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2007-12-18 issue:

Green gift ideas

by New American Dream

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Gifts for the environment
Buy renewable energy credits: Credits help offset the environmental costs of our energy needs by funding renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, elsewhere on the grid.

Assemble a “Turn the Tide” gift basket with compact fluorescent light bulbs, forms for getting rid of junk mail, delicious recipes and a note about how the recipients can log on to www.turnthetide.org and see exactly how much of a positive impact they’re having on the environment.

Buy a potted Christmas tree and replant it after the holidays. You can also have a tree planted elsewhere in someone’s honor through www.americanforests.org.

Instead of new wrapping paper, reuse old paper—the Sunday comics section, old maps, decorated brown grocery bags or a colorful piece of material.

Give a friend a membership to a nonprofit organization. JustGive.org allows you to donate online to thousands of charities.

Regifting without guilt
Regift: Although many times the idea is misconstrued to be taken as a way to get rid of junk, when done right it can serve as a great way to save money and the Earth’s resources. When you regift, it makes it possible for that lonely blue sweater you always try on but that never looks quite right to become your friend’s new favorite.

Box of dress-up clothes for a child: Old dresses, high heel shoes, cowboy boots, collared shorts and many other fun outfit ideas can all be found at thrift or second-hand stores, which have great selections.

Share a love of reading: Give away the last great book you bought and enjoyed to someone who shares your taste.

Shop thrift stores in your area or online: This serves as a large-scale version of regifting in which the options are endless.

Gifts of time
Special activities with a significant other: a candlelit dinner, massage or facial, museum date or outdoor activity;

A monthly lunch date with an elderly relative or friend;

Gift certificates: dinner and a movie, a home-cooked meal, a car wash, a day of babysitting; tickets to a favorite cultural or sporting event;

Reconnect with someone: Call an estranged friend or write a letter to someone you haven’t seen in a few years.—From www.newdream.org.

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