Green Gift Scene

In one way or another, almost every form of energy we use originates as energy from the Sun. Solar energy directly powers photovoltaic cells and thermal collectors. Indirectly, we get power from plants grown by the Sun, oceans heated by the Sun, and Earth’s weather systems sustained by the Sun. Even the energy stored in fossil fuels originated as energy from the Sun, captured by plants and animals millions of years ago. Physics Solar Workshop explores the topic of solar energy, focusing on photovoltaic cells. By building 12 models and conducting 30 experiments, you will learn how solar cells transform light into electrical energy, and how motors and mechanical devices can optimize the work done by this energy. Get your kids started now on a fun way to learn about physics and solar!

Prices and more information : Thames & Kosmos Physics Solar Workshop

I’ve been trying to eat mainly organic and locally produced produce more and more, but we all know how hard that is. In my area, the supermarkets are carrying more varieties to their credit, but the price is high and the quality is often low. Couple that with the likelihood that those organic kiwis traveled many miles to get that store, potentially never to be bought, and the need to find other organic produce sources is evident. Why not try growing your own? There’s no better way to make sure that the fruits and veggies going into your body are as pure and carbon-neutral as can be. This book is written with both the expert and beginner gardener in mind, giving you the basics and more so you can maintain a garden year-round. It’s published by Rodale press, which always puts out good how-to stuff.

Prices and more information : Rodale’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening

At Thanksgiving, my teenage nieces delighted in showing me their “new” bracelets made from recycled soda can pop-tops. Of course, I complimented them on how cool they were, without knowing what they were made from. I’m no jewelry expect, but I couldn’t tell at first glance! They have nice colored stones woven into them along with an elastic band to fit any wrist size. The girls say that they are very comfortable to wear, probably since the tabs have been polished. It’s great that today’s generation of kids is the most environmentally conscious ever. So this holiday, instead of getting the special young lady in your life an over-priced designer piece, try something like this that is beautiful in more ways than one.

Prices and more information : “Bracelets With A Conscience” CYPRESS

With ever increasing cost of energy comes innovative ways to cope with those costs. These high costs are providing in-roads for new technologies in wind, hydro and solar. Since I’m a solar fanatic, I wanted to point out a very good book to help everyone understand what is out there, how it works and how to lower your fossil fuel use. Giving solar a chance provides you with clean renewable energy while lowering your carbon footprint. No matter how big or small your solar unit, every little bit helps and learning about solar is a good start.

Prices and more information : Solar Living Source Book

Babies are among the most vulnerable beings when it comes to exposure to environmental toxins. New moms (and dads) who want nothing but the safest materials in which to swaddle their newborn can check out this baby blanket available at Amazon.com. It is made from 100% organic cotton and is therefore pesticide free, so you can feel better about it being sucked and chewed on by baby (which is inevitable).

Prices and more information : American Baby Company Organic Embroidered Receiving Blanket-Mocha

So while talking to my wife today about Christmas, she indicated that she was starting the holiday shopping early. This got me thinking. Perhaps it is never too early to start at least thinking about the holidays and what to get people in your lives. I figured I’d start with Dad as he’s a gadget fanatic and is always talking about fuel mileage and such.

I’ve gone and purchased Dad the ScanGauge II. This device hooks into your car’s OBDII port and shows the driver different statistics about their driving habits such as: fuel consumption and cost-per-mile.

But what really is the point of this device and why is it “green”? Most people drive their cars but don’t really learn to drive it efficiently. This tool helps give you a real-time idea of how much fuel you are consuming in those jack-rabbit starts or high-speed highway driving. Having that data available can help you understand how your driving actions translate into wasted fuel. Saving fuel sure is green and learning to do so is a good step.

Oh and did I say that this gadget also doubles as a diagnostic scan tool for those pesky check engine lights. Another money saving aspect of this tool. Give it a try!

Prices and more information : ScanGauge II 3-in-1 Compact Multifunction Vehicle Computer with Customizable Display

If there’s a woman on your list that cares about style and social causes, here’s an easy-to-give idea. This cap is made from 100% organic cotton. It’s great for light activity in cool weather as well just a fashion accessory. prAna is a company that I really like because it uses organic materials and practices eco-friendly production methods. She’ll be impressed that you thought of her style and her heart when you give her this.

Prices and more information : prAna Crochet Organic Visor Beanie - Women’s

Beanie caps are the cool weather look for guys these days. This one is in-style for many other reasons – it is made from 100% organic cotton. It is designed to provide a medium amount of warmth for fall and spring weather. prAna, the company that makes it, has a long tradition of producing great climbing gear and apparel in an eco-responsible manner. I have one of their fleece shirts and it is a favorite of mine. This cap would be a great match – are you listening Santa?

Prices and more information : prAna Classic Organic Beanie - Men’s

Here’s a very nice looking silk and cotton scarf available on Gaiam.com This item is produced by refugee women in Ethiopia under fair trade guidelines. According to the retailer, your purchase helps provide these women with needed income and means of support in a remote part of the world.

I always thought you had to pay a premium for such items, but this one is remarkably affordable at only $42. A great gift for a lady who will feel good about wearing it for so many reasons.

Prices and more information : Sabahar Ethiopian Scarf

Kids need more exercise for sure – and what a great way to help them get it with this jump rope. It’s made from sustainable harvested wood, vegetable dyes, and non-toxic coating. A great gift for some old fashioned fun that also helps the environment.

Prices and more information : Jump Rope - Sustainable Wood, Vegetable Dyes, Non-toxic and Fair Trade

I heard about this company on TV about a year ago and there’s lots to love about them. They are an extremely green, fair trade based producer of teas and similar products based on the ancient yerba mate drink – long revered by the people of South America as the “drink of the gods”. Studies claim that yerba mate has 52 more active properties than green tea, making it an anti-oxidant powerhouse. In addition to the regular mate, which has a mellow, richly roasted essence, they also make several other flavors. I like this mint one very much, especially as an iced tea. I’ve also tried the chocolate flavor and that’s very good too.

The rainforest is an amazing place that seems to keep revealing life-enhancing plants that we can benefit from. There’s a ton of information on this website about how Guayaki supports the people and the land where they harvest this super plant. I feel good about buying and drinking their products and hope you will too. Great stocking stuffer!

Prices and more information : Guayaki Yerba Mate Teas

Each of us making simple changes in our behaviors can have a massive impact on environmental protection. This book combines stunning natural photography from all over the world with simple ideas one can implement each day to help save our planet. For those on your list who want to help, but don’t know how to get started this is a great guide that will hold their interest throughout the year.

Prices and more information : 365 Days to Save the Earth

No cook can be without a rolling pin and there are so many reasons to like this one. First and foremost, it is hand-carved of manio wood by a Chilean artisan under fair trade agreements. Purchasing this product supports a non-profit group that helps others in hand-crafting occupations in Chile. What I can’t get over is how inexpensive it is for such a handsome looking kitchen tool. Whether making pizzas, pies, or other baked goods, any cook would love it and feel good about using it over and over.

Prices and more information : Manio Wood Rolling Pin

Much news has been published recently about the health benefits of chocolate. No, not the sugar and cream-laden chocolate candy bars we all love, but more the natural source: cacao. This ancient delicacy has been found to be choc-full of many anti-oxidant properties, vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial elements. Some are even calling it the new red wine! This powdered cacao is 100% organic and comes from Navitas Naturals, a certified organic and green food producer based in California. You can put this powder into smoothies, yogurt, desserts – just about anywhere you want to add authentic chocolate flavor. Holidays and chocolate go hand-in-hand, so why not start a new healthier tradition!

Prices and more information : Navitas Naturals Raw Chocolate Powder

Here’s something to think about: Your skin is your largest organ, is the first line of defense against external pollutants, and is covered with absorbing pores. Whether you are a man or a woman, stop and think about how many lotions, creams, and other substances your apply to your skin on a regular basis. I don’t have the knowledge to know what these things are doing to my health, but I generally think that using natural ingredients, free of synthetic chemical creations is the safest bet.

Here’s an organic based bath set that promises simply “all of the good stuff and none of the bad stuff”.
Perfect gift for a lucky lady or even a guy that likes to pamper himself naturally (but won’t admit it).

Prices and more information : NAKED BEE BATH AND BODY GIFT SET

Looking to reduce your energy usage and save a little money in the process? The Kill-A-Watt Electricity Usage Monitor will help you do both. Simply plug the appliance you want to monitor in and the LCD screen on the unit will tell you its energy consumption in kilowatt hours which is the same way the electric company keeps track of your usage for you bill. If you have some older appliances that you suspect may not be very energy efficient anymore, then you need the Kill-a-Watt to help you figure out if it is time to replace them.

By figuring out which electrical appliances in your home use the most energy, you can determine which things to turn off when not in use, thus lowering your carbon footprint by reducing the amount of electricity the electric company needs to generate.

A great gift for anyone looking to track their energy consumption.

Prices and more information : Kill-a-Watt Electricity Usage Monitor

Green Living for Dummies will teach you how to reduce your impact on the world around you. Features tips for reducing your household energy use, teaching your kids about being green, and how to reduce your reliance on your car. Also features information on staying green at the office. A great gift for anyone in your life who is new to the green scene.

Prices and more information : Green Living for Dummies

It’s amazing what has happened to bottled water. Once the hallmark of the healthy, those who rejected soda and sugary soft drinks in favor of more natural refreshment, H2O in convenient single serve plastic containers has become taboo on a number of fronts.

Despite many manufacturer claims of purity, a recent article cites a study indicating that up to 40% of bottled water sold in the US comes from public tap sources. I was willing to pay $1.29 per bottle for the stuff when I thought it existed for a few hundred years as pure glacial snow before it passed through my digestive system in a few minutes. But now, recent news has made me realize that not only am I getting ripped off, I’m also contributing to a nasty carbon footprint while doing it.

The Green book teaches you the little things you can do on a daily basis to lower your impact on the environment.

Did you know that if everyone in America didn’t ask for an ATM receipt, it would save a roll of paper more then 2 billion feet long? Neither did I till I ran across this book.

So, if you are looking for small things anyone can do to help the environment, then The Green Book is for you.

Prices and more information : The Green Book: The Everyday Guide to Saving the Planet One Simple Step at a Time (Paperback)

My niece would love this and I’d love to give her a toy I feel confident is safe. Victoria the Bunny is made from 100% certified organic cotton and dyes and contains no synthetic materials. I’d feel much better about giving a toy like this to a young child than many others that are on the market. Victoria the Bunny and many of her friends are available on Amazon.com

Prices and more information : miYim Organic Plush Fairytale Collection - 9” Baby Victoria the Bunny