10 Eco Friendly Holiday Gift Ideas for the Green at Heart

10 Eco Friendly Holiday Gift Ideas for the Green at HeartShopping during the holidays can be challenging even for the spirited among us. Throw in the extra environmental concerns of the one you love and you may be wondering what you can possibly do for them this holiday season. Worry not; here are 10 great holiday gift ideas (in no particular order) for the “green” person in your life.

#10: Purchase a Carbon Offset. This is ideal for the Carbon Conscience person in your life. It is a great idea for a world traveller, or frequent commuter. A comprehensive Consumers Guide to Retail Carbon Offset Providers is available in PDF format from http://www.cleanair-coolplanet.org check out their list on page 25.

#9: Energy Saving Light Bulbs. Compact Florescent Bulbs are the perfect gift for just about everyone. Stuff them in stockings or give them along with the decorative lamps you bought for Grandma. The great thing is that this is a gift that keeps on giving…long after the holiday’s have past your energy bills will remain low!

#8: Organic Teddy Bears. How can a Teddy be organic you ask…Well conventionally grown cotton makes use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. Methods used for growing cotton may also have environmentally damaging effects such as soil depletion. Organic cottons do not make use of pesticides or synthetic fertilizers but remember 100% organic is always best for the child you love. Check out nunoorganic.com and naturesfibres.com for all members of the animal family in cuddly soft 100% organic fabrics.

#7: For the Outdoor Enthusiast. Why not purchase a National Parks Pass. Visit the National Parks Service website, for details on how this park pass can reveal America the Beautiful to you 365 days a year.

#6: For the Jewellery lover. Buying conflict free diamonds recycled (renewed) gold, vintage or antique jewellery has never been easier. Visit brilliantearth.com to learn about purchasing a conflict free diamond and Brilliant Earth’s commitment to the use of renewed gold where possible. The jewellery lover in your life can now rest easy knowing that they are not supporting an industry that has blood on their hands.

#5: For an adorable book worm. For those who love to read and are budding environmentalists give the gift of green this season with The Little Green Book of Big Green Ideas published by Think Books in conjunction with Friends of the Earth back in 2005. For those looking for a magazine over a book try greenliving.com for tons of up-to-date green information and tips.

#4: For the Culinary Magician. You have all heard the saying you are what you eat! The way that your food in grown, caught and shipped has a deep impact on the world around you. The use of pesticides on produce, synthetic hormones in the meats and poultry as well as the farming practices employed by growers in foreign countries are not up to standards practiced in the USA. Visit sustainabletable.org for sustainable cookbooks and reviews all designed to ensure healthy meals for you.

#3: For the Chocolate lover. Who could deny the pleasure of chocolate around the holidays? Put your cravings, I mean the cravings of your favorite chocolate connoisseur to rest with fine organic chocolate from Green & Blacks.

#2: Green your Kids. The best way to make a green adult is to teach children from a young age about limiting their harmful effects on the earth. All parents can attest to the need for fun and engaging books to fool kids into learning something. Check out The Lorax by Dr. Seuss available through Amazon.com and EcoKids by Dan Chiras also available through Amazon.com.

#1: Help the Cold Hand Warm Hearted Keep Warm. Stewart and Brown offer fashionable clothing made from Organic Cotton, Mongolian cashmere and other green fabrics. Offering everything from t-shirts to cashmere sweaters there is something at Stewart & Brown for everyone’s fashion taste.