Here are some ideas for gift giving that not only show your fondness for someone but also reflect your personal commitment to helping the environment.

1. Time

The gift of time to help with chores is always appreciated but you could add an earth friendly twist to it.

a. Help someone with a de-clutter project – offer your services to help organize a garage or a storage space. Help them recycle unwanted electronics, batteries and paints to insure they get to the right place.

b. Help make their home more energy efficient. Pay for an energy audit, buy them a programmable thermostat, share your electronic power meter that measures how much electricity is used, help them put in more insulation or better window seals.

2. Give Consumables

Take them to see a movie, watch a play, tour an art gallery, or explore on a day trip together. Give the gift of a memory rather than a ìdust collectorî to clutter their home.  Homemade jams, pies, fruit loaves are always welcomed.  Think of something theyíve enjoyed that youíve made and bring the ingredients over and show them how to cook it.

3. Give Reusables

a. Specially designed metal reusable water bottles and a pitcher that filters water in their fridge saves them from using plastic water bottles.

b. Give them a tree to plant in their own backyard or plant a tree in their honor through a forest or park regenerating project.

c. Help them go paperless- help them start up an online banking and payment program. Show them how to access catalogues and phone information on line. If you have an elderly parent with no computer, do it for them on your computer. Give ebooks or commit to a bi-weekly library visit with an elderly parent.

d. Make a set of reusable shopping bags to give as a gift. Most stores are charging for plastic bags now.

4. Charitable gifts

Make a donation in their honor to a charity which helps provide basic necessities to those who need it in the developing world. ìBuyî an acre of land for them in a threatened rain forest. Membership to an environmental organization or donations to programs designed to clean up the environment are perfect gifts.

5. Purchase Eco friendly products

a. From skin care to baby care, there are excellent chemical free organic products available.

b. A cloth diaper set is better for the baby and the environment and it prevents tons of diaper waste from going to landfills.

c. Give linens that were made from raw materials produced without harsh chemical treatments. Bamboo is very popular as an eco-friendly resource.

d. Solar-powered lights provide an environmentally friendly accent for the yard, patio, or balcony.

e. Choose wooden instead of plastic toys for children.

f. Buy books featuring craft ideas that are earth friendly.

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There are many eco friendly products out there that claim to save money as well as helping the environment but it is impossible to buy, or try them all to discover their real benefits. Many eco products claim they save money but unless you get a return on your investment of the original cost price, you are losing money.

To make things easier, here are five tried and tested products that will definitely save you money and pay for themselves in the long run. And the best thing is, they will also benefit the environment too:

Clothes Airer

Perhaps not a new invention, but more and more people are reverting make to this traditional method of drying their clothes. Clothes airers are great, they not only mean you can tun the tumble dryer off when it’s raining, but also they allow you to hang clothes around the house without blocking the heat from the radiators or cluttering the place up. And if you revert to them completely you’ll be amazed at just how much that tumble dryer was costing you.

Log Makers

Only for people with a log burning stove or open fire but these clever little devices allow you to turn waste paper and recycled card and newspaper into compacted logs for fuel for the fire. Logmakers are a great way of producing free fuel for both heating and cooking.

Log Maker

Radiator Panels

Radiator panels and reflective foil really give your radiator a boost. They reflect all that lost heat from the back of the radiator, that normally just soaks into the wall behind, back into the room. This can radically improve the heat output, allowing you to turn the thermostat down.

Energy Monitors

Whilst they won;t actually save you money themselves, electricity monitors allow you to identify areas of wasted power. By installing one of these relatively inexpensive box of tricks you can see in real figures and pounds just how much that television left on stand-by is costing or easily identify if that light under the stairs or in the loft has been left on and is draining power.

Energy Saving Light Bulbs

If you haven’t already replaced your filament bulbs it really is time you did so. Energy saving light bulbs use considerably less power and the savings can add up to be quite substantial. Don’t be put off by people telling you they are not as good as traditional bulbs either, while it may have been true when they first came to the market, energy saving lightbulbs are now every bit as good at producing all types of lighting.

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Being green and eco friendly is not difficult to achieve and it doesn’t require huge sacrifices in the way you live your life. Being green can be achieved with only small and subtle changes that will not only improve the environment but can often reward you in other ways too.

Here are perhaps the five simplest ways that you can not only make a difference to the environment but also can save you money in the long run:

Recycling

Perhaps the single most important way of becoming eco friendly is to ensure you are recycling. Recycling is one of the most direct ways you can benefit the environment. But recycling is more than just using a recycling bin to separate your waste. There are other ways to recycle to. Compost in the garden or ensuring you don;t throw anything away that is still functional and useful to somebody./

Energy Saving

Saving energy is another way of helping the environment by reducing your carbon footprint. It can be done in a multitude of ways from driving less to ensuring you switch devices off from standby. You can even get energy monitors to work out your energy consumption.

Reduce waste

Reducing waste can also be done in a multitude of ways. From ensuring we are not wasting electricity to not buying things we don’t really need. Try and by buy things without excess packaging and recycle rather than throw things away

Buy Eco friendly Products

Often there is an eco friendly or friendlier solution to many of the things we buy. Nearly everything from eco cars to eco kettles are available. Look for energy efficient alternatives and choose items that require less energy than the alternatives.

Try Natural Methods

Often there is also a natural solution to many problems. Try and avoid using chemical in things like cleaners and look for natural alternatives. Revert to drying clothes on a line rather than a washing machine or use a clothes airer. Often natural methods are just as efficient but also cost us a lot less to employ.

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September 17th, 2009 by Richard N Williams

Being eco friendly or living in an environmentally friendly way is often preached to us from the media, government, friends and colleagues. But eco friendly living can often be confusing with mixed messages coming from different quarters.

For instance some people claim bio-diesel is a green fuel as it produces les CO2 than conventional fuels. Others argue it takes up valuable arable land and that the fuel is essentially foodstuffs that could go to feeding people. So it becomes difficult to know who to believe.

And as being green is all about thinking about how individually we effect the environment – often what works for one person doesn’t necessarily work, or can be practical, to another.

However, there are a few things that many people agree can go a long way to helping the environment and most people can fit into their lives:=

Recycling. Recycling is perhaps the most important thing that we can do that directly help the environment. When you consider how much rubbish each of us throw away each year it soon becomes clear that reducing that amount will make an individual difference. Recycling bins go a long way to make things easier too.

Buy organic products where no harmful chemicals/pesticides have been used. Whilst they may be more expensive but anything we can do to help prevent pollution of our countryside and seas will benefit generations to come. Its not just about organic food either, organic clothing and other organic products are available.
Try and use natural alternatives. What was good for grandma is probably good for the planet too. Old fashioned methods such as drying clothes on an clothes airer will not only cut down on your carbon footprint but also reduce your energy bills.

Try different energy methods. Hybrid cars are one way of using new technology but replace some of the battery powered stuff with say solar powered gadgets. Even consider using solar powered chargers to recharge your laptop or ipod. Every little bit helps.

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The summer is not only a great opportunity to recycle, help the environment and save money it is also a fantastic time to have some fun and there is no reason why you can’t enjoy the sunshine whilst helping the environment too. Here are ten great eco-gift ideas to help you make the most of the sunshine:

5. Preparing for winter. The summer is a great opportunity to begin preparing for an eco-friendly winter. Recycled paper can be turned into slow burning eco-fuel for open fires by using a log maker. These compact logs can then be kept dry until for the colder months and kept in a log store providing lots of free and green heating for the winter.

4. Composting. Keeping your garden fed and healthy can be both green and free when you start composting. Large wooden composters (choose one made from recycled wood) can be kept in the garden but those food scraps from the kitchen can be kept in a ceramic compost crock to save you running back and forth to the garden every five minutes.

3. Catching up with your recycling. While recycling bins can be used any time of year we tend to through more rubbish out in the warmer months. Specially adapted trio recycling bins are a great idea that divides a normal kitchen bin into three colour coded section  which makes recycling so much easier.

2. Clothes shopping. Everyone loves shopping for a new summer wardrobe and dressing fashionably doesn’t have to mean we can’t dress green. There are huge ranges of eco-fashions and organic clothing for women, men, children and babies available.

1. Drying clothes. The sunshine is a great opportunity to dry an air clothes completely free of charge. However, Mother Nature doesn’t always respect laundry day but there are plenty of eco clothes airers on the market that allow clothes to be dried indoors without turning on that wicked tumble dryer.

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I’ve discovered a lot of great green and eco-friendly products since I started writing my blog, MissMalaprop.com, in August 2006. I’ve had the chance to personally test quite a few of them, and now there are green products that I absolutely swear by. Below is a round-up of some of my favorite green and eco-friendly products.

Everyday Green

Change can come in both big and small ways — one of my early posts was all about taking baby steps to changing the world. One of my favorite green blogs, Tiny Choices, also believes that small steps can add up to a big difference, as do the people behind Ideal Bite, which is a great free resource for learning easy ways to go green. Their daily email newsletter is packed with information and tips — I’ve learned about lots of environmental issues and solutions from their emails!
Choose to reuse! Envirosax reusable shopping bags are my personal favorite for grocery shopping and every day use. I keep at least a couple of these folded up in my purse at all times, and they fold up really small, so it’s easy! I’m also a big fan of the stainless steel water bottles by Earthlust. I keep mine with me at work and find myself drinking more water these days! Even choosing reusable chopsticks over disposables can add up to make a big difference. Reducing is another big part of helping the environment. I’ve written about lots of ways you can reduce and get rid of junk mail.

Carbon emissions are a big issue when it comes to the environment. One easy thing you can do is make sure to stop idling your car — whether it’s warming up in winter (most modern cars don’t need to do this anymore anyway) or keeping the A/C on when parked in summer, it’s bad for emissions and you’re wasting gas and money! I’m also a big proponent of shopping local as much as possible, for reducing food-miles and supporting the local economy.

Health and Beauty

Ever since I read the book Living Green, I’ve become way more aware of all of the nasty chemicals commonly found in things we use every day, and I find myself reading labels much more closely. (Check The Green Guide for a list of the top chemicals to avoid.) There are a couple of products I’ve tried out to see if they would be better than the mainstream alternatives, and now I swear by them.

Manor Hall Soap Company’s face wash is my absolute favorite. Not only is it all natural and made from organic ingredients, it’s also handmade! I was skeptical when I first tried Crystal deodorant, but now that I’ve made it through a summer using this stuff instead of antiperspirant with chemicals linked to cancer, I’m definitely a fan!

Anti-Body is a great fair trade company that makes fantastic body care products, including amazing peppermint lip balm that I use every night. If you’re an open-minded lady, check out my post on eco-friendly and handmade menstrual alternatives — there are a lot of scary chemicals in those traditional pads and tampons, not to mention the trash they produce!

Looking for a better toothbrush alternative? Check out Recycline’s eco-friendly toothbrushes and razors made from recycled plastics.

Home and Decor

Those scary chemicals? They’re not only in stuff we put on our bodies, but also all around our homes. Traditional vinyl shower curtain liners give off chemicals that you breathe in while you shower. I found an awesome recycled shower curtain called EnviroCurtain that works as both a liner or the only shower curtain you’ll ever need!

For greener cleaning alternatives, check out these awesome handmade eco-friendly dish sponges or try the range of Seventh Generation cleaning products, which is what we use at home. You can also make your own inexpensive cleaners at home using products that should already be in your kitchen. Soap nuts are another great all-natural alternative for not only laundry, but all sorts of cleaning needs.

If you’re in the market for a new mattress, and you want to go as green as possible, search Craigslist for an unwanted used mattress (these are often still in great condition!) or try one of the eco-friendly mattresses and pillows from Keetsa.

In search of a way to get rid of bugs and pests without a lot of nasty chemicals? EcoSMART organic bug sprays are safe around children and pets. And if you’re looking to green up your home office, check out The Green Office for lots of recycled office alternatives.

Fashion and Accessories

It’s becoming much easier to find more sustainable alternatives when you’re shopping for fashion these days, whether it’s clothes, shoes, or accessories, and whether you want mainstream brands or goods handmade by indie artists.

For shoes, try the vegan shoes and boots from TOMS shoes. They’re a really great company who gives a pair of shoes to a child in need for every single pair of shoes purchased, and all of their shoes are manufactured under fair trade practices. If you can’t get enough of flip-flops, give the eco-friendly fair trade flip-flops by Feelgoodz a try. (My friend Bridget did and she said they’re the most comfortable flip-flops she’s ever worn — and she’s an avid flip-flop wearer!) And if it’s running shoes you’re searching for, check out the eco-friendlier running shoes from Brooks.

For awesome indie eco-friendly fashion, there are so many great brands that I love! Gaia Conceptions eco-friendly clothing is one of my faves for great basics in solid colors and organic fabrics, and each piece is made by hand in the USA. I also really like the recycled garments handmade by Hayley Lau of heidi and seek ethical clothing. For eco-friendly fashion in a full range of sizes (XS through 4X), check out Mewv Sustainables.

Toggery by Kate D’Arcy is another up-and-coming eco-friendly fashion line. Everything is made in the USA, and each piece is classic — I have a top from here that I know I’ll love for a long time. The pieces from The League of Lovers & Thieves make me think of couture meets eco-friendly fashion, only at fairly reasonable prices. Their gorgeous clothing is to die for!

If you like cozy soft organic t-shirts, you’ll love Artevist, which is sort of like a Threadless for the eco-conscious set. If you want to get the most life possible out of your old jeans, check out Denim Therapy, which offers a specialized service to repair and reweave your favorite torn and ripped jeans.

Think eco-friendly fashion can’t be sexy? Lingerie lines like Sandmaiden sleepwear and lingerie and Enamore’s sustainable lingerie are out to prove you wrong with their stunning looks made from the best organic and sustainable fabrics.

There are all sorts of cool handbags and purses out there made from a variety of recycled and sustainable materials. I couldn’t possibly mention them all, but for starters, check out Ecoist bags, which are made from recycled candy wrappers and movie billboards, or take a recycled necktie clutch purse out on the town. For those who want something a bit simpler, Reware’s recycled bags are made in the USA and they offer not only purses but also solar powered backpacks that are great for guys and girls.

Books on Going Green

Want to find out even more about how to go green and make a difference? There are a TON of books on the market right now about just that. I’d never have time to read all of them, and I don’t expect that you do either, but here are a few that I have read and really enjoyed.

Living Green, which I mentioned above, was one of the first books I read about making the switch to a more sustainable lifestyle, and it really opened up my eyes to all of the toxins and chemicals surrounding us in everyday life. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who wants a better understanding of how environmentalism is not just about the greater good, it’s also about your own personal health, and the health of your family.

Green Chic: Saving the Earth in Style is a fun read for ladies who want to go green but don’t want to have to sacrifice style to do so. It’s actually really informative while being a quick and easy read at the same time.

There are lots of books about going green that cater to specific events. The Green Bride Guide is a must-read for anyone planning a wedding. (Also check out my post about more eco-friendly wedding options.) The holidays can be another time of year that is traditionally pretty wasteful and consumer-driven. Green Christmas: How to Have a Joyous, Eco-Friendly Holiday Season is packed with tips on how to celebrate the holidays your way and keep the impact on the earth to a minimum.

If you’re trying to get your kids involved in going green, I highly recommend the Gaia Girls books. Even as an adult, I absolutely loved reading these, especially the second book, Way of Water. The whole series isn’t out yet, and I can’t wait to read the rest! (These are sort of like a eco-conscious Harry Potter.)

Books are filled with paper and that means trees have to be cut down to produce them. Try looking for publishers that use recycled paper and eco-friendly inks in their printing. (Most of the books mentioned above do.) You can also seek out ways to recycle books, whether by utilizing your local library or sites like PaperBackSwap that let you trade and recycle old books you’ve already read for ones you haven’t.

I hope this list offers a good starting place and some ideas on easy things you can do to change your habits for the greener! I’m always on the lookout for more eco-friendly alternatives. If you’re seeking a specific type of product and think that I might be able to help you find what you’re looking for, don’t hestitate to contact me, and I’ll try my best to help!

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