News Treehugger Voices Holiday Gift Picks That Help the Ocean This holiday season is the perfect time to give unique, sustainable gifts. By Mimi Ausland Mimi Ausland Mimi Ausland is the founder of Freekibble and Free the Ocean. Learn about our editorial process Updated November 27, 2023 03:20PM EST Fact checked by Haley Mast Fact checked by Haley Mast Harvard University Extension School Haley Mast is a freelance writer, fact-checker, and small organic farmer in the Columbia River Gorge. She enjoys gardening, reporting on environmental topics, and spending her time outside snowboarding or foraging. Topics of expertise and interest include agriculture, conservation, ecology, and climate science. Learn about our fact checking process Free the Ocean News Environment Business & Policy Science Animals Home & Design Current Events Treehugger Voices News Archive 2020 is a year like no other, and I believe it’s a great time to try shopping a little differently. Instead of purchasing gifts from the big name companies and e-commerce stores, it’s the perfect opportunity to support the smaller companies … the ones who put love and care into the creation of their products. The companies whose mission is a sustainable one, and that are focused on offering products that give back and are good for the planet. So, let’s say "goodbye" to non-sustainable products this holiday season and "hello" to earth-friendly alternatives ... good for you, your loved ones, and the planet. Here are some of my top eco-friendly picks from Free the Ocean for this holiday season – and best yet, each purchase funds the removal of plastic from the ocean and coastlines. Reusable Swedish Dishcloths Free the Ocean Just one dishcloth replaces 17 rolls of paper towels and they come in all sorts of fun holiday designs! Buy at Free the Ocean ($7): Each purchase of a dishcloth funds the removal of 10 pieces of plastic from the ocean and coastlines. Holiday Candles Free the Ocean Chemical-free and plastic-free holiday scents … now that’s a reason to celebrate. Buy at Free the Ocean ($6 and up): Each purchase of a holiday candle funds the removal of 10 pieces of plastic from the ocean and coastlines. Lip Therapy Balm Free the Ocean Packaged in 100% pcw recycled paperboard, and specially formulated into a savory array of 5 scented flavors, these lip therapy balms are candy for your lips. Buy at Free the Ocean ($8): Each purchase of a lip balm funds the removal of 10 pieces of plastic from the ocean and coastlines. BONUS: A baby sea turtle is saved for every lip balm purchased (a set of five = five baby turtles saved!). Bamboo Dog and Cat Bowls Free the Ocean With a classic and simple design, these sustainably made bamboo food and water bowls sit comfortably in any home. Buy at Free the Ocean ($10): Each purchase of this bowl funds the removal of 10 pieces of plastic from the ocean and coastlines. More by Mimi Ausland: Answer a Trivia Question, Help Save the Ocean