentially increases the number of trees, which in turn help absorb carbon emissions from the atmosphere.
Additionally, plant seeds that grow into beautiful flowers can enhance the beauty of the surrounding environment. You can give seeds for sowing or young plants in polybags.
Recycled Coasters
Recycling innovations continue to evolve. Inorganic waste can be transformed into attractively patterned coasters. These coasters can be made from colorful bottle caps shredded into small pieces, then heated and molded into coasters.
Coasters can also be made from wood chips that are bonded together and shaped into circles or other geometric shapes. Recycled coasters not only protect table surfaces from stains but also extend the useful life of waste materials.
Tote Bag

If someone close to you enjoys shopping or traveling, a tote bag can be a great option. Typically made of canvas, these bags are easy to store in a pocket or the side of a backpack so they are ready to use whenever needed. In fact, you can reuse these bags time and time again for a variety of activities.
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Stainless Steel Cutlery
Stainless steel cutlery is an eco-friendly gift perfect for friends who love camping and traveling. This type of cutlery is easy to clean and takes up little storage space. Its elegant appearance makes it ideal for wedding souvenirs or office events.
Cake in a Jar

Eco-friendly gifts do not always have to be functional products. You can also make homemade cakes and package them in glass jars for reuse.
You can tailor your cake choice to the recipient’s taste, including traditional cakes, pastries, cookies, bread, and more. Once the cake is gone, you can wash the glass jar and reuse it to store other baked goods.
Beeswax Wraps
Have you ever heard of beeswax wraps? These non-toxic wraps are made from pieces of cotton fabric coated with beeswax or vegetable wax, making them safe for storing food.
To use beeswax wraps, simply spread them out and wrap them around the container or food items you want to store. Functionally, beeswax wraps are similar to aluminum foil, though you cannot heat them because the wax melts easily.
Beeswax wraps come in various sizes and attractive patterns. Additionally, when they wear out, the fabric can be composted.
Double-Insulated Tumblers
Double-insulated water bottles, or temperature-retaining tumblers, are becoming increasingly popular in Indonesia. These bottles retain temperature for 4 to 48 hours, keeping your drink at the desired temperature for an extended period. You can also refill them with various beverages.
Furthermore, double-walled insulated bottles now come in a variety of styles and colors and have become a fashion accessory for everyday outfits. So, you can give one as an eco-friendly gift while also promoting proper hydration.
DIY Natural Candles

For a more personal and memorable gift, you can make your own natural candles at home. To do this, melt the wax, then add a few drops of essential oil based on your loved one’s preferences. Next, prepare a glass jar or aluminum container. Place a piece of string inside to serve as the wick. Lastly, pour the melted wax into the container.
To make it more attractive, you can add edible flowers on top before it dries. You can also make a coffee-shaped candle that looks like a glass of coffee latte by placing a square piece of clear wax inside a glass, then pouring white and brown coffee-scented wax over it.
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Recycled Notebooks
Recycled notebooks are typically made from shredded used paper, dissolved in water, and remolded into books. You can make them at home or buy them at stores that specialize in recycled goods.
Homemade Soap
In addition to cakes and candles, you can also make other eco-friendly gifts yourself at home, such as soap. The process is quite simple. First, melt the soap base. Second, mix in your preferred ingredients according to your loved one’s preferences. Avoid adding ingredients that aren’t gentle on sensitive skin, such as harsh preservatives and certain types of alcohol.
Then pour the soap mixture into uniquely shaped molds and let it harden. To make it safer for sensitive skin, you can choose a vegan soap base and use plant-based additives.
Gardening Supplies

Gardening supplies make a gift that is not only eco-friendly but also encourages people to plant in their surroundings and make them more beautiful. These supplies can include simple pots, seeds, and potting soil.
You can give vegetable or fruit seeds that you can use for cooking later. If your friend does not have enough space for a garden, you can give seeds that are easy to grow in pots, such as chili peppers, spinach, water spinach, and eggplant.
Let’s Protect the Environment Together with #AksiAsri
Giving eco-friendly gifts not only shows your care but also encourages those closest to you to live more sustainably and preserve nature. In fact, this is just one of many sustainable activities you can do.
If you want to do more to preserve the environment, you can join Indonesia Asri and participate in #AksiAsri. This program encourages you to engage in sustainable activities, such as sorting trash before disposal through a cleanup drive and learning more about managing waste in our communities.
So, let’s join Indonesia Asri and #AksiAsri today! Register now and invite your loved ones to become Warga Asri!
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