Giving Green

by Kimberly Monaghan

With the holidays just around the corner, thoughts of colorfully wrapped gifts, boughs of mint scented evergreens, and thoughts of sugarplums may begin to dance in your head.

But along with these time-honored traditions arrive a mountain of discarded paper, and a brown, brittle, fir tree, not to mention those few extra pounds. This season, don’t wait until the New Year arrives to clear the clutter and make a resolution to live a healthier and more environmentally conscious lifestyle. Instead, start the season with the commitment to ‘give green.’ With this new tradition you will not only be giving one of a kind, lasting gifts, that show friends and family you care, but you will also demonstrate just how much you care about saving our environment. And who knows, maybe the added effort will help you keep those unwanted holiday pounds at bay.

There are numerous opportunities for you to give green this season, starting with eco-conscious gifts. Whether purchased or homemade, there is an abundance of gifts that spare the eventual waste and are even proactive in helping to save the environment. Trendy clothing and shoes made from cruelty-free leather, hemp, and organic cotton have begun to show up on fashion runways. Designers are embracing this new “earth-wise” trend and have created friendly, functional and stylish clothing that make exclusive gifts for yourself or someone special. Also handbags, briefcases and accessories made from hemp or recycled rubber tires are distinguished, unique gifts that look like they stepped right out of an exclusive department store. All cotton linens and certified organic bedding is another luxurious indulgence. Or for a smaller budget, houseplants and trees are another way to decorate and fill a room with clean air, landscape a yard, and most importantly show the world you care. Companies like “Tree in a Box” are embracing the environmentally conscious consumer by offering unique packaging and instructions for giving trees for everyone on your list.

Smaller gifts such as fine jewelry and ornaments require much less wrapping. And even smaller in size, the gift certificate can now be sent electronically with no paper waste at all. Consider a gift certificate for a trip or restaurant as an option for those who may have everything or to break the endless cycle of material consumption. After all why add to the clutter when you could give a special memory instead?

Disposable gift such as biodegradable and cruelty free soaps and bath products are wonderful gifts to give and receive. Since they are often considered an indulgence, why not spoil that someone this season? Soy candles are giving traditional wax and run for their money, as they burn cleanly and efficiently without the harsh smoke and cinders. Additionally the gift of food is an excellent way to celebrate the holidays and for that person who is always in such a hurry it would be welcome respite to receive a basket of fruit, homemade breads or cookies in a reusable container. Wines, coffees and organic produce should always include an environmentally friendly labels like those listed on the “The Consumers Union Guide to Environmental Labels” at www.eco-labels.org.

Special gifts are those that come from the heart. Homemade gift such as stationary made from scraps of old paper, lint and leaves or a hearth basket filled with pinecones, kindling, and candles are one-of-kind presents filled with love. Additionally consider the gift of service. Snow shoveling or house cleaning are chores most don’t relish so who wouldn’t enjoy redeeming a “helping hand” card in the upcoming New Year? There are numerous service project one could give including moving the lawn, walking the dog or childcare. These environmentally conscious gifts reuse what we have already been given, our time, our talents and our love.

For those who still insist on wrapping, think of creative ways to use less paper and generate less waste. The colorful wrapping paper found in every store may be pretty to look but the inks used to make those patterns are much more difficult to breakdown in a landfill, their inevitable destination. Instead try using biodegradable wax papers or reusing newsprint or foil with recycled ribbons. Also consider making the wrapping part of the gift. With decorative tins, fabric swatches, tablecloths, quilts, pillowcases and cardboard hatboxes, you only add to your giving.

Lastly remember using less also extends to decorations. Trim a live Christmas tree with garlands of popcorn and cranberries that can be eventually placed outside for a gift for the birds. Fallen evergreen boughs and strings of pinecones, cinnamon sticks and nuts on the tree, mantel and railings not only fill the house with the fresh smells of the outdoors but can be composted later.

Giving green is easier than you think. The Internet is loaded with creative ideas for consumers who care, and for additional gift suggestions look through the marketplace sections of magazines like Sierra or E. For the consumer who cares, there is really no excuse not to begin this earth saving resolution. By practicing giving green now you will be sharing a valuable lesson with your children, friends and family and creating a healthy habit that will last a lifetime.

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Kimberly Monaghan is a freelance writer living Westerville, Ohio and has authored "Oh No Where Will It Go?" and "Organic Crafts", two children's books that introduce and encourage environmental awareness. She is a member of numerous environmental organizations actively working towards, and writing about, solutions for environmental issues in the workplace, the home, and in the community. Visit her website at www.organic-crafts.com.

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