10 (sustainable) things I bought this year - aka ideas for your Christmas list

Disclaimer: I'm a minimalist. I get stressed out by having too much stuff. Before I buy anything, I do an annoying amount of research. My wife will confirm getting me a present is more of a chore than a pleasure.

So this is a bit of an unusual post for me, but look, it's nearly Christmas and while the ideal thing would be to give experiences, consumables and best wishes, the reality is that most of us are likely to end up with lots of crappy stuff under the Christmas tree. 

Disclaimer 2: These are things that work for me and are to my taste, so this is a subjective list, not an objective one.

So I am going to share here a list of products/brands that I've researched and bought this year that I've genuinely enjoyed using, that work well, and more importantly that don’t trash the planet in the process. 

1. reMarkable

This one changed how I work. It's a distraction-free digital notebook, no apps, no notifications, just writing, sketching, and reading.

Everything's digital, searchable, and backed up. It’s a beautiful and peaceful experience, and something that will last a long time.

If you take a lot of notes, read a lot of PDFs, or just want to cut down on paper, this is worth looking at.

2. Rocketbook

This is a cheaper alternative to reMarkable. You write, scan it to the cloud with your phone, then wipe it clean and start again.

It's not as sleek as the reMarkable, but it's cheaper and does the job. I keep one in my work bag for quick notes and sketches. It’s incredibly clever and real value for money.

3. Flower Mountain

I needed new trainers this year and stumbled across Flower Mountain. They're a footwear brand that uses recycled materials, fossil fuel free fabric, responsible production, and builds shoes to last.

They're also just really nice trainers. That's the thing, sustainability doesn't have to mean compromising on style or comfort. Sometimes it's just better design.

4. Passenger Clothing

I've been wearing Passenger for a few years now. They make outdoor-inspired basics using recycled fibers and organic fabrics, designed to be worn often and kept for a long time.

Their stuff just works. T-shirts, jumpers, jackets, simple, durable, well-made. No big logos, no fuss, just good clothes built with sustainability as a core.

5. Colorful Standard

Similar vibe to Passenger but more minimalist. Organic cotton, responsible dyeing, timeless cuts, made in Portugal.

Their philosophy is "buy better, keep longer," which is exactly how I think about clothes. I'd rather own fewer things that I actually wear than a wardrobe full of stuff I forget about.

6. tado°

This is the least sexy thing on the list, but probably the most impactful: a smart thermostat and smart radiator valve system,

I installed tado° in my house some years ago, it cut my gas usage and improved comfort. It learns your schedule, adjusts heating based on weather and occupancy, and you can control it remotely.

It's one of those "fit and forget" sustainability wins. You're not thinking about it, but it's quietly reducing your energy bills and making your life a bit easier.

7. The Economist (Digital)

I've had a digital subscription to The Economist for years. No paper waste, no weekly pile of magazines to recycle, just insightful news delivered digitally.

If you work in sustainability, staying informed about economics, policy, and geopolitics isn't optional. This keeps me current.

8. SURI Toothbrush

A repairable, recyclable electric toothbrush made from plant-based and durable materials. Designed to last, with replaceable heads and a take-back scheme that keeps used parts out of landfill. The battery lasts one month and it is a great example of how sustainability doesn’t have to compromise on customer experience.

9+10 Fairphone and Fairbuds

Still on my wishlist - but the ethos beyond Fairphone and Fairbuds is brilliant. They are modular pieces of tech built with ethical supply chains, recycled materials, and designed so you can actually repair it yourself.

This is what tech should be: functional, fixable, and built to last.

Not something I managed to get to in 2025, but certainly on my wish list for the year ahead, in case anyone is considering getting me a present lol.

Final Thought

This isn't a "buy this and save the planet" list. Individual consumption isn't going to solve systemic problems. We need policy change, industrial transformation, and massive investment in clean infrastructure.

But if you're going to buy something anyway, because you need it, or because it's Christmas and you're looking for gift ideas, you might as well choose things that are built to last, designed to be repaired, and made with a bit more thought.

I'm not perfect at this. I still buy things I don't need. I still make compromises. But I'm trying to be more intentional about what I bring into my life, and these are the things that have made that easier this year.

Disclaimer 3: No affiliate links, no sponsorships. These are just things I've bought with my own money and actually use.