Eco-Friendly Gifts for Dad From Commerce With a Conscience

CwaC

Story by CwaC

Published on June 01, 2010 in Shop

Photo by portlandgeneralstore

CC_bio_.jpgCommerce with a Conscience is a blog dedicated to showing fashion-conscious guys everywhere that ethics and style need not be mutually exclusive. Founded and edited by Brad Bennett, the site covers an array of socially responsible brands and products that make it possible to stay on-trend without any moral compromise, or overdrawn bank accounts. In addition to daily blog content and weekly features, the site is also home to the CWAC Product Guide, which allows visitors to browse and compare the best socially responsible clothing and accessories in one beautifully curated and easily navigable space.

Father’s Day is coming up, and while not a father myself, I still do love receiving gifts. So, it was a real treat to have Etsy ask me to round up a handful of items that would make someone’s Father’s Day extra special. As no stranger to Etsy and the many handmade treasures contained within, it didn’t take me long to greatly exceed my item limit. But, after much deliberation and several hours of soul-searching, I finally narrowed down my selections to a clean dozen. So, without further ado, I present you with 12 handmade goods that have me reconsidering my girlfriend’s and my no-children-before-30 pledge.

 

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To this day, American Optical still produces their full range of sun- and eye- glasses here in the US. Though I don’t actually need glasses, great old pairs like this vintage tortoise shell one from Etsy seller ifoundgallery11 always make me wish I did (at least, just a little). What can I say, I’m sucker for all things WASP.

 

In addition to making a ripping good bow tie such as this USA Bicentennial Tartan, rufflentuck founder Rosemary Hayes is also one of the nicest people in all the Etsy-verse. Every tie is crafted one at a time by hand from an array of Scottish and Canadian fabrics. I already own four and would be happy to recommend them for any dad.

 

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This brushed tie bar from yvonneraley is pretty much my ideal accessory: simple, clean, and functional. It’s also unbelievably priced, considering that’s been handcrafted out of pure sterling silver.

 

It doesn’t get much more summery than this ribbon belt from Etsy seller preppyinpink. The fact that it’s handmade in the US only sweetens the deal.

 

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Every one-of-a-kind bag forestbound bag is handmade by designer Alice Saunders, who uses only salvaged and recycled materials. Unfortunately, most of her bags sell within less than 24 hours of being listed, which can make it pretty difficult to pick one up. However, they’re still a joy to look at. The bag pictured above (which is long gone now) is one of my all-time favorites.

 

San Fransisco based architect Matt Hutchinson, a.k.a. MuSgoods, has produced a small range of ruggedly crafted, heirloom quality men’s accessories. The Basic Wallet is made from upcycled scrap leather which Hutchinson sources from manufacturers in and around the SF area.


As the story goes, the whittleseycreek canvas tote is an original design of the seller’s mother. Handcrafted in the USA from upholstery grade (read: bomb-proof) cotton duck, the bag is a nice alternative to the classic L. L. Bean tote.

 

If you’ve paid any attention to the menswear blogosphere in the last year, you no doubt have some familiarity with Lisa Brodar’s excellent portlandgeneralstore. Based out of Portland, ME, Broader hand-mixes every one of her uber-masculine fragrances from an assortment of natural and organic ingredients. While I love them all, for me the Whiskey scent is the real showstopper.

 

I’ve been doing the wet shave (read: brush and safety razor) thing for several years now and am always on the lookout for new lathers. The herbanlifestyle Shaving Soap is made from a mix of USDA certified organic essential oils and moisturizers and is formulated specifically for brush use.

 

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For quicker jaunts, the ULock Holster from Death and Texas (a. k. a. DNTX) is a pretty ingenious solution for lock transport. Made from vegetable tanned leather, the holster’s hand-riveted loops simply slide over your belt, and just like that, you’re good to go. I could see this being on my person for most, if not all, of the coming summer.

 

The City Bicycle Panniers by LaplanderBags are made from eco-friendly Waxwear waxed canvas and vegetable tanned (chrome-free and biodegradable) leather. Though purposely anachronistic in their appearance, the bags still offer a bevy of modern conveniences, including cinch-top interiors and reflective tape strips. Never before has a bag made me so badly want to go on a biking tour of the English countryside.

 

ClankWorks‘ Carbonized Clank Plant is made from bamboo fiber that has been waterproofed with a vegetable based oil. As beautiful as they are environmentally sound, the CCPs will add a touch of class to any ride, while keeping your backside nice and dry.

 

What are you planning to get Dad for Father’s Day? Leave your suggestion in the comments below.

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