Shop Green: Great Recycled or Repurposed Products for This Holiday Season

Now more than ever, people are aware of how they can have an impact-positive or negative-on the environment. Being environmentally responsible is not just about buying products that are labeled "green" or "organic." In fact, you can be eco-friendly just by using recycled or repurposed products.

This holiday season, consider eco-friendly giving gifts to show that loved one how much you care about them as well as the environment. Here are some great ideas to get you started.

Recycled/Grow-A-Note Greeting Cards (Treehugger.com). When mailing your annual Christmas greetings, consider sending out cards printed on recycled paper. Grow-A-Note cards are even better in that the seeds of wildflowers are embedded in the hand-made, recycled paper. When the recipient is finished with the card, she can plant it directly in the ground.

Recycled Tire Handbags (ClothesandThings.com). These fashionable accessories are made of completely recycled and repurposed tire tubes and not only cute, but very durable.

Recycled and Repurposed Diaper Bags (EcoChildsPlay.com). Stylish and long-lasting, and made 100% of recycled materials, these diaper bags would be well received by any new mother or father. The recycled bags can be made from a variety of products including rice bags, plastic water bottles, and recycled baby bottles.

Vintage Button Magnets (Repurposed4You.com). These vintage and reclaimed buttons make perfect gifts for the collector in your family, and can be used to add rustic charm anywhere you see fit! Each button has a unique story to tell.

Recycled Jewelry (Eco-Artware.com). What gift could be cooler than a bracelet, necklace, or a set of earrings made of vintage vinyl records, recycled magazines, vintage watch faces, repurposed transit tokens, or recycled glass? These gifts are one-of-a-kind and will be cherished by the recipient and all those who see these unique accessories.

Any piece of repurposed furniture. If you have an old piece of furniture that you no longer use, consider having it repurposed for your continued use or as a gift for someone else. This is a great way to get longer life out of your pieces. Whether you are turning an old coffee table into a desk or resizing an outdated armoire to make it a custom cabinet, this repurposed piece will have a brand new life.

Other Considerations

With all of your gifts this holiday season, don't forget to use recycled tissue paper and reusable packaging, for example, a cute Christmas can that previously held popcorn or a wine box from your Christmas party. These are small details that, if overlooked, could have a big impact on the environment.

The possibilities for recycled or repurposed gifts are endless-just look around your own home for a great idea. Not only will these gifts bring joy to the recipient, but you will also feel good knowing that you are doing well for your environment.