Last month’s suggestions were for moms; now dads can be the recipients of green gifts for Father’s Day. For something he will use every day, how about a green razor? Much safer than the straight razors used decades ago, yet not as wasteful as today’s disposables, the Preserve Razor shaves clean and close and comes in an environment-friendly package. Its titanium-coated blades are polished, and the ergonomic handle is made from 100-percent recycled plastic made from products like yogurt cups.
The man with a sensitive side would appreciate Aveda Men’s Shave Cream for a comfortable close, smooth shave. Its rich conditioners — including peppermint, lavender and aloe — pamper skin and provide easy razor glide. The cream also helps prevent nicks, dryness and irritations. Aveda After-Shave Balm is cooling and aromatic. Its soothing lavender, aloe and chamomile extracts respond to skin irritations such as razor burn and dryness. Get details on both products at aveda.com.
The HYmini personal wind turbine, a hand-held, universal charger/adapter device, should please gadget-lovers. The energy stored in its internal battery can be used to recharge a cell phone, MP3 player, iPod, PDA, digital camera or other 5V device. Dad can attach the HYmini to his bike with the HYmini bicycle attachment kit and charge a mobile power supply while on the road at wind speeds above 9 m.p.h.
Dad will also get a charge out of the Solio Classic Charger, available in white, black or silver. With one hour of sun, he can harness enough juice to play his iPod for about an hour or get up to 25 minutes of additional talk time on most cell phones. Solio’s compact lightweight design makes it convenient for travel or emergency use. Both devices are available at TerraPass.com.
For a father who quenches his thirst with a brew, there is organic beer — a sampler package of India Pale Ale microbrews from various certified-organic award-winning breweries. The Organic IPA Beer Sampler, now available in a 6- or 8-pack, features two 12-ounce bottles each of Wolovers India Pale Ale, Bison IPA, Eel River IPA, and Fish Tale Organic IPA.
Does dad get a thrill from working the grill? Buy him a Stainless Steel Master Grill Set that features stainless steel tools with brushed stainless steel handles. The 20-piece set has a multi-function spatula, three-prong fork, marinating brush, four shish-kabob skewers, eight corn-on-the-cob holders, gripping tongs, barbecue knife, grill-cleaning brush and two extra grill-cleaning brush heads. It comes in an aluminum case that securely holds each tool in place.
Whether dad serves burgers or brats, a Gourmet Mustard Set will spice things up. The fat-free mustards come in these tantalizing flavors: Green Olive and Lemon Mustard, Chipotle and Lime Mustard, Ginger and Honey Mustard, Roasted Tomato and Balsamic Mustard. Each set includes four 8-ounce jars. Order the beer sampler, grill set and gourmet mustards online at ecoexpress.com.
For do-it-yourself dads, a bottle of Amazing EcoGlue has many applications. This water-based adhesive has less than 1 percent VOCs (volatile organic compounds), no animal derivatives, excellent water resistance and 100 percent recyclable packaging. EcoGlue bonds to a wide variety of substrates, including wood, stone, metal, tile, glass and cloth. For more information, go to eclecticproducts.com/ecoglue.
Now in its ninth season at the Chicago Botanic Garden, the Model Railroad Garden would make a great Father’s Day outing. This year the outdoor exhibit features the West, with model trains, miniature representations of America’s best-loved landmarks and colorful small-scale gardens. Check the garden’s website for details: chicagobotanic.org/railroad.
Contact Eco Gal at info@evanstonroundtable.com or ecogal247@yahoo.com.