Environmentally Friendly Gift Suggestions for the Holidays

There are many people on this planet that remain blissfully unaware that we are depleting our natural resources faster than they can be replaced. For these people recycling seems like too much work, and when asked whether they want paper or plastic they inevitably choose plastic; and while they probably have at least heard the term environmentally friendly they are pretty clueless about terms such as environmental integrity, social justice, and sustainability. However, there are those out there that are very clued in to environmental issues. These people understand that saving the planet begins with making environmentally responsible and health minded purchases: those that don't cause damage to the environment when produced or disposed of. The holidays are quickly approaching. If you have someone on your shopping list that lives their life to make a difference in the world but you are not as environmentally aware, fear not! Here are some eco-friendly (green) gift suggestions you can purchase online that are sure to please.

1. www.organicbouquet.com: Organic Bouquet offers a large variety of floral gifts from growers who strive for the highest social and environmental standards. Crops are grown and harvested with an emphasis on minimizing damage to the ecosystems and enhancing environmental quality for future generations. The average price is around $45 and they offer incredible arrangements such as a dozen lavender roses for $49.95 and the bluest blue irises, 15 for $44.95.

2. www.bonsaiboy.com: A live gift such as a green plant is always a welcome gift for anyone who is environmentally aware. For an unusual green plant why not try a flowering Bonsai tree from Bonsai Boy? Bonsai trees are not your typical houseplant and offer a unique gift option when a houseplant just won't do. Give a gift that grows starting at under $30.

3. www.healthyoptions.mionegroup.com: Organic body care products are great gifts for those who are focused on their own health as well as the health of the planet. One Group offers skin and body care products that are rigorously certified organic to food grade standards by the USDA and the ACO. They contain no synthetic chemicals (i.e. petroleum, talc, mineral oil or parabens) so they are environmentally friendly. The Intensive Body Cream contains Shea Butter for just $25.95; the Sunflower Body Wash is sulfate free at just $10.95. Just add a sea sponge and you have a great healthy gift!

4. www.tenthousandvillages.com: Gifts that provide for others are ideal for both those who are environmentally aware and those who are not. Ten Thousand Villages is a member of an organization called the International Fair Trade Association, whose goal it is to improve the lives of disadvantaged (often disabled) people living in developing countries by providing them with a fair wage for their product. By allowing people to earn an honest living they preserve their self worth and dignity. The products are earth friendly, unusual, and very reasonably priced. Beaded jewelry at $10, natural fiber picture frames for $12, and onyx candle holders for just $10 a pair. Give a gift that not only is inexpensive and beautiful but one that offers a fellow human being a sense of hope and self respect, as well as the opportunity for a better standard of living.

5. www.exoexpress.com: 1700 trees a year are cut down through slash and burn agricultural techniques. This depletes valuable forest habitat. Why not save a tree and give a colorful set of 12 tree-free note cards made from a unique plant from Africa? The set from ExoExpress which costs just $14.99 comes with matching envelopes in a matching decorative tin with a picture frame lid that holds a 4 x 6 picture. When the note cards are gone the tin can then be recycled as a picture frame or keepsake box rather than being discarded. In addition, the process used to make white paper from tree pulp produces harmful toxic chemicals. Tree free paper helps keep our air and water clean, thus preserving our environment and the environment of our wildlife.

6. www.groundsforchange.com: Coffee lovers can enjoy their coffee while still promoting a sustainable natural environment. Grounds for Change is a certified organic coffee roaster specializing in fair trade coffee. Their products are USDA certified organic, grown without harmful chemical pesticides and fertilizers so they are healthy for the soil, the farmers, and the consumer. Farmers are guaranteed a fair wage for their crop ensuring a better standard of living. Not a coffee drinker? Grounds for Change offers teas and hot chocolates as well as mugs and gift sets. Prices range from $4.95 to $59.95 so you are sure to find the right gift for your budget.

7. www.bag-e-wash.com: While plastic baggies are a great convenience for storage they are not so great for the environment. Since they are made to be disposable they are typically used once and then discarded, where they wind up in landfills. Bag-E-Wash is a dishwasher accessory that lets you clean and sanitize your plastic bags in your dishwasher, thereby using them over and over again rather than discarding them after a single use! It is designed to hold bags open and secure making washing quick and easy. Not only is this product affordable at just $9.99 but it saves you money and it's good for the environment. One box of 30 baggies recycled 50 times with Bag-E-Wash keeps 1,500 bags out of landfills. They offer a version for those without a dishwasher as well for $15.50.

8. www.gogreengift.com: For those on your list who are interested in environmental issues but have just not fallen head long into the eco-friendly movement yet why not give them a Eco Starter Kit? The Go Green Gift comes in a reusable bag and is filled with items that promote harmonious living such as a low-flow shower head, compact fluorescent light bulbs, organic coffee and tea, herbal body care, and coupons and resources for planet friendly products and services and more. It helps establish environmentally friendly habits for practical everyday life.

9. www.greenbatteries.com: Each year over 15 billion batteries, most of which are alkaline batteries discarded after a single use, find their way to landfills. Rechargeable batteries made from nickel-metal hydride or lithium can be used as many as 100 times, saving you tons of money and saving the planet at the same time. Batteries are products that everyone on your gift list an always use and rechargeable batteries allow them to get more usage out of each battery, while knowing that they are having a positive impact on the environment.

10. www.defendersofwildlife.com: For the person on your list who seems to have everything or is an avid animal lover, adopting an endangered species from Defenders of Wildlife is a novel gift and one they probably don't already have. Starting at just $25 you can adopt endangered animals such as tigers, sea turtles, penguins, jaguars, sea otters and more. You will receive a frame worthy certificate of adoption along with a plush toy of the species you adopt. This is a great gift for young people. Adopt an individual animal or an entire family! Get a tangible gift while helping defend endangered wildlife. Check out the adoption center.

11. www.eco-artware.com: For those on your list with distinct taste Eco-Artware offers gift items that are truly unique. Items include hand-crafted bracelets from authentic rock 'n roll vinyl records, key chains made from discarded aluminum traffic signs, men and women's jewelry from discontinued transit tokens, and handbags made from recycled truck or traffic inner tubes and trimmed with faux leather. It is a pretty safe bet that those on your gift list do not have the items offered here. Each is delightfully unique and definitely earth friendly! Prices are very reasonable.

12. www.ithacafinechocolates.com: What list would be complete without chocolate? Ithaca Fine Chocolates is the first Fair Trade chocolate company in the U.S, guaranteeing fair prices to cocoa farmers and promoting environmentally friendly organic farming techniques. All ingredients are USDA certified organic. Each bar comes with an art reproduction by a contemporary adult or international child artist on a collectible card inside the wrapper. A portion of the proceeds go to support art education. Available in milk chocolate or dark chocolate for $2.25 or less a bar.

Living green is essential for our health and the health of our planet. Giving green gifts, as well as using environmentally friendly products ourselves, is something we can all do. It is never too late to start. No matter what your taste, your financial status or where you stand in your environmental consciousness there is a product out there that can help you, and others, live a more sustainable life and protect our environment for future generations. Start simple…buy non-toxic cleaning products, buy a recycled gift item, or simply ask for paper instead of plastic. Be part of the solution!