25 Eco-Gifts for the Holidays

Love being green? Love the holidays? Why not do both!

Sierra Club Green Home has compiled a list of 25 Eco-Gifts for the holidays. From wind powered chargers to tree logs that play iPods. Not only are these ideas and gadgets cool, but they’re a great way to decrease your carbon footprint. SCGH is not endorsing these items as we have not tested or inspected them.

____________________________________________________________________       1. Donate to a good cause

 

 

 

 

Your option of environmental or preferred organizations is truly endless. Pick an organization that you really believe in or that the receiver of the gift enjoys and make the donation in their name.  

2. Hand in Hand serving tools

 

 

  

 

These serving utensils would make an interesting and a sustainable gift. They are made out of bamboo and come in recyclable packaging.  

3. Give the gift of life.

 

  

If you are looking for extra ways to decrease your carbon footprint planting a tree might be just the right fit for you. Planting a tree is not only an interactive experience, but it’s a great way to note a special day like a birthday, baby’s first Christmas, or an anniversary. Most tree purchases are made as a donation to non-profit organizations.  

4. Organic make-up

 

 

  

Purchase products that are marked cruelty-free (not tested on animals), organic, eco-certified, and made out of recycled content. Also, look for products marked paraben-free. Parabens, similar to phthalates,have been reported by the Food and Drug Administration to cause tumors, hormone malfunction, and other health issues.  

5. Recycled jewelry

 

 

 

  

 

Recycled jewelry has a unique vibe and it’s environmentally friendly. Recycling and reusing resources like gems, wood, and metal decreases the need to harvest virgin resources.  

6. Bike chain bottle openers

 

  

If your friend enjoys cycling and hosting parties, then this is an excellent gift. The tops of bottle openers can be customized by logo and color. Who ever said bikes aren’t welcome at the dinner table?  

7. Solar powered shaver

 

  

 

We have heard of organic shaving creams and recycled plastic shaving grips. Add a new member to your personal hygiene family, a solar powered shaver. This shaver has all the operating mechanisms of a conventional electric shaver, but it produces its own energy. When not in use, simply lay the shaver on a windowsill and charge away.  

8. Eco-Friendly Furniture

 

 

 

  

 

Eco-friendly furniture comes in all shapes, sizes, and materials. Many pieces can be used indoors and outdoors. Sustainable furniture is a unique way to spice up a new room in your home or to give as a present.  

9. Recycled Art

 

  

 

Who ever thought that a Frankenstein art piece could be environmentally friendly? This piece is created out of various scrap metals and plastics. If you are looking to purchase something like this, buy from a local artist in person or online. We recommend visiting your local art college or district to inquire about possible sales.

 

10. Reusable Wrapper Bag

 

  

Candy wrappers, metallic juice packs, and chip bags are actually non-recyclable. However, many companies are collected and reusing these wrappers by creating fashionable reusable bags. An excellent example is Terra Cycle.

 

11. JVC Bonsai Speakers

 

 

  

 

Good music and good air quality out of the same product, who would have thought? These speakers are sure an interesting conversation piece. Speakers come without vegetation, so feel free to add your favorite plant.

12. Laptop Charger

 

 

  

 

It’s true, sometimes our office equipment is not as green as it should be. The solar charger is very compact and can be used to charge various small electronic devices.

13. Aero Garden

 

  

 

The Aero Garden gives you the convenience of having fresh herbs all year round just an arm’s reach away. This hydroponic system requires no soil or growth hormones. Seeds and all required accessories are sold together.

 

14. Hymini Wind Charger

 

 

  

 

This great little gadget can charge small appliances, similar to the standard mobile laptop charger.  Currently, this model is the only wind charger of its kind on the market.

15. Blade tailpipe attachment

 

  

 

This is a great gift those who are striving to reduce their carbon emissions, especially those associated with their vehicles. The Blade is a tailpipe filter that is collects and reduces a vehicle’s CO2 and particle emissions

16. Feel Goodz

 

  

Feel Goodz is a company which manufactures 100% natural rubber and 100% recyclable eco-friendly flip flops. Not only that, but these flip flops are biodegradable.

 

17. Sony’s ODO

 

 

  

 

These little gadgets are new to the sustainability market. They run by kinetic energy and can be used to charge a variety of devices.

 

18. The Wood iPod Speaker

 

  

 

This iPod dock is one of a kind. This system is built entirely inside a wooden log. The dock is a great piece that brings the outdoor charm indoors.

19. SuperGreen Longboards

 

 

  

 

These boards are made out of eco-friendly materials like bamboo. The company states that the bamboo is a better choice for such high action boards because it handles impacts better than the conventional wood. The adhesives associated with the manufacturing process of these boards is low in VOCs.

20. Typewriter Cuffs

 

  

 

What a unique gift? These cuff links are custom made using the old fashioned keys of a type writer. You may choose whatever keys or initials you prefer. This eco-gift is a definite promoter of “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.”

 

21. Recycled Computer Parts

 

  

 

When recycling computers, many new gadgets can be made from the scrap metals. If you enjoy a contemporary and creative décor, then you may want to look into recycled computer art. The options are endless; mother boards can be made into picture frames, jewelry boxes, coasters, and much, much more.

22. Keyboard Bag

 

  

Ever wonder what happens to a computer keyboard when it gets thrown away?  This full functioning red purse is made out of reclaimed keys. An excellent present for a tech geek or an avid environmentalist.

 

23. Compact Adventure Tool

 

  

If you are a big fan of the great outdoors, this is gadget is a must have. It’s very compact device which includes a variety of tools. With this device you will never lose direction or time!

24. Kids Konserve

 

  

 

If your present is going to a child, consider investing in an eco-friendly and healthy lunch pack. Kids Konserve is a company which provides you with BPA-free and renewable products.

25. A Greed Read

 

If you are looking for a great read and some relaxation time, indulge in an environmentally friendly read. Some of these eco-educational books are even printed with sustainable inks and on recycled paper.

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Other Considerations

Warm Yourself, Not the Planet

How to keep warm, while staying green

Come winter season, many people start shopping for clothes that will keep them toasty warm.  To avoid that winter chill this holiday season, spend your dollars on affordable, sustainable clothing while saving energy. Follow these tips to learn how to be a greenie, even under the snowfall.

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When shopping, consider these guidelines:

Sweaters

• Wool and heavy cotton sweaters are best for insulating your body against the cold weather. If you prefer a fleece sweater look for those that are made out of recycled fibers, like Patagonia’s recycled polyester clothes.
• When washing your sweaters, remember to use eco-friendly detergent and to let them air dry when a bit moist. Shrunken sweaters are never in style.  

Pants

• Keeping your extremities warm and snuggly is a must, especially in the snow. If you live in a very windy and wet region, invest in water resistant pants. Keeping dry will limit the amount of clothes changes you have to make and this will ultimately decrease the amount of energy you will use on washing your clothes.  
• Pants made out of recycled or organic fibers are always easier on the environment because they require little energy and no pesticides to produce.

Undergarments

• Ask any winter athlete and they will tell you, the proper foundation to any winter outfit is adequate undergarments. If you are planning to spend a great deal of time outdoors, make sure you are wearing thermal leggings. Leggings come in all types of fabrics and lengths.
• When shopping, buy those made out of organic fabric and avoid purchasing those that are loose fitting. Loose leggings will allow the cold air to travel between the fabric and your legs.
• If you can’t find leggings, think long-johns.

Coats/Jackets

• Before you buy a new coat, try reinventing any coats you may already own. Replace the buttons, change out one trench coat belt for another, or even swap coats with a friend or family member.
• When you finally decide there is no hope for that old coat and truly need a new one; shop green. Look for coats made of natural fibers like organic cotton and linen, bamboo fabric, or hemp.

Boots

• If a way to stay dry and remember your childhood is appealing, try a pair of rubber boots. Unless you’re running in them for extended periods, they should last a long time and can  be recycled when worn out.

Scarves

• Scarves come in a wide variety of styles and eco-friendly materials. Choose scarves that are made from materials such as hemp, linen, organic cotton or wool.

Gloves

• Protecting your hands from the cold is very important as your hands release heat very quickly. When choosing gloves, pick those that are made from organic materials.

Hats

• Your head is the major heat-releaser of your body, so wear a hat that covers your whole head, including your ears, during chilly temperatures.

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Top tips:

Layer. One of the best ways to stay warm in winter is to layer. The layer closest to your skin should be made out of materials that soak up moisture to prevent sweat from cooling down your body. The next layer of clothes should be made out of materials that insulate, such as organic cotton or wool. The outside layer of clothing should be waterproof. Depending on the temperature, you can wear as many or as few layers as necessary.

Do it yourself. Who says clothes need to be bought? Gloves, hats, scarves, and even sweaters can be fun, relaxing DIY projects. You can find knitting tutorials online. Just make sure to choose organic yarn made from natural fibers.

Thrift stores. Besides choosing eco-friendly clothing this winter, you can also decrease your carbon footprint by buying clothing at thrift stores. Choosing to shop at thrift store eliminates the energy needed to manufacture and ship new clothes. Not only is recycled clothing helpful to the environment, it is beneficial to your wallet.

Online shopping. Shopping online can be eco-friendly and convenient.  When shopping for clothes online, skip the big retailers; buy second-hand clothing direct from sellers instead. Forums and marketplaces, like eBay, are filled with people selling their old clothing. Just make sure the seller does not have negative reviews.

Avoid fur. The manufacturing process of fur is a very extensive one. The production of fur entails agriculture, pesticides, possibly environmentally unstable hunting and chemical processes.

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Other Considerations/Common Mistakes

• Check the labels and make sure your coat is in fact green and not an explosion of man-made fabrics.
• Avoid buying a new coat at all costs- trade with friends and family, buy used or even trade it in for a used coat and resist that shopping urge at least until next winter.
• After you have made your smart purchase, consider donating your old coat. If you don’t need it anymore, someone else may.

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Benefits…

• …to your health

Staying warm this winter in sustainable clothing will keep you healthy as you will be less susceptible to catching a cold.

• …to your wallet

Buying recycled clothing or making your own accessories this winter will save you more money than if you buy new clothing.

• …to the Earth

Choosing organic clothing free from pesticides decreases the amount of these harmful chemicals released in the environment. Also, your carbon footprint will decrease if you buy recycled clothing.

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Learn More

Tall Tales of Recycling

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree…

Indoor Air Quality

Indoor Heating by a Concrete Wall

Your holey home

Food Gone Frankenstein

How Genetically-Modified Food is Taking America by Storm

We usually look for the reddest tomatoes and the biggest ears of corn because we believe them to taste the best, but did you know that a good bit of the produce you purchase at the grocery store is genetically modified?

Genetically modified foods (GM) are foods that undergo DNA changes through genetic engineering to enhance desired traits, such as nutritional value and resistance to herbicides and pesticides, while eliminating unwanted traits in the process. GM foods are fairly new to the market, first commercialized and marketed in the early 1990s. The first commercial GM produce was the tomato, genetically engineered to be more resistant to rotting. Then, in 1996, soybeans genetically modified to be more resistant to herbicides were released for commercial sale. Currently, GM ingredients make up the majority of all processed foods in the US. However, there are no laws in the US requiring companies to label their foods as genetically modified.

So why should we be concerned about buying and eating genetically-modified foods? After all, they seem to have many advantages like resistance to chemicals and insects, better taste, high nutritional value, and increased shelf life. Unfortunately, GM foods have their disadvantages. Critics say GM foods are unsafe, misleading, and damaging to the environment.

Top Tips

Because the US does not require any special labeling for genetically-modified foods, it may be difficult for you to find foods that aren’t GM. However, there are ways to avoid genetically-modified foods.

• Buy food labeled 100% organic. While the FDA does not require companies to label GM food as genetically-modified, it does not allow 100% organic food to be genetically modified.

 

If you’re on a budget and can’t afford to buy all 100% organic groceries, save a little money and spend it on the foods that are most likely to be GM. Soybeans, corn, rice, alfalfa, canola, and dairy are just some of the foods that are commonly genetically  modified.

• Shop at your local farmer’s market. Not only will you help support local farmers, you will be buying quality produce as well.

• Grow your own food. It seems that gardening is on the upswing, given the First Lady’s affinity for this hobby and the current economy. Not only will you feel safe when eating a salad created from crops grown in your backyard, a sense of pride will linger as you think about how hard you worked growing your own garden.

• Reduce the amount of processed foods in your pantry. Instead of buying pre-packaged foods or eating at fast food restaurants, buy whole foods that you can use to create delicious, from scratch home-made meals.

• Look at the Bar Code number on produce. According to PlanTea.com, the price lookup codes (PLC) on produce are not just there for quicker checkouts. The numbers tell a story of how each piece of produce was made.
  • A 4-digit number code means the produce was conventionally-grown
  • A 5-digit number code beginning with the number 9 means the produce was organically-grown
  • A 5-digit number code beginning with the number 8 means the produce was genetically-modified

Other Considerations

• Benefits of genetically-modified crops. Supporters believe GM crops are helpful to the environment for the following reasons.
  • Crops that are engineered to be more resistant to chemicals like pesticides and herbicides need less spraying, decreasing the amount of these chemicals in our water supply. Crops that need less spraying may be safer for farmers as well.
  • GM crops can be engineered to resist drought
  • GM crops can be engineered to be more beneficial and convenient for people. For example, rice with added vitamins, watermelons without seeds, and potatoes with more protein.
  • GM plants are being engineered to produce more chemicals for the creation of plastics, new vaccines, and even drugs. For example, scientists are trying to modify rapeseeds to produce more oil for use in biodegradable plastics.
  • Environmental Effects from GM foods. According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, genetically modified crops pose environmental risks.
    • GM crops can become weeds, plants that produce undesirable effects.
    • GM crops could become channels through which new genes move to other plants, causing these plants to turn into weeds.
    • GM crops that are engineered to produce viruses could produce new, more widely spread viruses.
    • GM crops may have unpredictable, rippling effects through natural ecosystems, effecting wildlife, cross-pollinating with other plants, and affecting the organic nature of organic crops.
    • GM crops might threaten centers of crop diversity.
  • Although no serious environmental impacts have occurred in the time period that GM foods have been in existence, some scientists say that it is too early to measure if and how GM crops will impact the environment. Although small changes in animal and plant populations have occurred, these changes aren’t radical enough to garner attention.

Benefits…

…to your health

Your health can be directly related to what you eat. Buying organic food can reduce your exposure to pesticides, and eating locally likely ensures that your food will be fresher and full of nutrients.

…to your wallet

Buying whole foods that are in season usually costs less than buying processed foods or out-of-season imported foods. Organic food usually costs more than food grown with pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. But with giant retailers and agribusinesses getting into the organics game, the cost of pesticide-free food is coming down.

…to the Earth

Responsible food consumption can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, support environmentally sound agriculture and aquaculture practices that conserve soil and protect waterways, and transform the inhumane and unsustainable practices in the livestock and fishing industries.

Learn More

Healthy Eating

10 Ways to Eat Well

Tall Tales of Recycling

Recycling Myths Debunked

Fact: One could go down to their local landfill and find everything they need to furnish a new house, if they wanted to. Old computers, ragged couches, lamps, and even ovens are thrown into landfills across the country each year. While properly separated recyclables go to recycling centers, items that are not recycled end up in overcrowded landfills. So why aren’t more people recycling? Could it be they think recycling is not worth it, too expensive, or too much work? The following are five common recycling myths debunked.

Myth 1: Recycling wastes more energy than it saves

Fact: Recycling actually saves more energy than if an item was not recycled. According to the National Recycling Coalition, reprocessing recycled materials into usable materials, on average, requires 17 times less energy than creating usable materials from raw materials.

• According to the University of Massachusetts’s Office of Waste Management, recycled paper takes 60% less energy, 58% less water, 74% less air pollution, and 35% less water pollution to produce than non-recycled paper
• Recycling one ton of paper saves 17 trees and 7000 gallons of water
• Recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to power a TV for 3 hours.
• Every one pound of aluminum recycled saves 4 pounds of bauxite
• Recycling one glass container saves enough energy to light a 100-watt bulb for 4 hours
• If every plastic bottle was recycled, 2 billion tons of plastic would be saved from entering a landfill
• Recycling one pound of steel saves enough energy to light a 60-watt bulb for a whole day.

Myth 2: Recycling trucks waste energy

Some say that recycling is useless because the trucks that collect recyclables produce more energy and emit more pollution than recycling can save.

Fact: Waste has to be collected one way or another. If waste is going to be collected, it is better for the environment if that waste is separated into recyclable and non-recyclable. The amount of energy and pollution created from recycling trucks is insignificant when compared to the benefits of recycling. Creating usable items from raw materials requires an enormous amount of energy compared to using recycled materials.

 

Myth 3: Someone separates your trash for you

Fact: Everything thrown away in a trash can becomes part of the neighborhood landfill if not separated into proper recycling bins.  Can you imagine the labor and funds it would take for hired workers to separate every piece of trash into recyclables and non-recyclables?  It is much easier and convenient for each person to separate his or her own trash than for hired labor to separate a whole town’s trash.

 

Myth 4: Landfill space is plentiful and infinite

Fact: There are those out there who say we will not run out of landfill space; however, there is a finite amount of land in this world. The trash we create has to go somewhere. All the trash that is not recycled continues piling up in landfills. Some landfills even become a part of the community over time. For example, in Virginia Beach, VA, there is a popular park created from an abandoned landfill called Mt.Trashmore Park. Some of us are living atop heaping mounds of trash, but wouldn’t it be better to live atop a natural part of the Earth?

Landfills not only occupy space they also emit greenhouse gases. According to Portland State University, as “organic matter breaks down in a landfill”, it releases methane which is a very strong greenhouse gas. By recycling, such organic matter no longer ends up in landfills, reducing greenhouse gases.

Myth 5: Recycling is too expensive

 

Fact: If a recycling truck comes and collects your recycling bins for you, recycling costs money, usually a monthly fee that varies by city. However, recycling can be free if you go and drop your recyclables at a local recycling center or by dropping your recyclables off at a school, library, or any public recycling center. There are also companies that will recycle electronics, print cartridges, and other items for free.

 

Top tips:

• Before you believe the myths that are out there regarding recycling, take the time and research the truths with the help of your local recycling center or the Internet. Not only will you be more knowledgeable in all things recycling, you will be able to recycle with ease.

 

Benefits…

…to your wallet

Diverting trash out of your curbside recycling bin and following your recycling center’s policies will keep you from receiving a fine. You can earn a little money selling your recyclables as well.

…to the Earth

Remaining alert and dedicated to recycling will significantly reduce landfill waste, the production of new resources, and fuel.

Common Mistake

• Many households simply place their recyclable items into the bin without thinking twice; however, all items must follow various policies. It is vital that you discuss your center’s or drop-off location’s guidelines with a representative. Your local recycling center can be found using SCGH’s database.

 

For more information…

 

Sierra Club Green Home Recycling Center

Careful Where You Toss That!

Recycling and Waste Reduction: Environmental Protection Agency

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree…

Should You Choose A Real or Artificial Tree?

It seems that the battle between real and artificial holiday trees is as old as the tree-decorating tradition itself. Artificial trees were invented in the 1930’s by a toiletbowl brush company.  That’s right, the first artificial tree was not much more than an oversized, green toiletbowl brush.  Thus, the debate between real and artificial trees began.  Which is better for the environment:  a synthetic tree made of who-knows-what that you may or may not reuse, or a real tree that must be cut down?  It is clear that both choices have environmental pros and cons, so what’s a festive, eco-conscious homeowner to do?

Many people believe that because artificial trees can be reused, they have less of an impact on the environment.  The truth is that an artificial tree has several environmental consequences even if you do keep it for a few years.  According to the National Christmas Tree Association, the average household keeps an artificial tree for about six to nine years.  As an environementally conscious consumer one may vow to keep it “forever”, but let’s be honest, one day it will probably end up in a landfill.

Most artificial trees are manufactured in China, therefore the transportation alone creates a huge carbon footprint.  The cargo ships and trucks used to transport artificial trees from China to your local store – and then your car trip to the store to buy the tree – produce massive amounts of carbon emissions.  Artificial trees are also usually made of materials such as petroleum, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or polyethylene (PE).  Polyvinyl chloride is not biodegradable, and since most artificial trees are not or can not be recycled, they will eventually make their way to a landfill to emit these hazardous carcinogens.

Of course even real trees come with their share of downfalls.  You may have to purchase a new one every year, and a visit to the nearest tree farm would still produce some carbon emissions.  Tree farms, however, are beneficial to the environment in several ways; they provide habitat for wildlife, remove dust and pollen from the air, and rid the atmosphere of carbon dioxide.  If you think cutting down a tree to take home with you is contributing to deforestation, you can rest assured.  Tree farms grow trees specifically for the holiday seasons – you can even purchase trees that are guaranteed to be grown responsibly – so you can be sure that forests aren’t surrendering their firs for your satisfaction.  Additionally, tree farms replant about one to three trees to replace each one that is cut, so the environment is constantly benefitting from living, growing trees.  Real trees are also 100% biodegradable.  According to the Sierra Club, recycled trees are used to restore sand dunes, wetlands, and fish habitat, which limits the amount of waste ending up in a landfill and benefits new life.

So, according to Sierra Club Green Home’s research, real holiday trees win the battle of the most eco-friendly tree choice.  If you’re planning on being a little more eco-conscious this season, go green (literally) with a real tree.

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Top Tips

 

• Don’t throw it out! If you already have an artificial tree, there’s no sense in throwing it out to contribute to waste in landfills.  Get the most out of your purchase, and then when you must throw it out, you can start to purchase real trees.  If you still want a lower-impact tree try decorating with popcorn strings instead of tinsel, and omit the holiday lights.

We know you want that authentic pine scent, but if you’re still trying to wear out your old reusable tree before purchasing the real thing, don’t pollute your home with artificial air-fresheners that are filled with harmful chemicals.

 

• Look for the seal. You can purchase trees that are certified environmentally friendly by the Coalition of Environmentally Conscious Growers (CECG).  They perform on-site farm inspections to ensure that tree-growers are using environmentally conscious methods to grow their trees.  The seal also reminds buyers to recycle their trees after use.
• Potted Trees. You can purchase potted, living plants to decorate and keep in your home through the holidays.  At the end of the season you can either plant the tree in your yard, or keep it in the pot outside to bring in and decorate again next year!

 

• Carpool. Make your trip to the tree farm a family affair and try carpooling with another family to save on gas and reduce carbon emissions.

• Treecycle. Like we said above, recycled trees are used to restore sand dunes, wetlands, and fish habitat.  They are also used for mulch and compost.  Find a treecycling program in your area.
• Be really green. Unfortunately the greenest option is to not have a holiday tree at all.  If you’re willing to give up that tradition in the name of the environment, we recommend decorating a houseplant, a tree in your front yard, or a decorative wooden tree made out of recycled materials.

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Other Considerations

 

• Allergies. Many people choose artificial trees for health reasons.  Some people have allergies to tree pollen and tree sap, and although it’s not as widespread as people believe, it does happen.  According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Science (NIEHS), of the 50,000 different kinds of trees, less than 100 have been shown to cause allergies.  Most allergies are specific to one type of tree.

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Benefits…

 

…to you

• Real trees allow you to experience one of the biggest holiday traditions in a more eco-friendly way.  You will also be able to make picking your tree every year a family tradition.   
• If you buy a potted tree, you can also make planting a new tree in your yard a yearly family event.

 

…to your wallet

• If you choose a live, potted tree you can opt to keep it in the pot all year and bring it in next season so you don’t have to continually buy new trees.
• According to the National Christmas Tree Association a real tree can be purchased for as little as $15.  Large, full artificial trees can range anywhere from $200 to over $1000.  You would need to keep your artificial tree for a minimum of 13 years (way above the average) for it to be of any financial benefit.  So, being able to have a real tree every year would cost the same as a keeping an artificial one for nearly 15 years!

…to the earth

• Buying a real tree would limit the carbon emissions it takes to fly, ship, and truck artificial trees from the countries where they are manufactured.
• Real trees do not emit VOCs, while many types of artificial trees may do so.
• A real tree keeps waste out of landfills because the remains can be made into woodchips for mulch or composting.
• Potted trees will allow you to have a real tree that you don’t have to throw away or even compost.  You can keep it in the pot until it grows too large then plant it.

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Further Reading

 

Composting Video

Indoor Air Quality

Healthy Lawns and Gardens

Go Green and Give Green…

With eco-conscious gift-giving

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The season for giving is fast approaching, and it’s time to start looking for the perfect gifts for all of the special people in your life. When we know we selected just the right gift for our loved ones, it gives us a warm and fuzzy feeling, right? Well – as it was once famously put – we are living in a material world; and sometimes that makes gift-giving stressful and expensive. It may sound a little cheesy and cliché, but oftentimes the gift really is in the giving. This year try bringing back that warm and fuzzy feeling of gift-giving by making it a creative and thoughtful effort. You can be more original (and hopefully less consumptive) by thinking like a green, eco-conscious consumer this holiday season.

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Top Tips

 

• Bag of Goodies. Instead of making a gift basket, use a reusable bag to fill with tons of eco-friendly goodies like a BPA-free water containers, compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), soy or beeswax candles, organic cookie and cake mixes, and eco-friendly skin care products.  These items are all useful, thoughtful, and good for the environment and…Who doesn’t want a whole bag of free stuff?!

• Make great memories. Buying tickets to the theater, a museum or a concert is a fantastic gift because you’re guaranteed to find something for anyone.  Whether you’re shopping for your artsy bookworm friend or your indie rock ‘n roll buddy, there are so many options for you to choose from.  Depending on where you live and what type of tickets you’re buying, they can become pricey, so you may want to save this type of gift for someone really special.

• Consumable gifts. Spending money for a gift that isn’t going to get any use besides gathering dust in garage is a waste in so many ways.  Selections of organic baked goods, fresh flowers, dried fruit, and organic teas are gifts that are sure to be enjoyed with very little waste.

• Material gifts. If you have to purchase a material gift, just make sure it’s something that will get a lot of use.  Try to stay away from items that are easily disposable or may not be used often.  Just because your sister really likes waffles, doesn’t mean she’s in dire need of a waffle-maker.  If you’re going to spend the money, why not buy something the person really needs?  If you know the person well enough, you might know of something they are thinking of getting themselves, and maybe just haven’t gotten around to it, so beat them to it.  You’ll know your gift will be thoroughly enjoyed.

• Green Gadgets. This article lists 50 green gadgets that are great gifts for the eco-conscious consumer.  They range from eco-chargers to solar-powered tents!

• Does not include batteries. Although batteries have greatly improved since they became a household “necessity” in the 1980’s, they still contain harmful chemicals, and still end up in landfills.  If at all possible buy items with either no batteries or rechargeable batteries.  According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 40% of all battery sales occur during the holiday season.  If someone is a “gadget junkie” or have children with lots of battery-operated toys, a rechargeable battery set would be a great green gift in itself.

• Beware of packaging. When making gift purchases, look for items that are reusable, use less packaging, and come in recyclable packaging.  It will help cut down the amount of excess trash that is created during the holiday season.

• Do it yourself. Look through some of the old holiday cards you have received.  If you find a few that you don’t mind parting with, you can make gift tags out of them using these simple steps:

1. Make sure the back of the card cover is blank.
2. Rip the card at the crease.
3. Cut the card to your liking or leave it as it is.
4. Punch a hole at the top of the card.
5. Put ribbon through the hole and tie it to your gift bag.

Newspaper comics could make creative wrapping paper as well.  It adds color, originality and gives the person something to read while they wait to open their gift.

• Wrapping it up. Spend the money on the gift not the wrapping!  The holidays shouldn’t be about making tons and tons of trash to be shipped to landfills.  Keep a box in your closet where you can store used wrapping items to reuse for future holidays.  We’re not saying you should open your wrapped gifts with a razorblade and microscope.  Just try to save and reuse old gift bags and tissue paper that happen to still look new.  It’s not re-gifting to reuse perfectly good paper.

If you don’t have any wrapping material to reuse, look for gift bags that are 100% recycled. Try sticking to gift bags rather than wrapping paper to make it easier for the person to reuse it later.

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Benefits…

 

…to you

• Making and putting together your own Christmas gifts for your loved ones gives each one a personal and unique touch that they will truly appreciate.
• With the eco-friendly gift bag, you will be giving your friend useful items they can use over and over again, while sending a great message and expressing your own eco-conscious personality.  
• By reusing old cards as tags and used gift bags you can get rid of some of that clutter in your closet.
• If you buy a useful gift for someone that they use often, you will get the satisfaction of knowing you gave something that is really appreciated.

 

…to your wallet

• Reusing or using alternatives to wrapping paper and gift bags will save you money, especially if you have a large family and lots of presents to hand out.
• Making specialty baked goods for friends and acquaintances instead of buying items may take a little extra time, but it will save you a lot of money on material gifts people may not even want or need.

…to the earth

• Splurging on gifts like tickets to a concert produces very little waste (if the event is local).  The packaging consists of no more than an envelope and the tickets themselves.  You’ve given that person an experience they won’t forget with a gift that doesn’t end up in the landfill.
• Giving gifts like organic teas and dried fruit will limit waste since these gifts are consumed when enjoyed.
• If you spend a little extra money to buy a high quality item for a good friend or family member that you know they will use often, it will lengthen the time they can enjoy it and lessen the chances of them throwing it out to buy a new one.
• Reusing gift bags or buying recycled (if you have to purchase) will reduce the amount of new trees that need to be used to make these products as well as limiting waste.
• Hopefully, this season, your eco-conscious gift-giving will inspire the receiver to do the same, starting a chain of recyclers eco-conscious consumers.

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Further Reading

 

Toys

Pretty in Green

Green Gadgets