Back in June 2022, I wrote an article for SpinSheet on the seven "R's" of sustainable sailing. As the season of gift giving approaches, I thought I would highlight some ideas for thoughtful and fun green gifts that fit into some of the R’s: Repurpose (upcycle), Reduce (plastics in packaging), Refill, and Respect (Mother Earth and her oceans).
Luci Lights by Mpowerd:
I have owned the first-gen Luci lights for years. Lightweight solar-powered lights that you inflate for use. Somehow they can be lurking in a dark lazarette and still light up. They make a great all-around white light in a pinch! Also perfect for camping and backpacking. New this year are the Solar String Lights. Every cockpit or down below bunk looks better with string lights. Charge with the sun or via USB. The string lights roll up into the case and also have a flashlight feature. Better yet you can charge your devices with mobile charging via USB-C or USB-A cables. Water-resistant! Multi-colored! Mpowerd is a certified B Corporation that helps provide clean energy to people around the world who need it most. My gift recommendation of the season. mpowerd.com
Smateria bags:
I have been carrying my everyday items in a cross-body bag (hands-free, so you have one hand for the ship) from Smateria and love the sturdy construction and cool colors. The Net Collection uses repurposed nylon from fishing nets in Cambodia. They also make reusable shopping bags and a variety of other shapes and sized bags. World Fair Trade Organization Member. smateria.com
Turkish bath towels:
My recent obsession for boat and travel. Lightweight, quick drying, absorbent. Less water required for washing. Hang them on the railing for a solar dry. Sand shakes right off if you bring them to the beach. The Sand Cloud brand has an ocean creatures collection, and they come in a range of sizes. Personal favorite design: Whale Shark. sandcloud.com
Sustainable seafood:
My commercial fisherman son spent the summer in Bristol Bay fishing for sockeye salmon. Salmon Sisters ships delicious sustainably harvested frozen fish directly from their base in Homer each week. Best gift for the foodie who has everything! They have also written a fabulous cookbook. The sisters have collaborated with XtraTuf for the best looking sea boots that sport roll down cuffs with cool ocean creature designs. I have the Octopus pair. aksalmonsisters.com
Resources for other great gift ideas:
Sailors for the Sea has a great list of ocean-safe sunscreens, several of which come in non-plastic packaging: sailorsforthesea.org.
Refillgoodness.com carries festive Swedish dish cloths and “Un-paper” towels which reduce paper towel use in the galley and take up less space.
Re-Sails makes Holiday Stockings out of used sails (resails.com); though nothing says repurpose like a clean holiday sock. Ditch the single-use wrapping paper and get creative with out-of-date charts!
by Pamela Tenner Kellett
