Green Gift Guide

Being green this holiday season is easier than ever before. Here is a holiday gift-guide for all who wish to ensure that their presents lean towards the environmentally friendly side of life. While it is true that these products may not be considered 100% eco-friendly in all aspects of their production, they all are certainly made in an environmentally responsible manner.

1. Recycled pencils: Available at your local Barnes and Nobles (among other stores), these lovely little gifts make the perfect green stocking stuffers this Christmas. Made with the print of old newspapers decorating the outside, these pencils are both stylish and environmentally friendly.

2. B2Ps: More commonly known as "Bottle 2 Pens," these pens are a great gift for the busy college student. Besides being made almost entirely of recycled material, these pens have the added perk of having quality smooth and free-flowing ink-perfect for active note taking. These pens can be purchased at most large retail stores, such as Wal-Mart and Target.

3. Yak Pak Backpacks: Cleverly constructed from recycled vinyl billboards, this practical gift ranks among the most creative of recycled products. Available online through Terracyle.com, Yak Paks will be sure to remind your gift-recipient of the importance of taking care of the planet.

4. Recycled purses: Available through a variety of sellers including gogreenitems.com, these purses are cheerful and bright, usually made from recycled juice boxes, bottle wrappers, or plastic bags. The wide variety of purse styles and shapes, combined with the fact that each is constructed from old products guarantees the uniqueness of each item.

5. Wired Jewelry: While there definitely are a huge variety of recycled or upcycled jewelry products, Wired Jewelry's jewelry concept is among one of the most unique on the market today. For example, this lovely set of earrings is actually made from scrapped local rubber. Crafted from discarded industry products, this upcycled jewelry is the perfect gift for the environmentally friendly and classy girl on your gift list.

6. Recycled Picture Frames: Perfect for that family member who loves displaying family photographs, these unique frames are made from recycled newspapers or magazines and can be purchased from a variety of sources, including tenthousandvillages.com and planetonegifts.com. The designs are often colorful and great for displaying photographs on work desks.

7. Green clothing: Although not exactly made from recycled products, the concepts behind green clothing products such as those sold through elementcowear.com are still supporting an environmentally friendly lifestyle. Offering apparel made from bamboo (which consumes about four times as much CO₂ as trees do), this clothing line is the perfect gift for the fashionable and earth-friendly friend.