So your teen who has only ever known a post-9/11 world is less interested in the Kardashians' makeup tips and more intrigued by the latest global crisis. They look up to Greta Thunberg and shun gifts that wouldn't come in handy during a climate protest. Their fight for the planet feels urgent because they stand to lose more than any other living generation. As they feel like they're taking the weight of the world on their shoulders, the least you can do is support their budding activism while keeping your shopping footprint local. Here are some good places to start.
REUSABLE COFFEE TUMBLER (a)
Plastic straws have started to go the way of the dodo bird, and disposable coffee cups should eventually go the same way. A reusable mug is better on the environment as you sip to stay awake on those long nights chained to oil industry infrastructure. Plus, they often pay for themselves over time, as many local shops offer discounts for bringing your own cup! $29.95 • Thomas Hammer Coffee Roasters • 14700 E Indiana Ave., Spokane Valley
KAYAKING LESSONS (b)
All the best kayaktivists have to start somewhere, and where better than learning to paddle and roll with Spokane's Flow Adventures. Classes offered include introductory lessons, a roll clinic, moving water and white water. $75 to $400 bundle • Flow Adventures • 2807 W. Euclid Ave.
LOTION BARS, SOAPS AND MORE (c)
One of the best ways to reduce impacts on the environment is to shop locally whenever possible for food, clothing and even beauty products. Orchard Farm out of Moscow, Idaho, makes small-batch beauty and self-care products with locally grown botanicals. Their Etsy shop has a variety of lotion bars, soaps, bath soaks and lip balms for sale that can help keep your teen activist from falling into the stinky old hippie stereotype. Generally $4 to $16 • Orchard Farm Soap • etsy.com/shop/orchardfarmsoap
ECOGEAR DARTER BACKPACK (d)
Ecogear bags like the Darter Backpack are made from Repreve fabric, which comes from recycled plastic water bottles. Super lightweight, the bag has a built-in space for a hydration bladder and can roll in on itself for smaller storage when not in use. $26 • The General Store • 2424 N. Division St.
LOST HORIZONS FINGERLESS GLOVE (e)
Teen climate activists might be concerned with global warming yet they still want to keep their digits warm during colder months. They can do both and feel good about it with fingerless gloves from Lost Horizons, which ships wool from down under to the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal, where women earn wages for knitting the hats, scarves and other wares the company sells internationally. $39 • Mix It Up • 513 E. Sherman Ave., Coeur d'Alene (CARRIE SCOZZARO) ♦
