Our Father’s Day gift guide will appeal to a range of different dad’s – from the health nut to the geeky guy, we’ve got something for everyone.

For the special man in your life, whether it’s the father of your children, your own dearest dad, or a surrogate father figure, show him how much you care with a small token of appreciation. Whether he’s into an organic and sustainable lifestyle or not, our Father’s Day gift guide still has mass appeal and is a great jumping off point for some really special and unique presents for Pops.

1. The Grillmaster

If your Dad is a vegetarian or vegan, that doesn’t mean he has to give up one of his favorite pastimes. Cracking open a beer, sporting his favorite apron, and firing up the grill is not only possible, but also delicious and healthy with one of these meat-free cookbooks. Depending on dietary preferences, we recommend the highly rated “Cookouts Veggie Style!: 225 Backyard Favorites – Full of Flavor, Free of Meat” or “Grilling Vegan Style: 125 Fired-Up Recipes to Turn Every Bite into a Backyard BBQ.”

2. The Dapper Dad

For the dad that’s always dressed to the nines, impeccably groomed, and smelling great, then the Herban Cowboy line of men’s all natural cologne and grooming products should be right up his alley. Not only are we loving this popular dusk blend fragrance that’s both organic and cruelty-free, but the ethical brand also offers shaving cream, soap, lotion, deodorant, and more.

3. The Adventurer

When the great outdoors is when Dad is truly in his element, then perhaps some upgraded camping gear will brighten his day. The Encampment 15 from Big Agnes is a synthetic sleeping bag that features Insotect Hotstream insulation, comprised of one hundred percent recycled material, which is said to feel as warm and as soft as down insulation. Now, Dad can still do rugged, manly things while having a soft spot to sleep. Maybe he can even convince you to tag along.

4. The Hipster

If Dad is a trend slayer on the regular and loves to dress in the latest styles, then a hip and handy messenger bag might be just the thing to complete his outfits this year. For a cross-body tote that he can carry to the office or to the park, choose The Quintessential Commuter from Blue Lounge. Perfect for a bicycle ride, subway commute, and more, this messenger bag is made entirely from plastic bottles, water-resistant, and hardwearing.

5. The Sporty Father

The All Out Crush running shoe from Merrell will have your fitness loving father pounding the pavement in comfort and style. One of the best features of these shoes, aside from the ergonomic design and pleasing aesthetic, is the fact that they’re also vegan-friendly. This ethical footwear is made from mesh, TPU, a washable synthetic upper, and the advanced Trail Protect pad for underfoot protection.

6. The Tech Lover

If gadgets always ran amuck at your house and dad is still tinkering with the latest in technology, then blow his mind with a sound enhancer that uses no batteries, has zero cords, and was formerly a living plant. Enter the iBamboo Speaker that’s designed specifically for use with the iPhone. And just as described, this music amplifier made from nothing more than a piece of bamboo is as novel as it sounds.

7. The Spirited Fella

Kicking back with a brew is something many dads enjoy, especially after a long day or on a hot summer afternoon. If yours is conscientious about what he puts in his body, or is willing to try new things, then why not bring by a six pack of ice cold beers from Peak Organic? They’re in most local stores and the company prides itself on using local, artisan, and organic ingredients. With a variety of ales and lagers, there’s something for every beer imbibing dad.

To the first man who taught you how to throw a ball, battled you at video games, helped you study your first specimen, or just gave really good advice, let him know you’re thinking about him this year and every day. Surprise dear old dad with some of the coolest in sustainable, organic, and eco-friendly ideas from our Father’s Day gift guide. Do you have any special Father’s Day memories? Share your thoughts on the EcoSalon Facebook page!

Related on EcoSalon

11 Clever DIY Father’s Day Ideas to Make for Dad

Breaking Gender Barriers: Ethical Menswear for Everyone

Diplomatico Rum: Your New Favorite Liquor is Sustainable and Delicious

Image of Father and Daughter via Shutterstock

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This Father’s Day, don’ t forget to give daddy a gift that has more meaning than meets the eye. The following eco-conscious gifts warrant applause, not only for their usage points but also for their role in saving the world.

Instead of crafting a makeshift present at the last hour, put some thought into Father’s Day this year and consider one of these 7 eco-friendly gifts for the eco-conscious daddy that will put a smile on his (and Mother Nature’s) face.

1. Peak Performance Socks

If your father is active and an avid runner, he probably could use socks that keep his feet dry and blister free. Injinji sells toe socks that properly align toes, promoting posture and balance as well as preventing the wear and tear on his toes. Injinji currently has a buy-2-get-1-free sale for Father’s Day.

2. Recycled Shorts

Just in time for the summer, Patagonia offers board shorts that stay strong in prolonged exposure to salt water and UV rays and are designed to reduce inner thigh chafing. Better yet, Pantagonia ensures that dad can keep his gear out of landfills by participating in its recycle program, which allows the company to re-use the shorts and make them into new products.

3. Fair Trade Soccer

Is your father a soccer fan? Gift him a Fair Trade soccer ball from Senda Athletics. The company not only meets Fair Trade standards but also fuels money back into a communal fund to improve producers’ social, economic and environmental conditions.

4. Next Level TOMS

If dad is not already wearing TOMS, get him started this Father’s Day with the help of Ben Affleck’s Eastern Congo Initiative. This limited edition collection of shoes with a special significance is inspired by Congolese textiles, with two styles for men. For each pair sold, $5 goes to the youth and families in the region. This is on top of TOMS promise to provide a child in need with a new pair of shoes.

5. Reclaimed Golf Balls

This may be the perfect gift for the eco-conscious golfer. Lost Golf Balls is a company that retrieves golf balls from lakes and surrounding natural terrain of resorts, private facilities and courses in the U.S. After being cleaned and sorted based on brand, model and condition, prices are determined.

6. Solar-Powered Watch

Dad will never have to worry about replacing the battery on this watch. The Citizen Blue Angels Skyhawk Watch uses solar power to charge its battery both indoors and outdoors. It has a five-year warranty.

7. Solar Bicycle Trunk Bag

Dad is already saving the world by biking to and fro, but now he can store his belongings and charge electronics with the Nomad Solar Bicycle Trunk Bag. Powered by solar energy, the bag has a universal fit and keeps dad charged while he rides.

Photo Credit: Jurvetson

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A look at what it means to be a father’s daughter. 

I recently spent a few days on a road trip with my father. Dad and daughter road trips aren’t really common when you’re in your late twenties. In fact, to my knowledge, they’re not really that common at all. But they should be.

When I was in middle school my father proposed our first “D&D” (the nickname for what he deemed Dad and Daughter adventures), a road trip to Yosemite during spring break. We proceeded to have a D&D on every single spring break until I graduated from high school. We have had two “reunion” versions since I graduated from college. That’s what you call commitment.

Before I learned how to walk, I was dragged up mountain passes in a child carrier. When I was 8, I was on the back of our tandem bicycle, pedaling 200 miles from Seattle to Portland, and at 15 my father was placing a copy of Desert Solitaire by Edward Abbey into my hands. To say that my father was attempting to instill a sense of adventure in his daughter would be an understatement.

But what he also did was made a lifestyle of pursuing the things that I wanted and enjoyed doing completely achievable, not because I was a girl or a boy, but simply because I was a person, and people have passions. He didn’t put me on a soccer field and a volleyball court because those were girl sports, he just knew I needed to burn some energy off and if he showed me a variety of options I would eventually choose one that I felt good about. In turn, I felt supported, and as cliche as it sounds, really did think that I could do anything that I wanted. The whole “girl” thing wasn’t even part of the equation.

In a world of commercialized gender roles, girls grow up inundated with gender specific messaging, from pink princesses to Snooki. How do we raise empowered daughters that embrace the beauty of being a woman but also believe that they can do anything they want to do, even in a world that’s often inhibited by gender roles? There’s no simple answer to that question, but it certainly starts with being there.

Take Alice Ozma and Jim Brozina for example.

When Ozma was in the fourth grade, and her parents had just gone through a divorce, her father made one simple commitment: to read to her every single night for 100 days. If you have listened to the NPR story on the father daughter duo, you probably teared up. The story is touching and moving, and a tribute to the best of father daughter relationships, and the power of simple actions. After 100 days, the two were so addicted, they stuck to it, keeping up a tradition that lasted for 3,218 days, taking them all the way up to her first day of college.

As Ozma told NPR, “I don’t think fathers and daughters are spending time together every night.” It’s not just every night though; parents and children, and especially daughters, aren’t spending a lot of time together at all.

This hadn’t occurred to me until I started talking about father-daughter relationships with friends of mine. Many of them are strained, most are non-communicative, and few would be defined as close. With my own father-daughter relationship put into perspective, I have in turn grown more and become more appreciative, acknowledging how much that relationship has come to shape me.

I look at that relationship and wonder how much of my father’s and my relationship is “good” or “close” because we have both been intentional about making a concerted effort to build a bond. Whereas I will pour my heart out to my mother, I am more reserved with my father, but I am good about going to him for advice that I know he is happy to give.

He’s the one who can analyze my recent half marathon time and what intervals I should be trying to get to, when I need a map, he’s the first person to call and if a friend has a car problem, it’s like having a personal mechanic on a direct line. In other words, he is always there. Present. Providing direction, but letting me take the lead.

He does the same, knowing what works with his daughter and what doesn’t, never having pushed me to do anything I didn’t want to do (volleyball won out over soccer), never once bringing up the fact that I was a “woman in a man’s world” and never pushing for too many personal details. We have a bond because we have a mutual respect, and that isn’t because he’s my father and I am his daughter, it’s because he has raised me to value community and connection, and that personal relationships take work.

It takes a lot to raise a daughter. I know that not because I have one, but because I am one. And we live in a strange world; on one hand sexualizing gender at an ever earlier age and then on the other, doing everything we can to take away a woman’s rights, stripping her of her ability to stand up for herself and take control of her own life. We are so protective and full of Victorian values that we don’t end up teaching what healthy, committed relationships actually look like.

Navigating these modern day waters is anything but easy, but it’s also essential.

Want to support your daughter? Be there. Every time. Even when she fails. Honor who she is and what she is passionate about. Teach her the importance – better yet, the necessity – of love and self-respect. Instill the kind of values so that you know she’ll make good decisions without your oversight, because too much oversight and she’ll start doing the opposite. Remind her that she is smart, beautiful and powerful, not because she is a woman, but because she is an amazing human being.

And take her on road trips.

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Loved.

“A truly rich man is one whose children run into his arms when his hands are empty.”

-Author Unknown

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Image: pipitdappo

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Don’t panic: your excuse for being late is, “artisan takes time, dad.”

It’s a bit late for Father’s Day shopping now, but let’s just pretend that it isn’t. If you haven’t picked out that perfect something yet, meet MAKR’s wallets, eyewear sleeves and iPhone cases (if dad is hip like that). Florida-based company MAKR is known for producing quality carry goods sourced from U.S. materials, including fallen trees whenever possible.

They run a tight design and production line taking an idea from a drawing in a sketchbook to a CAD model to a hand-made prototype, all within the same MAKR Design Studio. Prototyping might take several months, they explain, “with each revision being more structurally and aesthetically sound than the last.”

The company production ethos is as follows:

“Most MAKR designs would not be possible if MAKR did not control each and every aspect of production. Patterns are often laser-cut in-house and most small goods are still hand-sewn in the MAKR Design Studio. All other goods are made locally, which allows for the strictest manufacturing oversight. Oftentimes, complicated patterns require that MAKR develop a new manufacturing process which is frequently imparted to craftsmen by MAKR Founder and Design Director Jason Gregory. Once complete, each piece is inspected by the MAKR team before being packaged and shipped directly from the studio.”

This year, give the gift of quality and impart the love of artisan. Your pops deserves it. The products featured here range from $60-$95 on MAKR.com.

Look for Lustables at EcoSalon and submit your favorite to tips@ecosalon.com

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An exclusive EcoSalon playlist inspired by the tunes of our dads. 

Remember that AM radio station your father always insisted on listening to? Whether it was in his old Ford pickup truck, or while working in the garage, it was always on. While you dreamed of changing the station for something a little poppier, you simply wouldn’t dare, and while at the time you had no appreciation for those songs blaring from the scratchy speakers, today they’re full of nostalgia. Enjoy.

AM Summer by BehindTheWalk-In

Catch this and all of our playlists on 8tracks.

10 Almost Forgotten Songs From Your Father’s AM Summer Dial from EcoSalon on 8tracks.

1. Nobody’s Lonesome for Me – Hank Williams

2. Wine, Women and Song – Loretta Lynn

3. Early Morning Breeze – Dolly Parton

4. Tonight the Bottle Let Me Down – Merle Haggard

5. Pick Me Up On Your Way Down – Patsy Cline

6. Theme from A Summer Place – The Lennon Sisters

7. Don’t Bogart Me – Fraternity of Man

8. Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow up to Be Cowboys – Willie Nelson

9. The Gambler – Kenny Rogers

10. Queen of Hearts – Juice Newton

Like what you hear? Check out our entire 10 Songs series. 

Image: santiago nicolau

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10 easy-to-make gift ideas that are way better than a tie. 

Father’s Day is just around the corner. Luckily we have a few ideas to help you celebrate your dad this Sunday.

There’s nothing like a handmade gift to show your pops that you care. Whether you’re a pro with tools or just a creative tinkerer, these DIY projects will help you construct an unforgettable Father’s Day.

1.) Keyboard Wallet: For the techie dad, transform an old circuit sheet into an geek chic wallet.

2.) Blazer Backpack: Turn Goodwill-bound threads into an unforgettable bag.

3.) Blender Lamp: Reminisce about margaritas past by the light of a repurposed blender lamp.

4.) Solar Oven: For the adventurous chef, make a solar oven for summer food fests.

5.) Wall Art: For creative types, construct memorable masterpieces from repurposed materials.

6.) Microwave Mailbox: Make mail more fun with this quirky post box made from an old microwave.

7.) Key Rack: Dad have trouble keeping track of his keys? Give him an eye-catching key holder.

8.) Car Air Freshener: Pair the key rack with a DIY scent for his hybrid.

9.) Bike Upgrades: Sew a bike bag, re-cover an old seat, or build your bicyclist dad a new ride.

10.) Drink Coasters: Make a set of personalized beer coasters for game day.

Sierra is the magazine of the Sierra Club. Our motto: Explore, Enjoy, and Protect the Planet. Follow Sierra magazine on Twitter.

Image: Blue Diamond Photography

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Whether you go for sexy or androgynous when styling these menswear-inspired eco-fashion picks, it’s time to borrow from the boys.

With Father’s Day right around the corner, women all over the country are thinking about the men in their lives and perhaps even shopping for gifts for them. Why not take it a step further and dress the part as well. With these menswear-inspired eco-savvy picks you will be the coolest girl on the street. You can either go for sexy with dramatic eye makeup, red lips and big hair or do the androgynous thing, with minimal makeup and hair pulled back into a messy low ponytail. Either way, it’s time to borrow from the boys.

Hank Rey Org. Shade Blue Jeans by Nudie Jeans Co.
Loose-fitting denim in a very washed out light blue shade is totally right this summer. These, by Nudie Jeans Co., are made from Turkish organic cotton denim and have organic trims as well. The wash and abrasions are done using old school techniques that cause minimal environmental impact. Roll them up and wear with killer heels or low Doc Martens.
$225, Nudie Jeans Co.

Vegan 3 Eye Gibson Dr. Martens
These classic 3-eye Gibson shoes by Dr. Martens are completely vegan. Recent advances in materials and manufacturing processes has allowed these classic worker boots to be made entirely from animal-free materials without compromising quality and durability. Felix microfiber uppers emulate the good qualities of leather in texture and breathability, and the shoes are built on traditional Dr. Martens soles with all synthetic glues and materials.
$115, Moo Shoes

Tiboli Beater
Melissa Dizon, the designer of Eairth, is known for her innovative use of draping, slashing, tucks and multi-seaming. This version of a classic wife-beater (side note-we despise the name of that garment) features a V-shaped mix of materials that gives it a flattering feminine edge — perfect for pairing with those other, more loose-fitting men’s-inspired pieces. Organic materials, mixed with a strong artisanal mentality, the use of natural dyes and age-old manufacturing processes ensures that each piece is one of a kind.
$68, Juno & Jove

Half Bar Globe Watch Pendant by Love Nail Tree
This timeless piece is a throwback to the times when men all used to wear their watches on chains instead of their wrists. Maybe your grandfather once did? Honor that heritage by wearing this brass necklace, made from a working vintage watch. Love Nail Tree is an LA-based company that aims to use storytelling to “move people to action and inspire a deep change within them.”
$36, Love Nail Tree

We Are All Smith Hoodie
This unisex pullover hoodie by We Are All Smith is something a girl would give to her boyfriend just so she can borrow it, and what’s wrong with that? Made from a natural fleece alternative and dyed with low-impact dyes, it offers both comfort and warmth with a distinct sustainable appeal. At this time it’s only available in size large, but that’s totally fine with us.
$69, Smith Town Market

Honest By Recycled Wool Caban Coat
This impeccably cut navy blue coat is designed by Bruno Pieters and comes in a limited edition of 20 pieces. Made out of recycled wool and entirely finished with organic cotton bias tape, it features both unique, sharp tailoring and a comfortable oversized fit. A pioneer in fashion industry transparency, Honest By lists the actual production cost and total carbon impact of all materials combined, which for this piece is 5,74 kg of CO2 — the equivalent of driving a car for 22.3 miles or using a classic light bulb for 220,77 hours.
$1,009, Honest By

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Just to bring you up to speed for a minute – Father’s Day is June 20th! This year, get your dad a gift he’ll love, while leaving a lighter footprint on the planet with your purchase. We’ve got suggestions that will suit all types of dads, from the stay at home dad and surfer dude, to the tech-savvy businessman, the sports fan and the sentimental softie. From wooden headphones and hip daddy diaper bags made from plastic bottles, to hemp surf shoes and green soccer jerseys, everything on our list is sustainably designed and sure to be a huge hit with your pop!

Thinksound Headphones

For dads who love their ‘toys,’ and are always in sync with their iPhone and other gadgets, a pair of Thinksound headphones will be the ultimate gift. The company surpasses its goal to “create incredible sounding headphones with the smallest eco-footprint possible.” My husband is a self-professed audiophile, music connoisseur and former DJ, and he gives thinksound headphones – which he uses with his iPhone – two big thumbs up for their pure sound and clarity. These high definition headphones are made of real wood from renewable sources and deliver a crisp, natural resonance and unparalleled acoustics. They also feature passive noise cancellation, a 3.5mm gold plated plug, and they are PVC free. We hear Thinksound‘s tag line loud and clear: “clear sound, with a clearer conscience.” The headphones come in black chocolate or silver cherry wood and they retail for $99.99.

Green Dude Diaper Bag from Diaper Dude

Equip earth-friendly daddies with the ultimate hip and masculine diaper bag: the Green Dude Diaper Bag from Diaper Dude! This messenger style bag is functional and fashionable, and each bag is made from 25 16 oz. sized recycled plastic water bottles. A dad on the go won’t forget to pack baby’s essentials because the vivid orange interior features a daddy checklist to keep him on track. Bottle? Check. Diapers? Check. Saving the planet by toting an eco-conscious diaper bag? Check. Additional features include a changing pad, a padded shoulder strap, insulated bottle holder, cell phone holder, and more! Priced at $98 each.

100 Percent Recycled Silver Custom Necklace or Ring from Heart and Stone Jewelry

Why should moms be the only ones who get to wear their kids’ names close to their heart? Dads can get in on the keepsake charm action with custom designed 100 percent recycled silver necklaces and rings from Heart and Stone Jewelry. You can design a necklace or ring yourself on the Heart and Stone website, making this jewelry a truly unique and meaningful gift dad will treasure. Prices vary based on design.

Lil Davinci Art Cabinet Frame

Refrigerator doors everywhere can let out a sigh of relief with the introduction of the Lil Davinci art cabinet from Dynamic FRAMES. Now doting dads can instantly frame their childrens’ artwork and store up to fifty previous 8 1/2 x 11 sized creations in the cabinet behind the framed masterpiece of the moment. Less clutter, less waste, and kids will revel in watching dad frame their prized art on a rotating basis. The frame itself is sustainably made from scrap wood. Priced at $25.

Ergo Organic Baby Carrier

The babywearing trend isn’t just for green mamas. Dads can tote their tots all over town in a comfortable carrier, and bond with their little ones in a whole new fashion. The Ergo organic baby carrier is ergonomically designed to provide proper back support for wearers, and safe and healthy positioning for babies and toddlers. Dads can carry their precious cargo on their chest, back or hip with this versatile carrier, which is made from organic cotton. These carriers range from $120-$148.

Sustainably Designed Hemp and Recycled PET VANS Surf Sneakers

VANS aren’t just for kids and teens. Totally tubular green dads can ride the wave of eco-consciousness by leaving a lighter footprint in VANS surfer shoes made from recycled PET (recycled plastic bottles) or Hemp (hemp is a renewable resource and is not treated with pesticides). Both collections feature organic cotton textiles and an array of styles and color options that will suit every father’s taste. Their Ortholite midsoles are constructed from recycled car tires, the inner lining is comprised of Dri-lex bamboo, and the water-based glues and inks used to compose these kicks are biodegradable and more environmentally sound. The manufacturing of these green VANS reduces waste production in half. Only $60 a pair.

World Cup Soccer Jersey

If your dad is a sports aficionado, you probably already know that the 2010 World Cup is this month. Buy him this official USA home soccer jersey to wear his love of the game on his sleeve. In addition to boast-worthy construction, keeping wearers cool and sweat free, this jersey is also made from plastic bottles (100 percent recycled polyester), which is a total score. You can even customize it with dad’s name, number or patch! Priced at $70.

Image: kwanie

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Slow down and take time to smell the rosés.

That’s our highly recommended approach to the eco-sensual pairing of artisanal food and terroir-expressive wines at this Sunday’s Golden Glass Wine Event at San Francisco’s Fort Mason Pavilion.

It’s also the prevailing philosophy of sponsor Slow Food USA, an organization dedicated to advocating the importance of sustainable farming practices that respect traditional knowledge and taste.

Complementing more than 100 no-pesticide wines from around the globe will be exclusive sampling from some of the Bay Area’s top restaurants and artisanal producers, including: A16, Absinthe, Aquarelle, Heaven’s Dog, La Poggio Trattoria, SF Baking Institute, Slow Club, Stella Cadente and Trattoria Corso.

Whew! And you thought this coming Sunday was for popping the top off a Bud Light for dad as he basted ribs on the BBQ in celebration of Father’s Day. How “Ëœbout a radical departure? Treat him to a brave new world of pure, delicious food and fruity no-nonsense wines fast by the San Francisco Bay.

The best news about the Slow Food Movement – as on display in this event – is that it combines high-minded principles with unsurpassed gourmet pleasures.

A few bites and sips later, your dad just might be more than happy to trade in his brewski and back rib for a Bordeaux and brioche.

When: Sunday, June 21, 2009
General admission: 2:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Entrance fee: Advance purchase: $60 (Slow Food members: $55); at the door $70; Food only and under 21: $20 (all entry tickets include 5 food tasting tickets. Additional food tickets can be purchased in groups of 5 for $20).

Where: Fort Mason Center, San Francisco
The Festival Pavilion

Images: Joe Budd Photography

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