Go Green with Your Gift-Giving (photo courtesy of bindarri)
Earth Day is coming up which means many of us are thinking about how to be more eco-friendly and reduce our carbon footprint. You may think going green requires big, bold steps like installing solar panels on your roof or trading in your car for a bike. But there are so many small, simple ways you can go green– including with your gift giving! Here are ways to make your gift giving more green.
Buy Local
Shopping local not only benefits your community’s economy more than shopping in big chains, but it also can be more eco-friendly, especially if you’re buying locally made products. The further a product has to be shipped, the more impact it has on the environment. Look for American-made products or handmade items created by local artists. Chances are these will be more green.
Shop for More
Rather than head out on a shopping trip every time you need a gift, try to buy multiple gifts during the same trip. You’ll save money on gas and you’ll pollute less by limiting your travel time. And while you’re out, make sure you bring along your own shopping bags so you don’t have to use one from the store.
Use Alternative Wrapping
When giving a green gift it’s important to consider the gift wrap. Try recycling and reusing items like newsprint, fabric or gift bags. Wrapping a gift can create a lot of unnecessary waste.
Encourage Green Living
Try to encourage others to live a more green lifestyle through the gifts you give them. Find items like travel coffee mugs, products made from bamboo or solar powered gadgets. Not only will your gift be green, but you’ll be influencing others to make small changes, too.
Consider the Gift
Is your gift made from recycled or sustainable materials? Does your gift include excessive packaging or is it made from any dangerous chemicals? Consider the gift you’re giving and make sure it’s as green as possible. This is a great way to celebrate Earth Day beyond just one day in April.
for a birthday girl that sparkles in a setting of white or yellow gold. Sometimes, green gems are flanked by diamonds, while other times, they are a beautiful stand-alone. Experiment with different cuts and precious stone combinations. Rings aren’t the only pieces of green jewelry to enjoy – you can browse endless necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and pendants at your local jeweler or online.
comprised of parts made from post-consumer recycled plastic. This eco-friendly item offers compact deep cleaning for both small and large cleaning jobs. Other features include PVC-free tanks and hose, tough-stain brush attachment, and a 1-year limited warranty. Arriving in eco-friendly packaging, this Bissell cleaner comes in a lovely shade of olive green.
offers three adjustable growing trays with germination lids and greenhouse covers to supply wheatgrass juice Each tray is responsible for producing up to 15 servings of wheatgrass juice – which supplies the body with beneficial enzymes and works as a detoxifier. This gift comes with organic wheatgrass seeds and a spray bottle for watering. For beginners, instructions on how to grow and harvest wheatgrass are also included.
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, just pick one, pay for it and you are done! You can’t lose when you choose the Eco Mom+Green baby gift. Available from 
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.