Eco Friendly Father’s Day Finds to Delight Every Dad
By Bonny Osterhage
Finding just the right Father’s Day gift can be tricky. Throw in the eco friendly element and it can be downright frustrating! We’re not sure why, but dads seem to get the short end of the stick when it comes to their special day, with many of us throwing in the towel and going with the obligatory tie. But, this year, you’re in luck, because we have found some of the coolest gifts and gadgets on the market. Whether dad is artsy or athletic, business minded or boyish at heart, there is an eco friendly Father’s Day gift for every type! Dad and the planet will thank you.
For Artsy Dad —
K Studio Family Series Wall Art
Artsy dads will appreciate the unusual whimsy of this nontraditional take on the family portrait. Choose the characters that best represent your family, and then decide how you want them to appear on the organic cotton/hemp canvas. Your one-of-a-kind hand stitched creation will arrive ready to be hung and enjoyed for years to come. Because they are custom made, you need to order now for Father’s Day. Start at $134 at www.branchhome.com.
For Business Dad — GreenSmart Ultralight Brief Case
Send dad off to work in eco style with this 100% recycled PET polyester brief case. It easily holds a 17” wide screen laptop with extra room for file folders, power supply or whatever else dad needs to throw in. Weighing just nine ounces, it will make going through the airport for all those business trips a breeze! And, check out the price! $29.99 at www.birchclothing.com.
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For Football Dad — ReFinding Men’s Recycled Football Strap Watch
If dad is an armchair quarterback, indulge him with a one-of-a-kind watch crafted from a retired pleather football. The sturdy, wide cuff band features a watch face with state-of-the-art Japanese movement. He’ll never miss a kick off again! $72 at www.thegreenloop.com.
For Global Dad — VivaTerra Tabletop Chalkboard Globe
For the dad who wants to rule the world, let him at it with a recycled slate chalkboard globe that allows him to redefine boundaries and rename continents. This attractive globe sits on a recycled metal stand and will provide him with a more constructive way to “doodle” while he works. $119 at www.vivaterra.com.
For Musical Dad — VERS Wood iPod Player 2X
Help your musical dad get his groove on with this awesome, sustainable, all-in-one iPod deck. He can play his tunes and charge his phone all at once on the handsome renewable bamboo base. Custom-engineered 15-Watt speakers will fill his world with sound, and all without taking up too much space. $179.99 at www.vivavi.com.
For Outdoor Dad — REI Tilley Eco Airflo Hat
For the outdoor dad, protect him from the sun’s harsh rays with this organic cotton hat that blocks up to 98% of UVA and UVB rays. Guaranteed for life, this rugged chapeau features a wide brim that provides plenty of shade and protection from the elements, a mesh band that promotes cooling, and a hidden pocket for storing keys and other necessities. A chin strap keeps it attached to dad at all times and, if he should go overboard, it floats! $77 at www.rei.com.
For Pampered Dad — Steam Cream
Even dad likes to be pampered every now and then (although he may not readily admit it). Help him on his quest with Steam Cream, a fun and revolutionary skin softening product that dad can use all over his body. What makes this cool is the steam infused manufacturing process that forces the natural ingredients to break down for maximum skin penetration. This British import comes in a small metal tin with a variety of great graphic designs that he can throw in his gym bag or duffel. $18 at www.beautyhabit.com.
For Road Runner Dad — Brooks Green Silence Running Shoes
Set dad’s running regimen on fire with these bright red and yellow running shoes, made from 75% post-consumer recycled materials, water-based adhesives and soy-based inks. Constructed with roughly half as many parts as comparable shoes, the Green Silence also takes less petroleum and energy to make. Of course, the shoe manages all of this while delivering premium performance to keep dad fast and light on his feet. $99.95 at www.zappos.com.
For Sentimental Dad — Tire Frame
For the sentimental dad, capture a moment and preserve it forever in a frame that is masculine enough for even the manliest of men. Made from discarded rubber car tires, the black frame makes any photo pop, reminding dad of those he loves every time he sees it. $25 at www.zanisa.com.
For Surfer Dad — Oakley Omegatron Board Shorts
Help your surfer dad “Hang 10” eco style in these lightweight, recycled polyester board shorts. The side pocket with micro hook/loop pad will keep dad’s stuff from wiping out if he does. He will also appreciate the bold print that will draw attention as he catches the perfect wave. $60 at www.oakley.com.
For Sweet Tooth Dad — Madison and Marcela Organic Gourmet Toffee
If dad has a sweet tooth, you can indulge it without any harmful ingredients, thanks to Madison and Marcela’s delicious all natural, organic gourmet toffee. Rich and decadent, this marvelous confection comes in a variety of flavors, from the traditional to Cranberry Almond and Coconut Macadamia. Free of artificial flavors, preservatives and trans fat, this is a gift he can savor guilt-free. $7.99 for an 8 oz. bag at www.madisonmarcela.com.
For Tardy Dad — Hybrid Wall Clock
If dad has trouble getting out the door on time, give him a fabulous clock that he’ll want to look at constantly. Made from a recycled bicycle sprocket and a recycled computer hard drive, it will keep dad on schedule, just looks cool and is a perfect addition to dad’s office, study or workshop. $36.50 at www.gentsupplyco.com.















