Sustainable Christmas gift guide 2018

We all have that one friend (or multiple, probably) who somehow is always on the go but keeps talking about wanting to go sustainable. Well, you can finally shut them up with NO!W No Waste’s range of no-waste starter kits. The online shop offers various sets that make sustainable living easy, such as the aptly-named on-the-go kit, which comes complete with a reusable bamboo coffee cup, reusable snack bag and stainless steel straws. Check out the shop for more kits to eliminate waste in the bathroom and kitchen. From $100; now-nowaste.com

We may live in the digital age, but bookworms still thrive among us. For the buddy who insists on reading real, bound paper books or writing in notebooks, forego buying a new book wrapped in plastic and head to one of the Hong Kong’s fantastic range of indie bookstores like Bleak House Books, Flow Books and Books & Co (pictured) for a special well-loved tome instead. Ah, breathe in that old book smell. Womb HK also offers ethically and sustainably sourced craft goods such as fashionable notebooks by Magdalena Tekieli.

Though Hong Kong’s plastic bag levy has been in place for a while, supermarkets and wet markets are still putting our produce into plastic bags. If you’ve got a mate who frequents markets and loves grocery shopping, how about gifting them an eco-friendly cotton bag from Plastic Free HK? Each comes with a fun, colourful, fruit-and-veggie-centric design. Throw in a ‘vejibag’ that helps keep produce fresh for longer (essential in Hong Kong’s heat and humidity) and reduce the amount of spoiled produce you end up throwing away. From $70; plasticfreehk.com

What is Hong Kong if not a city full of non-stop travellers? People are constantly flying in and out, which means mad rushes to the airport and a tide of single-use cups and plastic bottles chucked in bins. For these jetsetters (or any Hongkonger, really), Stojo Biggie collapsible coffee cups offer an alternative. Made from recyclable materials and high-grade silicone, the cup’s collapsible design makes it easy to shove into bags. Plus, they come with a straw and in a range of pretty pastel colours. $180; livezero.hk

Help your friends get pampered from head to toe with the help John Masters Organics. The organic beauty brand has introduced five different gift sets that suit different needs. There’s one that’s dedicated to haircare and another entirely for skincare – all come bottled in recyclable materials. That’s not the best part, though. This Christmas, John Masters is spreading some festive cheer to those in need by repurposing unwanted Christmas gifts. Donate any new clothing, toiletries, and stationery between December 26-January 20 and in return, you’ll get a free body care trial set. From $400; johnmasters.com

For that friend that insists they want no gifts for the holidays, there are other ways to celebrate Christmas together. There are many great organisations in Hong Kong dedicated to sustainability with events that you and your friend can take part in. Such activities include beach cleanups by the First Penguins, Plastic Free Seas, planting trees at Kadoorie Farm & Botanic Garden, or simply make a donation to WWF Hong Kong.