As humans confront climate change, it’s crucial to examine how food systems contribute to the problem. Greenhouse gas emissions, habitat destruction through agriculture, and overfishing all harm the planet.

Still, it’s not all doom and gloom. Small farms have stepped up to provide communities with fresh, local produce. Start-ups find innovative ways to reduce waste. Many food producers and culinary companies show how eco-friendly and eating can go hand-in-hand. For green gourmands who value sustainability and good food, here are some gift ideas.

Gulf of Maine Conservas Tinned Fish. Image Courtesy of Gulf of Maine.

North Stars: Heritage Value, Production & Consumption, Wildlife Ecosystems

Conservas, a term for preserved foods, often refers to high-quality tinned fish. While this tradition has deep roots in Europe, especially in Portugal and Spain, the movement has since spread to the U.S. Fishermen catch this mackerel using a rod and reel. The distinctively flavorful fish delivers omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, niacin, and B vitamins. Often used as baitfish in the United States, it enjoys high demand in foreign markets. This product introduces an accessible way to enjoy this delicious fish, native to and abundant in the Gulf of Maine.

Steeped coffee bags. Image courtesy of Steeped.

North Stars: Waste Management, Production & Consumption, Certifications

Who doesn’t like a good cup of coffee to start the day? But if you’re traveling or camping and trying to pack light, too often you’re left with lackluster instant coffee. Taking a page from the tea industry’s handbook, Steeped packages their ethically sourced coffee in single-serve steeping bags for coffee that’s both high quality and easy to make on the go. A B Corp-certified organization, their packaging is also fully compostable. This Variety Pack includes a mix of Steeped’s best-selling blends including Breakwater, Sunrise, Odyssey, and California, with 24 single-serving packets.

Girl Meets Dirt Pear Preserves. Image courtesy of Girl Meets Dirt.

North Stars: Heritage Value, Production & Consumption, Gender Equality

The San Juan Islands in western Washington are renowned for their dreamy vistas and whale encounters, but they’re also home to orchards full of heritage fruits. Orcas Island has a long history of orchard-keeping, and women-founded small business Girl Meets Dirt shares these island treasures with locals and visitors in the form of jams, preserves, bitters, and more. Made with native-growing Orcas Island pears and fresh bay leaves, these spoon preserves are a lovely expression of island terroir.

Saffi Saana Olive Oil

North Stars: Waste Management, Production & Consumption, Community Support

Giving the gift of olive oil that’s trusted and used by over 30 Michelin-awarded restaurants around the United States would be more than enough to excite any food lover. But prestige is only part of the appeal of Saffi Saana’s Zero Waste Olive Oil. Like its other products, the company sources its raw ingredients from small family farms around the world — in this case, Chile. Its packaging is also zero-waste, as it partners with restaurants and wine shops to gather and clean used bottles and upcycle them into oil and vinegar vessels. If you live close to the company’s home base in Madison, Wisconsin, you can even help participate in its recycling program by donating empty wine bottles. Saffi Saana also offers a recycling program for its bulk bags, which can be shipped to its facility and handed over to a partnering recycling company.

Tiny Fish Co

North Stars: Gender Equality, Production & Consumption, Wildlife Ecosystems

Based in the Pacific Northwest and founded by chef Sara Hauman, Tiny Fish Co. sources its tinned seafood options from healthy, sustainable fish populations, focusing on overabundant species instead of overfished ones. The result is a tinned seafood collection full of fun, diverse options in exciting flavors and preparations. This Party Pack comes with Tiny Fish Co.’s five staple flavors — Sunshine & Sole, Buttery Octopus with Lemon & Dill, Spicy Jamaican Jerk Rockfish, and Chorizo Spiced Mussels — in whimsical, colorful packaging; perfect for snacking or a tinned fish dinner.

Copper Bar Set

North Stars: Waste Management, Heritage Value, Diversity & Inclusion

If you have a mixologist in your life, they’ll fall head over heels for this gorgeous, gleaming copper bar set. Not only is this set of 100% recycled copper a beautiful addition to any bar cart but it’s also handcrafted by artisans at Sertodo Copper. An international artist cooperative with locations in Mexico and Texas, the collective carries on heritage copper-making traditions from Santa Clara del Cobre dating back thousands of years. This set includes a Boston shaker, jigger, bar spoon, Charolita tray, and a tiny butler bell to summon guests when their drink is ready.

Chiapas Towels. Image courtesy of Made Trade.

North Stars: Heritage Value, Gender Equality, Production & Consumption

Handwoven on heritage foot looms in Chiapas, Mexico, these plaid kitchen towels from Archive New York will jazz up any kitchen. A women-owned company based in LA, Archive New World works to help preserve textile craft traditions across Mexico and Central America by partnering with artisans and weavers for a wide range of homeware and decor pieces. In addition to the lovely pattern, these kitchen towels are 100% cotton and washing machine-safe for easy cleaning.

CSA Farmshare. Image by Pexels.

CSA Farm Membership, Pricing Varies

North Stars: Production & Consumption, Community Support, Waste Management

What better gift for the food-lover in your life than the gift of farm-fresh produce throughout the year? Around the United States, family farms offer Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) subscriptions for their area, selling boxes of fresh, seasonal produce. Purchasing a CSA subscription cuts out the middleman of supermarket shopping, reduces packaging and food transit waste, and helps support local farms and small family businesses. Plus, as many farms offer organic produce, you can be assured of the quality and safety of your food. Pricing can vary depending on factors like location and how many boxes you’ll get, but an annual membership can start in the $400 range. One downside of paying for a CSA membership is the higher up-front cost, but it can often help you save money in the long run when compared to regular grocery shopping. Use this USDA local food directory to find a CSA in your area to give the gift of fresh, healthy food.

Burlap Barrel Spices

North Stars: Production & Consumption, Community Support, Waste Management

Burlap & Barrel was founded with a mission to connect farmers with consumers, offering single-origin spices that are sustainably sourced They focus on supporting small-scale farmers and using direct trade practices to ensure fair compensation and high-quality products. Their spices are superior to average ones on the market due to their freshness and unique flavors, cultivated in specific regions to preserve traditional methods. The 9-Spice Chef’s Collection will help your gift recipient get started with unusual flavors like black like and purple shallot along with staples like five spice and wild mountain cumin.

More Stories

  • TRAVEL

    Gift Guide: What to Give the Jet-Setting Traveler in Your Life

  • BEAUTY AND WELLNESS,TRAVEL

    Iceland’s Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon? A Comparison of Geothermal Spas Near Reykjavík

  • TRAVEL

    Why a Homestay Is the Best Way to Experience Nepal

  • TRAVEL

    10 Reasons to Put Sierra Leone on Your 2025 Travel List

  • TRAVEL

    A Vegan’s Guide to Eating Well in Meat-Loving Wine Regions