Eco-Friendly Gift Ideas From Minnesota Companies

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Minnesota 2020, a St. Paul think-tank, wants you to consider green gifts this holiday season. They have released a report saying sustainable, locally-made goods are best for the state's economy and environment.

"And these are not things that you see around here that are going to end up just discarded in six months and thrown in a landfill," said Lee Egerstrom with Minnesota 2020.

At a Minneapolis store called Moss Envy, green gifts are everywhere, like organic cotton sheets, a Christmas tree made from discarded grape vines and a lawn chair made from old water skis.

"There is just an awareness, overall, of people wanting to shop this way, wanting to be more concerned about the items they are surrounding themselves with," said Ryan North with Moss Envy.

A small company in Waconia, Sun Leaf Naturals, makes shampoo and body wash bars that eliminate plastic bottles, a major source of pollution.      

"When you give a gift like this, you know that the person made a choice to buy locally, and to buy a product that will not pollute the environment, and will be enjoyable to use," said Mary Jurgens with Sun Leaf Naturals.

Minnesota 2020 has an online gift guide of Minnesota-made items. Just click on the link below.
Made In Minnesota Gift Guide

WCCO-TV's John Lauritsen Reports