The Gift of Giving Green

During the holiday season, gifts are given in bounty. These gifts may be the ultimate find or just a fun festive gesture. Either way you approach it, the purchasing of new items is always an opportunity to think about the planet and how even these small actions can play a large part.

Usher in…the green gift. You have probably heard about the increase of green products and in turn the increase in green gift giving. Check out our green gift guide before heading to the stories, or surfing the web.

Let the Shopping Begin

Greensender is a site that offers a box of goodies that makes gift giving guilt free. From the convenience of your home or office (no driving to the mall), you can order a box that contains a reusable aluminum SIGG water bottle, a reusable organic cotton tote, an organic cotton t-shirt, an energy efficient cfl light bulb and personalized note.

This package can help your friends and relatives get started on the sustainability trail without making gigantic sacrifices. The philosophy of the Greensender is that no one can do everything but all of us have the responsibility to do something.

Another “green giving” site, Let’s Go Green, sells eco-friendly products for the home. What makes this site stick out is its fundraising abilities. Charitable organizations can sign up to be included in the fundraiser section of the site’s order form. Once a customer chooses which organization to donate to, Let’s Go Green gives 25 percent of the sale to the organization chosen.

If that person in your life is an animal lover, Worldwise.com may be the perfect place for you. Gift for cats or dogs, this company manufactures pet products that are made from natural, recycled, reclaimed or certified organic materials. They even make pet beds filled with postconsumer recycled plastic bottles. Though you can’t order online, their store locator can help you find the closet location to you.

If you are shopping for the stylish, fashion hero in your life, look no further then BTC Elements. This store has everything from jewelery, coats, handbags and more. Most of the products featured are locally made from organic or recycled materials. BTC Elements is known in the eco-fashion scene based on the way it “combines smart style with sustainability.”

Think Outside the Gift Box

Though these resources can make gift giving easy, not all presents have to come in a box. The gift of donations, spending time together or volunteering as a team can build memories without creating any waste.

Travel back to your days of youth when monetary gifts weren’t an option. Remember the coupon books for chorus that you would make for your parents? This simple idea can still be applied today.

It also doesn’t hurt that time is free, not always given as much as needed and is usually worth a lot more. Plan a picnic in the park, a hike or just a day of relaxation together. The gift of time can be the best one of all, for you, your family and your planet!