Eco-Friendly Gear for New Graduates: Give the Gift of Green

Graduation is a time of change, celebration, and preparation for a new stage in life. It is also good gift-giving opportunity. With eco-friendly gift-giving rising in popularity, what green gift options are out there for graduation presents?

One very important if utilitarian gift is cleaning supplies. Whether they're moving to a dormitory or a new apartment, this is one item every graduate needs. Go the extra mile and get them supplies that are eco-friendly and will keep their home toxin-free to boot. There are commonly available green options for everything from laundry detergent to dish soap.

Two good and easy to find brands are Seventh Generation and the Chlorox Greenworks line. Both list all their ingredients (a rarity in the cleaning product industry), all of which are non-toxic and all-natural. Seventh Generation is an industry pioneer in green cleaning and Greenworks is a new product line that is endorsed by the EPA and the Sierra Club. Since cleaning products can be a primary source of toxins in the home, green cleaning products are an important eco-friendly choice.

Bags and totes are also good graduate housewarming gifts. I find that I'm constantly using them in my home, for everything from bringing extra materials to work to carrying groceries. I have a collection of canvas bags in my closet just for grocery trip purposes! However, if portability and just plain adorable is what you're looking for, Chico Bags are the gift idea for you. They're made out of lightweight synthetic material that compacts down into a tiny stuff sack that's sewn inside the bag. Chico Bags are great for unexpected shopping trips - you can keep them in your purse or briefcase just in case.

If your graduate is heading off to grad school or college, you can send them off to class equipped with eco-friendly school supplies. High quality recycled content notebook and printer paper is easy to find - just remember that the higher the recycled content, the more trees, energy and pollution you save. You can even find recycled content binders, folders, notebooks and mailers - the Sustainable Group is a good source for all things recycled cardboard.

One thing every graduate newly out into the world has to worry about is bills. One way you can help them bring their utility costs down is to give them the gift of CFLs - compact fluorescent lightbulbs. They're the low energy alternative to incandescent light bulbs. You can use them in many of the same fixtures, but they use a fraction of the energy. While they save on greenhouse gas emissions, compact fluorescents can take a chunk out of your pocketbook as compared to incandescents. However, their long life and the electricity bill savings they provide make them a great value despite their price tag.

Low flow showerheads are another utility bill saver that makes a good housewarming gift for new graduates. The newest generation of low-flow showerheads give just as much water pressure as normal showerheads, as I can attest to from personal experience. The environmental advantage is that you get the same great shower while using about half the water. The economic advantage is that you get the same great shower for half the price!

When you're getting ready to buy graduation presents, don't forget that there are a lot of great eco-friendly options out there. It's easy to give the gift of green to your new graduate!

Sources:

Seventh Generation: http://www.seventhgeneration.com/

Chlorox Greenworks: http://www.greenworkscleaners.com/

Chico Bags: http://store.chicobag.com/

Sustainable Group: http://www.sustainablegroup.net/

Low Flow Showerheads: http://www.eartheasy.com/live_lowflow_aerators.htm