Graduation Gift Ideas for Sustainable Scientists

Are you looking for gifts for science graduates? Overwhelmed by the gift options available? Perhaps you’re wondering what would be meaningful, useful and at the same time sustainable? After all, in times like these, sustainability is more important than ever.

Graduation ceremonies and birthday parties may be cancelled due to COVID-19, but you can still reach out to your friends, celebrate virtually via video conferencing and send them gifts. Here are some green gift ideas for the environmentally conscious scientist:

1) Stainless-steel water bottle

It’s always good to stay hydrated. This gift will help them cultivate the habit of carrying around a reusable water bottle. It’s a good reminder to stay hydrated and helps dial down the purchasing of single-use water bottles.

2) Bamboo utensil set

It is a perfect set to carry with you and it includes a fork, knife, spoon, and chop sticks. It will come in handy for your friend when they have a packed lunch or if they are working long hours and just want to grab a takeout from a nearby restaurant or the university food court.

3) Reusable coffee cup

Coffee is an integral part of graduate school. It was always part of my gratitude list when I was in graduate school! If you know an avid coffee lover, bringing your own reusable coffee cup can be a step towards sustainability. Did you know that it takes 30 years for the paper coffee cups to decompose?

4) Stainless-steel straw

Does your friend frequent cafes and pubs? Or do they enjoy fountain drinks? Stainless-steel straw can be a great gift for them. It is easy to carry around, comes with a cleaning brush, and reduces consumption of single-use plastic. Plastic straws may be a small proportion of plastics that end up in oceans, but every small action we take matters.

5) Reusable grocery bags

As graduate students we are often living on a budget. When I was a graduate student, I did my groceries every week. How many single use plastic bags get used every time we go grocery shopping?

There are so many reusable grocery bags and totes available, no one would even know you are carrying a week’s worth groceries in those bags. They are convenient, strong, chic and sustainable.

Interested in learning more about how scientists are going green? Learn tips from researchers as they pursue their own journey towards sustainability >

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