by JAMIE JEFFERSON

If you’re interested in sustainable living, the planet’s environment and supporting small businesses, you may want to toss out the red and just go green this year.

By purchasing eco-friendly gifts for all the people on your list, you can set a new trend among your friends and family. Your purchases will show that you want the world to be a better place, and you may inspire other to think green when it comes to holiday shopping. Here are several different gift ideas for the people on your list.

A Green cleaning kit Did you know that conventional cleaning products can expose your family to harmful chemicals, not to mention their ability to get into our water system. By cleaning with natural cleaners, such as simple baking soda or retail natural cleaners, you can improve your health and keep toxins out of the environment.

Get your friends and family on board by providing them with their own green cleaning starter kit. Purchase retail products for the kitchen or bathroom and add a natural sea sponge. Or make your own cleaning products with a few natural recipes and pass them along to your friends.

Organic chocolate Who doesn’t love chocolate? Give the sweet tooth on your list something that is delicious and eco-friendly as well. Look for organic chocolates online or in specialty shops. In addition to regular milk chocolate and dark chocolate, you can find unique chocolate blends that have organic ingredients. Buy a few different varieties and make a tasty gift basket.

Hemp products Hemp products are very environmentally friendly because they are grown from hemp plants, which are said to have less impact on the environment than cotton plants. Hemp has been used in a variety of different ways from fabric to personal care products. You can literally pick something that you want to give and then find it made in hemp. Sweatshirts, purses, soap, shampoo, sheets, towels and even jewelry can be made from hemp. Don’t worry: hemp is not marijuana and is totally legal.

Handmade by locals If you’re looking for a unique gift idea that reduces the environmental cost of shipping, buy local! You can buy hand made items from local craft fairs or swap meets. Whether locally or online, you can find paintings, jewelry, clothing, accessories, toys – basically something for everyone on your list. Shopping handmade items has become so popular that some people are taking a “handmade pledge” and promise to buy all of their gifts from independent artisans.

These eco friendly Christmas gift ideas will allow you to have a holiday season with less impact on the planet.

You’ll find the latest Gaiam coupons here and Organic Bouquet coupons here.

Originally posted 2009-12-03 23:10:44. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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