The M.e.t. has put out a top ten list of Environmentally friendly Christmas gifts for over a decade. I know, who the hell are we to proclaim such a list, but we do it anyway.
Here is this year's version...
Green Gift Giving
This year, give your loved ones "green" gifts that will benefit them, your wallet, and the earth. The M.e.t. has compiled this Top Ten list for the season. For the past twelve years the Metropolitan Environmental Trust has released a Top Ten list of environmental gifts and this 2005 compilation is the best yet.
Giving green doesn't mean you have to be the grinch. This year, it is possible to save time, money and resources and have the most wonderful holiday you've ever had. There are many options to be environmental in every way this season. Here are some practical, efficient, creative ideas for keeping your gift-giving green.
Wind-up Radio.
From Bass Pro Shop, this solar and wind-up radio sold for $39.99. This radio never needs batteries and is powered by solar energy and your energy (winding it. You wind for 1 minute, it runs for 1 hour). Environmentalists and outdoor enthusiasts love camping so this is naturally a great gift for them. But, this is also a perfect item to have on hand in case of emergencies. Keep it in a hall closet for power outages during storms. Keep it in your car in case of unfortunate nighttime car troubles or just for last minute evening picnics.
Digital Camera.
Digital cameras bypass chemicals used in traditional photo finishing and you can really cut down on waste by printing only the pictures you really want. This year, digital cameras come in a wide variety of styles and prices, making them appropriate gifts even for children.
Rechargeable Batteries and Battery Pack.
We found ours at Staples. This particular brand goes for under $20 after rebate and one hour charging gives full power. Batteries are full of heavy metals and acids, particularly bad for a community such as Tulsa that burns its trash. About 60% of all batteries are purchased in December and January. Rechargeable batteries dramatically improve every year. This years' are the best yet and are especially beneficial for digital cameras and ipods. This is the only gift that has made our list all twelve years.
Charcoal Chimney.
This mini-grill was purchased at the new Bass Pro Shop in Broken Arrow for $12.99. Unlike conventional grills, this one uses brickettes and paper instead of dangerous starter fluid chemicals, which are air pollutants and highly flammable. So, light up your charcoal chimney this winter and plan on using it through all of your summer barbeques.
Plant.
Potted plants can be a perfect addition for any home or office. Plants not only remind us of nature, but also produce oxygen. Also, plants make great host/hostess and teacher gifts. Plants can be bought anywhere and will last for years and years to come. Live plants connect our indoors with nature.
Cloth Napkins.
Found at more than a dozen stores in the mall and any other stores that carry home goods, cloth napkins are a functional and environmental addition to the table this holiday season and beyond. No need for paper towels that are often made from virgin materials when you can use cloth napkins that can be used again and add a touch of elegance. Plus, 40% of trash is paper. Don't add to that; buy cloth napkins instead! We bought ours at a local Dollar General store. Cloth napkins make perfect host/hostess gifts or great gifts for newlyweds.
Oil Change.
You're saying, "What? That doesn't seem environmental!" But an oil change is a brilliant environmental gift for any car owner. It's environmental to take care of the things you have; to preserve your possessions so they last longer. Every vehicle needs periodical oil changes, so treat your loved ones to a professional oil change this year. Oil can be recycled at any M.e.t. Depot 7 days a week.
Socks.
Ours are from Earth Friendly Goods on Cherry Street. These socks, bought for $7, are made of Hemp. Hemp apparel is great for many reasons. One, hemp crops don't require pesticides like cotton crops do. Also, hemp has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. Hemp socks actually absorb moisture (sweat) better than anything else. Finally, hemp products really last close to forever.
Gold Dollars.
Now, I'm not saying you're a gold digger, but who doesn't love gold? Gold dollars, that is. This year if you choose to give the gift of money, don't give paper money, give a roll of gold. Mostly, paper money tends to wear out quickly. Coins last for generations. Go to your local bank and exchange your paper for gold. Put gold coins in a nice drawstring gift bag and it becomes treasure. Also, the gift sack can be reused to hold jewelry or other fine items for storage or travel.
Membership to an Environmental Organization. There are always those few people who are so hard to buy for. They have everything and more. This year, give that person in your life the one thing they don't have; membership. There are several local organizations that work all year round for our environment. This is your chance to think globally, help locally. Groups like Keep Oklahoma Beautiful, Up With Trees, and the Tulsa Zoo work all throughout the year to better our local environment. These groups would love your membership; the more, the merrier and the more that gets done!
Season's Greenings