Photo courtesy of studio 711

Father`s Day is just around the corner and now is the time to start thinking about that special gift for the dad in your life. While some people purchase traditional Father`s Day gifts such as neckties and cologne, you may wish to find different types of gifts for dads who are concerned about the environment and making the world a kinder place in which to live. Fortunately, an abundant array of gift ideas exists for gift givers seeking environmentally friendly gifts. You can even buy gifts from companies that donate a percentage of their proceeds to charity. Dads who love spending time in the great outdoors will be thrilled to receive gifts that are made from recyclable materials. Read on for Father`s Day gift ideas geared toward green-living dads and the families who love them.

1. Bicycles
Instead of giving the same old neckties and shirts, consider purchasing a bicycle for dear old Dad. Riding a bike in the great outdoors helps to keep carbon emissions to a minimum. If you really want to impress your nature-loving dad, buy a gently used bicycle, perfect for riding through the park. Visit thrift stores, yard sales, e-bay and similar places to score a bike for your father.

2. Tents
Does your dad enjoy camping and spending time in the wilderness? Buy him a Big Agnes Salt Creek 2 tent. As the 2009 winner of Backpacker Magazine`s Editor`s Choice Green Award, this 3-season tent is manufactured from 100% recycled materials. The company, Big Agnes created the tent without using toxic dyes. It is the perfect tent for environmentally conscious dads who love camping.

3. Sleeping Bags
Fathers who want to sleep under the stars and still remain eco-friendly will love to receive a sleeping bag created from recycled materials. Consider buying the Marmot Eco Pro Series of sleeping bags. Recycled plastic bottles are used to create the sleeping bags` shells and liners. Visit backcountry.com to view the selection of sleeping bags available.

 

4. Backpacks
Dads who think that hiking is the ideal way to spend an afternoon may appreciate a backpack. FEED Health backpacks are manufactured from recycled nylon and boast adjustable straps. For every backpack sold, the FEED organization sends a backpack filled with medical equipment and first aid supplies to health community organizations in Africa. Go to feedprojects.com and browse through the selection of backpacks.

 

5. Camping Utensils
When Dad goes off on a camping trip, he still needs to eat. Some meals cooked over a campfire may require utensils. You may want to buy him some bamboo utensils for Father`s Day. Bamboo utensils from To-Go Ware feature a fork, knife, spoon and chopsticks. The utensil holders are made from recycled PET plastic. Check out to-goware.com to find the perfect set of bamboo utensils.

 

Not every dad enjoys camping, but you can still purchase gifts that help protect the environment. Whether your father enjoys DC shoes, camping, clothing, sweets, office supplies, books, fresh produce or anything in between, you can make your father happy and help make the world a cleaner, gentler place by purchasing items that are eco-friendly. These types of Father`s Day gifts are ideal for everyone because they are gifts that keep on giving.

Stay Conscious + Chic!