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Green Gift-Giving Tips

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I try to come up with thoughtful gifts that are well-suited for each recipient. But I also strive to be a thoughtful consumer by choosing gifts that meet one or more of the following criteria:

  1. Non-Stuff: Gift certificates or tickets for activities, special events, services, restaurants, or favors; or donations or memberships to non-profits
  2. Products with green attributes: e.g., solar charger for cell phones and other electronics; organic cotton blanket; organic food; soaps, lotions, or bath products made with entirely natural, safe ingredients, etc. (Beware of “greenwashing,” of course. Many manufacturers now make environmental claims about their products; when possible, look for evidence or third-party certifications that back up their claims.)
  3. Homemade, locally-made, or Fair Trade goods (i.e., avoiding cheapo stuff that could have been made in an overseas sweatshop using child labor)
  4. Useful stuff: Things that most anyone can put to use, e.g., consumables (favorite specialty foods); fun/cozy socks; a mini-LED light for a keychain; a good book about a topic of interest to the recipient
  5. Small stuff: Items that don’t use a lot of resources, don’t require a lot of packaging/shipping material, and won’t take up much space in someone’s home

Check out stores that sell green products in your area. And to avoid driving around a lot, also check out web retailers that offer green items, such as:

(Note: I am an affiliate ad publisher for some of those companies.)

For other green product ideas, reviews, or advice, take a look at these sites:

If you have other gift ideas or websites to suggest, please leave a Comment below.

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November 27, 2009
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Tip of the Month: Greener Rental Cars and Taxis

1350649521_4ec38cb442_m_travisisaacsThe next time you find yourself renting a car or calling for a cab, ask whether a hybrid or other low-emissions vehicle is available. Increasingly, rental car companies and taxi services are providing such vehicles in their fleets, and some offer exclusively green options. Consider it an opportunity to take a hybrid (or other eco-vehicle) for a test drive. If you can’t find one that’s available where you are, at least make sure to get a compact car (or whatever size is adequate for the number of people in your group). There’s generally no need to get a gas-guzzling SUV, van, or limo if you’re shuttling around fewer than 5 people. If you’re renting a car and the representative offers you a larger vehicle for the same base price, keep in mind that you’d pay more for gas to run the larger vehicle, you’d be producing more air pollution, AND it would be harder to park.

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September 30, 2009
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