Sustainable gifts for cyclists at Christmas

While we’re doing all we can to create a better future for the planet by making cycling more accessible, we also love finding other areas to improve our impact on the planet. Join us by shopping more sustainably this Christmas and take a look at these eco-friendly Christmas gift options for this year.

Eco-friendly sunscreen £17.99

We know it’s the depths of winter, but it’s actually good practice to wear sunscreen all year round if you’re outdoors a lot. Either way, when it comes to the summer months and those forearms are out catching the rays, it’s best to make sure your favourite cyclist is well protected! This all-natural sunscreen is vegan, eco-friendly, and reef-safe if they fancy a dip in the sea.

Sustainability check:

• Ethically sourced
• All-natural ingredients
• Plastic free
• Marine and reef safe

Multipurpose towel made from 100% recycled materials £25-£29

Towels always come in handy. Whether it’s for de-mudding the dog, yourself or your kit, they’re always useful to have on hand!

If you’re looking for something practical as well as sustainable, why not go for a Dock & Bay large towel? It folds up into a neat bag too, so it’s easy to store away in the car or a bag, ready to be whipped out just when it’s needed most. We love that you can choose from large or extra large, too, to really get the most out of it!

Sustainability check:

• At least 28 recycled plastic bottles have gone into each towel
• Dock & Bay is a B Corp which means it, as a company, must adhere to certain rules
• Suppliers are certified by the Global Recycled Standard

Cycling UK gift membership £50 (currently 20% off, taking it to £40!)

A membership to Cycling UK makes a fantastic gift for the avid cyclist who’s trying to make positive changes towards their carbon footprint. Instead of buying them something physical that might end up in landfill or have a nasty effect on the environment, opt for our digital subscription.

By being a member, they’ll get year-round access to helpful articles and advice, saving them time and money. They’ll also get complimentary third-party insurance for a year, as well as access to some exclusive member discounts from some of our favourite brands, plenty of whom are doing good work in the sustainability sector such as UPSO recycled bags!

Sustainability check:

• Registered UK charity
• Donating helps our main cause of making cycling accessible to everyone, promoting a more sustainable way to travel and reducing the impact on the planet
• Gift is digital with a lower carbon footprint than sending items out by post

Attacus EVO Jersey (Available in both women’s and men’s styles) £60-£115

Attacus is a small British brand focused on making high-quality cycling gear with great values. The EVO jersey is made from yarns that have been manufactured from post-consumer waste such as plastic bottles, food packaging and other items that end up in recycling bins.

The company has worked hard with its manufacturers in Italy to create a premium fabric from 100% recycled sources. As well as its carbon footprint and premium styling, it’s more than fit to function with the fabric being breathable and sweat wicking, a shortened zip for riding comfort, and several useful pockets.

Sustainability check:

• Fair Wear Certified – which means the clothing is made in vetted factories that meet the UN’s Declaration on Human Rights standards
• Committed to increasing the usage of recycled materials in clothing production, and many of the fabrics are now made from recycled post-consumer waste
• UK based
• Paper packaging
• Limited runs to prevent overstocking

Schwalbe Green Marathon Tyres £24.83

Tyres aren’t perhaps the first thing you think of when buying your Christmas presents, but if the keen cyclist in your life is passionate about the environment, they’ll no doubt be aware of the impacts of rubber on the environment.