Actual Globe

This Christmas, let’s try to reduce our carbon footprint through every holiday routine we do like gift giving. Green gifts are usually cheaper because they involve recycling.

Here are some suggestions for green presents to give away:

1.    Clothing items and accessories made of organic or natural materials. Organic t-shirts and caps are available for all sizes and ages. Necklaces and bracelets using wooden beads and abaca threads are unusual presents for women.
2.    Non-toxic crayons and coloring books with nature theme. Kids love to color so they shout with glee when they receive art materials.
3.    Plant a tree and give it your recipient’s name. If your community had spaces for tree-planting projects, buy tree seedlings from a local plant nursery and name them after your relatives and friends after planting.
4.    Small plants in mini-pots. Weeks before the holidays, buy a packet of sturdy variety of any flowering plant. Put holes on each cube of an old ice cube tray so that the germinating seeds will not die due to excess water. Use sawdust or fine peat as planting mix so that each seedling will get pulled out easily without breaking the fine roots. Transplant the seedlings to old mugs, cups, bowls, and glasses. Drill holes in the bottom of these containers for good drainage. Hand-paint the recipient’s name and some personal greetings on the side. Tie a ribbon as added decoration.
5.    If you had a craft hobby like scrapbooking, bead jewelries, or painting; you can make mini-scrapbooks, cellphone accessories, and mini-paintings as gifts.
6.    If you’re fond of baking, bake cakes or cookies with festive designs and wrap in colorful cellophanes with ribbons.
7.    Cook sauces, jams, or desserts and pack in cute containers made of recyclable materials.

There are a hundred other green ways of gift-giving to our loved ones. The only rule to follow is: always use biodegradable and non-toxic materials.