Tips for Giving Gifts the Green Way

Giving gifts in a green manner is the best way I know of to let the person that I am giving to know how much I care about them.

1. Give an e-card - you can save on paper, envelopes and postage when sending an electronic card. But not only that, so much thought has to go into this type of card to send just the right one. Besides, they are so much fun to receive.

2. Order online instead of driving to the store - when you order online instead of driving to the store, you are saving wear and tear on your car and you saving on gas.

3. Re-gift - I know that it seems kind of tacky to suggest re-gifting a gift that you have received, but if you aren't going to use it, and it is just sitting up in you closet, why not give it as a gift to another? Just make sure that you don't give it back to the same person that gave it.

4. Buy organic - An nice bottle of organic wine, or an organic basket of fruit is the perfect gift to give a friend or loved one. It shows that you care to give the very best.

5. Give a plant - Our ecology needs more living things, and I can't think of anything better than giving a living gift. Besides, they can make a wonderful addition to any room or office.

6. Donate - Find out what their favorite cause or charity is, and then make a donation in their name. It will mean a lot to them to know that you are taking into consideration what is important to them.

7. Reuse wrapping paper - I try to be very careful when unwrapping gifts that I receive for the sole purpose of reusing the paper. I very carefully fold it, and then put it in a storage bin until needed. Sometimes the paper gets a little wrinkled, but a little ironing will remove the wrinkles or creases in no time.

8. Use fabric as wrapping - I have been in second hand stores or at yard sales, and have purchased articles of clothing for the sole purpose of cutting the fabric into squares and using the square piece of fabric to wrap small gifts; especially if the fabric is showy or unique.

9. Cards or gift tags in recycled paper - If I can't send an e-card, or if I don't have any gift tags and I need to purchase them; I make sure that they are made from recycled material. The package will always say. Though I have been known to take a really pretty piece of wrapping paper, cut a square and fold it to use as a tag, and then attach it to the gift with a piece of jute. It's really pretty, and most people don't notice the difference. Besides, that's not what gift giving is all about.

10. Use mason jars - the use of a mason jar gives a touch of nostalgia to the gift; plus it makes the perfect package for flower seeds (a nice gift), or homemade cookies or candy. The recipient can always use the jar when finished with it.

Remember, one of the main issues of going green is to reuse and recycle. These ten tips just help to get you started on the green gift giving process.