December is that special time of year for gift giving and receiving. It’s good to remember that not only is this the busiest month for many retailers, but one that sets the tone for the coming year in terms of recycling and other environmental impacts. Let quality take precedent over quantity and think about whether the recipient will actually use the item instead of gathering dust in a corner. Sustainability has many parameters; it’s important that it fill a need of the giftee rather than serve as some kind of wish fulfillment for ourselves. Do the homework and make it count.

Cykochic Custom Handbags

Cykochic, started in 2003 in Dallas, creates a line of custom-made vegan handbags that are eco-friendly, cruelty-free and noted for their creative designs. They have recently added T-shirts, tops and home décor, including custom photo Eco-canvas Vegan throw pillows. President Nikki Duong Koenig says, “I believe that everything in life has a cycle and we are all interconnected, says about the collection of all her loves for art/fashion/animals/nature/humanity. In addition to using local artists, customers can also collaborate for their own custom designs.

For more information and to see all product, visit Cykochic.com.

 

Kick Butt Boots

Kat Mendenhall, a native Texas vegan activist, has created a line of cruelty-free cowboy boots from quality vegan products that prove no animal ever has to suffer for comfort and fashion. Her boots are leather-free, 100 percent vegan and handmade in El Paso. Kick Butt makes cowboy boots for men and women that are stylish enough for a day of shopping, as well as an authentic fit for line dancing. Mendenhall proclaims that they're the most comfortable boots you'll ever wear. Got your own design? Kick But can more than likely we can make it happen. They offer embroidery, cut-outs, inlays and steel-toed boots.

For more information visit KickButtBoots.com.

 

Glass Recycled Surfaces

Glass Recycled Surfaces converts recycled glass and porcelain bound for landfills into elegant, sustainable, and ecological hard surfaces and landscaping material for home or business. Now instead of 75 percent of all glass bottles manufactured being placed in a landfill, these materials are transformed into countertops, backsplashes, flooring, wall cladding and landscape.

Choose from their premier collections or get creative and create your own design. Glass Recycled Surfaces is the only recycled glass and porcelain upcycling manufacturer that can customize the color of resin and the choice of glass, porcelain and shell. Prices starting at $31 per square foot.

For more information, call 972-865-4782 or visit GlassRecycled.com.

 

Green Pet Supply Store

Green Pet is a local, independently owned, all-natural pet food shop offering high-quality food for dogs and cats, including refrigerated fresh food and organic foods, so your pet can lead a healthier, happier and longer life. In addition to wholesome food options that omit chemicals, corn and other fillers, they also stock a large variety of natural pet products such as organic treats and chews, as well as high-quality toys, collars and leashes. The Green Pet Supply Store is also chock full of unique, healthy and eco-friendly gift choices for pets and friends. They offer one-on-one food consultations to educate and encourage customers to take a holistic approach to caring for their pets

Location: 315 N. Bishop Ave., Dallas. For more information, call 214-942-6042 or visit GreenPetSupplyStoreDallas.com.

 

Fair & Square Imports

Carrying only fair trade, handmade goods from more than 40 different developing countries, Fair & Square Imports, in downtown McKinney, is empowering artisans and farmers in some of the poorest countries around world, while providing north Texans with affordably priced, unique, environmentally friendly gifts, arts and crafts. Voted Big D 2013 Readers Choice for ,home accessories, founders Andrew and Kate Jones are passionate about fair trade, and have recently opened an online store selling a limited selection of the products found at the storefront. With such a wide array of gift items, they also recommend gift certificates as great way to expose friends and family to their offerings.

Location: 219 E. Louisiana St., McKinney. For more information, visit FairAndSquareImports.com.

 

It’s Organic 2U! Brings Home the Produce

Giving the gift of better health is the stated goal of It’s Organic 2U! owner Greg Jones. After relocating to the Metroplex, Jones says they discovered how difficult it was to find a diverse selection of organic produce at local grocery stores that was fresh and chemical/GMO-free. After talking to many purveyors at farmers’ markets, they quickly realized there are a number of farmers practicing sustainable farming with fresh produce right in our backyard.

Based on the idea that there must be a more convenient way to buy organically grown produce, It’s Organic 2U was born. The company is based on the idea of connecting communities with local farmers via a home delivery service and mobile market. All of the produce is either certified organic or local and sustainably produced, and a variety of box sizes are available.

For more information, call 214-390-7417 or visit ItsOrganic2U.com