Earth Kit from earthkits.com

One person can make a difference– especially if that person is a child. That’s the philosophy behind EarthKits.com. The idea is to educate and excite some of Earth’s youngest inhabitants so that they’ll continue a long life of environmentally-friendly living.

The site’s signature product is the Earth Kit for Kids. (The Earth Kit for Adults is on its way.) There’s a deluxe version and a mini version. The deluxe kit comes with lots of items including a 16 oz. BPA-free “Kids Go Green” spill-proof water bottle by Camelbak, a “Kids Go Green” organic cotton T-shirt, a “Green at Heart” wristband and a seeded download card. Kids can download two songs for free and then plant the card and watch the seeds grow into a plant. All of the products will come in a cardboard box that has been made from recycled materials. For under $50 you’ll feel good knowing you’re helping the environment one child at a time.

Everything Kits Environment Book from earthkits.com

If you’re looking for a great gift under $5, why not have a tree planted on someone’s behalf? Your $3 donation to American Forests will plant one tree. American Forests is working on tree-planting projects in all 50 states, as well as 21 countries worldwide. If $3 buys a tree, a $100 donation could practically fund a forest!

Besides the online shop, EarthKits.com offers lots of free information on how YOU can slow global warming or make a difference to help our environment. Take a few minutes to review dozens of tips on how to live an earth-friendly life at home, at work or even on vacation. Soon, you and your family will be living green!

If you tried any of these “go-green” products, please leave a message! We’d like to know about your experience!

You stopped buying bottled water. You recycle just about everything. You even drink organic coffee. Now it’s time to turn your gift giving just as green as the rest of your life. Here are seven ways to be thoughtful to you friends, family and the earth.

1.    Give an edible gift. Check out your local farmers’ market and pick up some fresh fruit and veggies for an organic and yummy homemade gift basket. Edible gifts are great because you know they’ll be used.

2.    Look locally. When shopping for presents support local craftspeople. Make sure the items are made with non-toxic supplies.

3.    Give the gift of nature. For the outdoorsy types, why not give them a pass to the national parks. For $80 they’ll have access to dozens of parks across the country.

4.    Look for earth-friendly gadgets. There are plenty of them at Terrapass.com. Check out this personal wind turbine. It’s a great way to charge your cell phone or iPod without using electricity.

5.    Think about what they’ll actually use. It’s important to buy items that will be used, not wasted or thrown away.

6.    Give them some land. For just $50 you can adopt an acre of Costa Rican rainforest, an area threatened by development. It’s a gift that they may never get to touch or so, but they’ll definitely appreciate it.

7.    Think about the wrapping. Before you go snag some pretty paper and ribbon, think about what it’s made of. Avoid cards and wrap made with chlorine-bleached paper. Look for a PCF (processed chlorine free) label or products made from recycled material. Better yet, re-use paper and gift bags or put the Sunday comics to use.

Photo courtesy of TerraPass.com