Looking for a gift or something unique for yourself? Here are just a few eco-friendly COOOOL ideas available at that also give back in some way, making you feel good all the way around.
Linda Loudermilk : Mission Wear
We have a global water crisis on our hands: one billion people do not have access to clean water--women and children spend hours every day, walking miles to collect water, keeping them from school and work. Average water use: 5 gallons per day. Compare that to the average American's daily use of 170 gallons. Linda Loudermilk--a pioneer sustainable fashion designer--donates a generous portion of each Water is a Human Right purchase to organizations dedicated to clean water initiatives. Choose from a faucet necklace, men's tee or bamboo scarf.
Andira Rain Tees
There are 3.4 million square miles of rain forest, which are being destroyed at an alarming rate: 64 acres per minute... 2.8 million acres per month. And while rainforests cover only 2% of the Earth's surface, they house 1/2 of the entire animal and plant species--many bearing fruits or vegetables. 70% of the 3000 plants identified as active against cancer cells by the US National Cancer Institute are found in the rainforest.
Giving one of these Andira Rain Tree tees is just one way you can help save the rain forests. Founded by Green Girls Guru Beth Doane, Andira is guided by the mantra, ‘saving trees with tees,’ combining the power of 100% organic materials, fair labor and a steadfast goal: for every organic cotton rain tee sold, a tree is donated to Kids Saving the Rain Forest to replace a destroyed one. They're available in many styles (illustrated by children living in endangered rain forests) and sizes as small as 18 months up to women's large.
ecoist handbag
A tree planted for every bag sold! Not only that, these chic and durable handbags are handwoven and Fair Trade made from reclaimed food wrappers, newspapers and magazines --so you're helping people and the planet. They come small enough to use as a coin purse and large enough to use as a portfolio or shoulder bag like the one shown here.
Plant a tree
Purchase a gift from the National Wildlife Federation--jewelry, ornaments, bookmarks--and a tree will be planted on your gift recipient's behalf to help restore habitat for wildlife, prevent soil erosion and reduce global warming.
Symbolic animal adoption
"Adopt" an endangered animal from the National Wildlife Federation and your donation will be used to protect America's imperiled wildlife. A $30 donation comes with a Certificate of Adoption--in the gift recipients name-- poster and plush of the animal chosen.
Whatever you choose, try to eliminate or at least reduce the amount of gift wrap used.
For more gifts that give back to people and planet...http://bit.ly/9AOmXS
About the Author
Lynn Hasselberger is founder of myEARTH360.com and is also a contributing editor for Just Cause Magazine. She lives with her son, husband and two cats in the Chicago suburbs.