Copyright (c) 2008 Virginia Ginsburg
Giving a gift can increase your sense of well-being and happiness, and giving green gifts can take that to a whole new level. What could be better than making someone happy while also making the world a better place? Today's green gift options are beautiful and make a powerful statement while also taking less of a toll on the environment than comparable products on the market.
The options abound when considering green gifts. With more and more green options on store shelves, it is becoming easier to be environmentally conscious with your gift giving.
Clothing & Linens: If you are considering buying clothing, linens, or other fabric-based gifts, consider products that have a low impact on the environment; ideally those that come from a renewable resource. Here are some options:
1. The toxic chemicals and synthetic pesticides typically used when processing cotton can end up in the ground, air, water and food supply. Organically-grown cotton is a better choice because it reduces our impact on the Earth and exposure to these chemicals. Organically-grown cotton is increasingly easy to find and looks and feels just like chemically-assisted cotton.
2. Bamboo Fiber requires less energy and water to grow and sustain than any other fiber-producing trees and plants. It can be grown without pesticides or chemicals and is a high-yield renewable resource. Bamboo fabrics are often described as "silky" when compared to cotton.
3. Hemp Fiber is created from the longest and strongest plant fiber available to man. It has been used for centuries as a primary material in canvas, sail, rope, twine and webbing fiber. Hemp crops require no herbicides or pesticides. The combination of its easy growth requirements and strength makes hemp a fiber choice with an extremely low environmental cost.
Paper Products: Whether you're considering stationery, journals or pretty storage boxes, all can be made of recycled paper. A simple Google search will turn up hundreds of recycled paper products that you can use as unique gifts that have both meaning to the recipient and a positive impact on our Earth.
Home D?r: There are many options when buying home d?r items that are made from sustainable sources. The overall idea is to limit the impact on the Earth, so finding recycled or re-purposed materials is the best way to go. Here are some options:
1. Recycled Glass. Quarrying glass from raw materials is a much more energy-intensive process than recycling it into new products. Recycled glass products range from simple candle holders to elaborate dishware, vases and lamps.
2. Teak from colonial-era railroad ties. As demand for hard woods damages more and more forests each year, finding alternatives can make a significant impact. Teak is a beautiful hard wood that was used for railroad ties in African and Indian colonies. The wood is reclaimed and fashioned into beautiful, unique pieces that have both a long history and a long life.
Virtual Gifts: You don't have to give a physical gift to make someone happy. In fact, you might make people much happier if you give them on of countless "virtual gifts" that benefit the environment or other causes that are important to the recipient.
There are many options for these types of gifts, and they can be completely customized to the recipient's personal interests. For example, if you know someone who likes children and art, you could make a donation in her name to an inner-city children's art program. If you know someone who enjoys scuba diving, you can make a donation to a reef-protection program or provide him with information about how to donate his old gear to a Pacific Island. You can give a donation to almost any type of organization in almost any part of the world.
Whatever you do, keep in mind that eco-friendly gift-giving is usually just as easy (or as hard!) as mainstream gift-giving. When choosing a present for a friend, you can simultaneously do a good deed for the Earth.
About the Author:
Virginia Ginsburg writes about sustainable products, green living, and her quest for a socially-conscious lifestyle. She is founder of Green Baby Gifts (http://www.greenbabygiftsonline.com), which offers beautifully-wrapped baby gifts made of bamboo fiber and packaged in completely recycled and recyclable packaging.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Give a Green Gift
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Totally Bamboo Sushi Gift Set List Price: $29.95 Sale Price: $29.52  |
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Fast-growing in nature, bamboo is also fast-growing in popularity as one of the best renewable resources available. Totally Bamboo prides itself on using only hand-selected, China-grown "moso" bamboo, which is not a food source or habitat for the giant panda, and which grows to harvestable size in just 3 to 5 years... |
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Simply Bamboo Large Rectangular Serving Tray List Price: $59.95 Sale Price: $29.95 |
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Serve in style with this handsome bamboo serving tray. This lightweight tray is great for serving breakfast in bed or appetizers in the dining room. The ribbed base of the tray is an attractive accent that also inhibits items from sliding around. |
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Simply Bamboo Extra Large Square Espresso Serving Tray List Price: $119.95 Sale Price: $49.95 |
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Serve in style with this beautiful bamboo serving tray featuring a rich, espresso colored finish. This extra large tray is great for serving beverages on top of your ottoman, breakfast in bed, or appetizers in the dining room... |
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Mini Solar Keychain Flashlight. Green solar gifts for professionals and executives. List Price: $9.99 Sale Price: $4.99 |
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Sleek executive gift and solar green idea for your family members. ***Green leaf package to associate with the green trend going on 2009. ***1.2V/40 MA Ni-MH rechargable built batteries that's enviromental friendly designed... |
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Stalkmarket 12-Ounce Hot Soup Bowl, 500-Count Case List Price: $46.53 Sale Price: $35.60 |
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StalkMarket's 12-ounce hot soup bowls will have you feeling good about the environment while you're drinking your soup. They are made entirely from biodegradable and compostable sugar cane fiber, keeping the earth happy and a better place to live for future generations... |
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Ecotools Green, Clean, Go Travel Set List Price: $7.99 Sale Price: $5.75 |
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Set Contains: Clean Skin, Cleaner World Body Wash 2 fl oz (59 ml); Sustainable Softness Body Lotion 2 fl oz (59 ml); Polished and Protected Body Scrub 2 fl oz (59 ml); One Hand Helps the Other Hand Cream 1 fl oz (29 ml); Bamboo Nail Brush; Reusable Pouch... |
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Ecotools Be Green Live Clean Bath Set List Price: $12.99 Sale Price: $12.25 |
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Live Green, Stay Clean! The EcoTools Be Green-Live Clean Set consists of the Sustainable Softness body lotion, the Clean Skin, Cleaner World body wash, the unique mini EcoPouf bath sponge and a mini loofah... |
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Apple Ipad 1&2 Angry Birds Case RED List Price: $29.99 Sale Price: $15.80 |
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fits most tablets.. size is 10.25 x 8 |
