Our 2023 Local, Plastic-Free Holiday Gift Guide
Spokane Zero Waste believes in supporting local businesses not only because it saves you money, reduces GHG emissions and packaging waste, but because shopping locally builds local resilience and community relationships; and nothing is more important than those relationships.
For plastic free makeup, soaps, beard conditioners, unisex skin care products and more head over to Bee You Organics in the Perry District. Many of the products are made right here in town!
We are fortunate to have many locally made food products here in Spokane. Locally produced honey, jams, and sauces taste better because the ingredients were harvested at peak ripeness. Many of these can be found at Garland Mercantile or pop up artisan markets at the Wonder Building, and family owned stores such as Rocket Market as well as locations on Green Bluff like Wildland Coop and many others. (best to check hours before visiting Green Bluff).
Fair trade textiles, kitchen accessories, clothing, home decor, jewelry, and other items made from natural or recycled materials can be found at Kizuri in downtown Spokane.
If you have a wine lover on your list, or you like wine yourself, Townsend Cellar is a locally owned B-corp who donates part of their earnings to local environmental and food security organizations. For cocktail, beer or cider fans, you can put together a mixed 6 or 12 pack assortment from local breweries such as No-Li or Dry Fly. Many of their products are packaged in recyclable aluminum cans.
The Grain Shed is passionate about building local food resilience and soil health. They hand craft both breads and beers using local heritage grains.
A 6-pack or a gift certificate from The Grain Shed is a great gift that also supports the health of the greater Spokane region.
The Palouse is one of the country's largest growing regions for lentils, split peas, and different types of beans. Purchase these locally grown healthy foods at Palouse Brand. They also sell locally grown and milled flours for the bakers in your life. Some of their products come in adorable and reusable cloth/burlap bags.
Native plant seeds make great gifts for gardeners. Most plant nurseries are closed for the season, but consider making an “IOU” coupon or purchasing a pack of native seeds locally at Northwest Seed and Pet.
Winterwoods Tea Company uses durable yet compostable Kraft bags to package their organic, fair trade, locally blended teas.
Roast House coffee sources their beans from family farms in Central America. Farms they support practice good land stewardship by maintaining a diverse forest canopy and understory, providing habitat for wildlife as well as carbon sequestration. They offer bag returns and support several local environmental non-profits.
Last but not least, Spokane Zero Waste will be selling items made through our project Woven at the Women’s Club, 1428 W. 9th on December 2nd 10am-5pm. Woven rescues textiles headed for landfill or incineration and turns them into usable goods. We work with and train talented immigrant and refugee women in this work as a path towards economic independence and belonging. Come see all wonderful things they’ve been making. All sales are tax deductible donations that support this program.
More than anything this holiday season, remember the gift of time, friendship and community are invaluable. Thank you for being a part of the Spokane Zero Waste Community, we wish you all the best of the season and a healthy, happy New Year!
Elyse Hochstadt
Executive Director
