Eco-Friendly Green Housewarming Gifts

Moving into a new home is an exciting time full of possibilities and hard work. Whether owning or renting, moving into a new home is a wonderful opportunity to begin or enhance a sustainable, green lifestyle. If you have friends or family who have recently moved into a new house or apartment and you are in search of a housewarming gift, why not green your gift giving and give them an eco-friendly housewarming present that they will actually use?

Eco-friendly housewarming gifts for new home owners or folks who have recently moved into a new home are not necessarily any more expensive than more conventional gifts and show that you put special thought into selecting a gift that will be useful to them and better for the environment.

Green housewarming gifts are much easier to find now that more and more folks are concerned about the impact our lifestyles have on the environment and can be purchased online, at specialty stores or in most large chain retailers.

Here are seventeen ideas for eco-friendly, green housewarming gifts for new homeowners or friends and family who have recently moved into a new house or apartment.

1. Bamboo or Organic Cotton Bath Towel Set - Bamboo and organic cotton bath towel sets comes in a variety of colors and price ranges. Bamboo is a renewable resource and purchasing organic cotton (rather than conventional cotton) limits pesticides in the environment and in their new home.
2. Bamboo or Organic Cotton Kitchen Towels and Oven Mitts - Kitchen towels, oven mitts and other kitchen linens are now widely available in bamboo and organic cotton options.
3. Bamboo or Organic Cotton Bedding - Bamboo and organic cotton linens are soft and cozy, making them a great housewarming gift that will keep on giving.
4. Energy Saving Dimmer Switches - Dimmer switches can help set the mood in every room of their new home - and will save them money on their energy bill.
5. Energy Saving Power Strips - Considering that up to 40% of a home's energy use occurs while appliances and electronics are turned off but still plugged in, this is a gift that will save huge amounts of energy and help the new home owners maintain lower utility bills.
6. Bamboo Cooking Utensils - Bamboo cooking utensils are fun and easy to cook with and way more eco-friendlier than metal and plastic cooking utensils.
7. Bamboo Salad Serving Bowl, Serving Utensils and Salad Bowls - Gorgeous and eco-friendly - this is a simple, affordable green gift idea that can be picked up at Cost Plus World Market, Target and a number of other retailers.
8. Bamboo Steamer Basket - This is a fun gift that is made from a renewable resource, is super easy to use and fosters healthy eating habits. Steamed vegetables come out perfect every time and these versatile steamers are even available with multiple layers to steam different foods at the same time.
9. Eco-Friendly Clothes Drying Rack - Clothes dryers are huge energy hogs. Help them save energy and money every time they do laundry with the gift of an eco-friendly clothes drying rack. There are lots of options that will fit even the smallest of space (and can be folded away when not in use) so this one is a great green gift for studio apartments, as well as larger homes. IKEA has some great, affordable, portable clothes drying racks.
10. Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb Set - We all know that CFLs use way less energy than incandescent bulbs and that they have a much longer lifespan, but folks moving into a new home might not have the extra money to spring for CFLs for every room in the house. It may not seem like a very intimate gift for family or close friends, but you can dress them up in an eco-friendly, reusable gift basket if they just seem too utilitarian for your taste.
11. Green Home Book - With the green revolution in full swing there is no limit to the newly-published green living books lining the shelves at your local bookstore. Books with tips on creating and maintaining an eco-friendly home are great for folks who are just learning to be green, as well as those of us who could use a refresher or some new ideas.
12. Eco-Friendly Cookware - Earth-friendly cookware is becoming more widely available (I hear even Wal Mart offers an eco-friendly cookware set) and more affordable. An eco-friendly cookware set is a perfect larger housewarming gift if you are buying a gift as a group or for someone you are close to.
13. Soy-Based Candles - A traditional, simple housewarming gift made greener. Soy-based candles burn cleaner and lack the harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances of their conventional counterparts.
14. Decorative Composting Pail for the Kitchen - Small countertop composting pails are a great gift for folks who love compost - or want to start - but don't want to traipse outside to the composting bin after every meal. There are some very cute decorative composting crocks and pails available that will allow them to stow their bits of vegetables and leftover food and make less trips out to their main composting pile or bin.
15. Low-Flow Showerhead - Again, this one might feel a bit no-frills, but a low-flow showerhead is a great eco-friendly gift that is easy to install and will save water (and money) every time they shower.
16. Green Cleaning Service - Eco-friendly, green housecleaning services are popping up all over the place. If you are looking for a larger gift or a group gift, check online for a green housecleaning service in your area and give a gift that will be greatly appreciated.
17. HerbGarden Starter Kit - Herb gardens are easy and fun to grow and are an affordable housewarming gift. Using local, organic produce limits transportation and pesticides - how much more local can you get than your own windowsill? Herb gardens offer fresh herbs for everyday use and they will be reminded of your thoughtful, eco-friendly gift each time they see it.