Holiday gifts can make a difference when they are green. Ceramic or metallic mugs for coffee or water, a share of a llama or bee colony or any other gift of nature are some to be had. You can look at arborday.org/gift ideas for something special. Also, you can purchase replicas of animals, crafts and clothing made from recyclable products and sustainable materials at many environmental sites (www.NRDCGreenGifts.org is one). Of course, the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) offers Fair Trade Coffee, chocolate and other goodies. Just Google any organization such as The Nature Conservancy, Habitat for Humanity, Sierra Club, etc. and you will find other green treasures.
Finally, a holiday gift that offers hope, such as birth certificates, birthing blankets, mosquito nets for children abroad can be purchased at www.planusa.org/ hope. Or call 1-800-556-7918 to connect to them.
Have a happy, greener holiday.
Elaine Peters
