Green Gifts for the Holidays

I enjoyed the article by Cathie Garnier titled "Environmentally Friendly Gift Suggestions for the Holidays". I would like to expand on her ideas by adding some of my own.

Each American generates an average of 3.5 pounds of trash daily. During the holidays, Americans generate an additional five million tons of trash. With these facts in mind, we should all consider putting some green gifts on our holiday shopping list. But don't fret. There are lots of ideas for earth friendly gifts.

Gift certificates eliminate wrapping paper. If you choose gift certificates for services instead of material items, they also don't eventually end up in landfills. Gift certificates for restaurants, massages and salon services, museum or zoo memberships are all examples. Gift certificates for organic foods or health food stores are also great green gifts.

Donations to a charity or environmental group in the gift recipient's name are thoughtful green gifts for environmentally concious people. Like gift certificates, they eliminate wasteful gift wrap and clutter. They have the added benefit of aiding others or the environment.

Lots of books are available about the environment and conservation. Choose from homesteading, organic farming, solar power, conservation, and non-toxic ways to clean around the house, just to name a few. Silent Spring by Rachel Carson is an environmental classic about pesticides.

Buying organic gifts helps the environment by reducing contaminated water, soil, and air. It also prevents beneficial insects from being exterminated and animals, including pets, from being poisoned. You can find organic products in almost every category- food, health supplements, beauty products, even clothing. Organic items are easier to find than you might think. Scan your local grocery stores, drug stores, even large retailers for earth friendly items.

If you don't want to fight the holiday crowds, here is a listing of earth friendly websites with lots of green gifts for your shopping needs.