It’s that time of year when we get ready for the holiday giving frenzy. Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanza, and the many other holidays that are celebrated this time of year typically involve gift exchange. Why not make some smart and green giving choices this year and think before you buy.

Here are some green gift ideas:

• Make you own gifts - skip the big box store and put your heart into it (nothing says “I care” more than a hand made present!)

• Donate in someone’s name - everyone has a passion or a cause, why not find out what your family and friends care about and donate some dinero or volunteer your time in their name?

• Create some delicious treats - spend some time in the kitchen whipping up a batch of something that makes people smile and feel warm during this chilly season - how about homemade chocolate cookies, a spicy tea mix, or some banana bread?

• Music makes ‘em smile - put people in the holiday spirit with a homemade CD mix of your seasonal favorites

We’ll be putting more Green Giving ideas in the coming weeks!

Did you know that each year Americans throw away approximately 200 billion beverage containers - including plastic bottles and aluminum cans? These containers make up about 15% of all packaging waste in the US and on average only about 30% of them are recycled. Scarier even still… the plastic water bottles we use each year require 47 million gallons of oil to produce!

As sales of bottled water continue to rise, the number of containers ending up in our landfills will grow as well. Some manufacturers are doing their part by using recycled materials to make new beverage containers. Even better, 11 states currently have “bottle bills” in legislation whereby they will establish a five or ten cent deposit when bottles/cans are returned. While this has proven difficult (manufactures are fighting back saying this will add to their costs) it is not impossible - you can help the cause by supporting the CRI (Consumer Recycling Institute) and educating your state representatives.

You can also help nip this problem in the bud with a few easy steps -

• Use a reusable container for your beverages (skip plastic, try stainless steel)

• Install a water filter on your home faucet if you don’t like your city/well water

• Use a water filter pitcher in your refrigerator - ice cold and always ready

• Always recycle your plastic, glass, and aluminum beverage containers… always!