8 Green Shopping Ideas and Gift Tips

Is your budget interfering with your effort to become a green shopper? You’re not alone. When money’s tight, consumers tend to go for what’s most reasonably priced, whether or not it’s the best choice for the environment. And, who can blame them? It’s a common misconception that the cost of going green soars beyond the means of most consumers. Sure, plenty of eco-friendly products are on the expensive side, but here are some items that won’t burn a hole in your wallet – and that are funkier than your average fare.

The days of wearing a hat simply to shield your eyes from the sun are over. With the Solar Light Cap, you’re now able to harness this energy and store it for later. When it gets dark, this wearable gadget lights the way for just $34.99.

Music is meant to be loud, which is why you’re in need of some new speakers. Wondering how you’ll fit this into your finances? Made from recycled materials, Fashionation’s funky line of pyramid-shaped Neo Speakers will only set you back $14.95 each. Plus, they don’t require batteries.

Solar bags are all the rage right now, but who can afford to throw down a couple hundred dollars in the name of fads (and Mother Nature)? For less than $50, you can convert solar energy to electric energy on the go with the AV Lab Solar Backpack.

The Water-Powered Clock does just what its name implies: runs solely on H2O. Sound too advanced to be affordable? Then, you’ll be thrilled to discover that this eco-friendly device is just $16. Now, if only they would apply this technology to every gadget.

Reusable shopping bags are one of the easiest ways to do your part for the planet, but they’re not exactly designed to make a style statement. The Recycled Juice Pack Bag utilizes this non-biodegradable waste to fashion one for unique shoppers looking to turn heads at the store.

Need some tips on where to find more green steals? Check out the gadget section at GreenFeet for inexpensive, handy devices like the SideWinder Crank Cell Phone Charger.

For a vast array of affordable recycled and reclaimed merchandise, Uncommon Goods provides pages of products that are as funky as they are eco-friendly, from a clock crafted from bike parts to a bag made from old billboards and more.

Trying to green your office? At Nigel’s Eco Store, you’ll find cleverly designed sustainable items that are cheap and functional, such as a stapler that doesn’t need staples.

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  • Su Princiotto
    December 7th, 2008 at 10:04 am

    Sue Princiotto came up with a great way to shop with a reusable bag that was fashionable and made in the USA. Go to http://www.whatsurbag-usa.com and check out the great bags made by Katrina Survivors and 5% goes to Hope House a charity in NOLA that assists the homeless. The bags are called its-laS-tik and come in beautiful flexible materials and two great sizes.
    sueprince@whatsurbag-usa.com

  • Kymberly Allen
    December 17th, 2008 at 4:26 pm

    I found some great green gift ideas and green Christmas tips at http://www.greengiftguide.com!

    -Kym

    Dreaming of a GREEN Christmas

    Rethink Gift Wrapping
    Americans throw away 25% more trash during the holidays. You can reduce a portion of your holiday waste by using alternatives to wrapping paper. Tap into your creative side by using newspaper, magazines, old calendars or even fabric to wrap presents. You can also save money by reusing recycled paper or any other materials around your home to decorate wrapped gifts.

    Send holiday e-cards, or print your card on recycled paper
    You can save money and the environment by sending a free holiday e-card to your loved ones. Using recycled paper is another way to save the environment because recycled paper helps reduce demand for wood, conserves natural resources and generates less pollution during manufacturing.

    Consider real, not artificial, when choosing your Christmas tree this year
    Real Christmas trees are both renewable and recyclable. They are grown on tree farms specifically designed to produce trees for the holidays. Artificial trees may be the right choice for some people, and can be cost effective in the long run. However, some artificial trees are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a potential source of hazardous lead, and once those trees are thrown away, they’ll be in a landfill for a long, long time.

    Recycle your Christmas tree
    A real Christmas tree is 100% biodegradable. By recycling your Christmas tree, you can reduce 690,000 tons of materials that are dumped in landfills. Check your city’s local listings for curbside or drop-off locations for recycling.

    Shop for Green Gifts
    Browse http://www.greengiftguide.com for holiday presents for your family and friends. By purchasing eco-friendly gifts, you can do your part for the Earth and at the same time encourage your loved ones to reduce their carbon footprint beyond the holiday season. Also consider gifts, given in the name of friends and family, to environmental charities.

    Recycle your beverage containers at all holiday parties
    The holidays are filled with delicious dinners and festivities that generate a lot of waste. By recycling your bottles and cans, you can help reduce the 4.5 pounds of trash per person per day that Americans produce.

    Source: Department of Conservation, Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental Defense, National Christmas Tree Association

  • ed hardy shirts
    August 4th, 2009 at 10:10 pm

    Consider real, not artificial, when choosing your Christmas tree this year
    Real Christmas trees are both renewable and recyclable. They are grown on tree farms specifically designed to produce trees for the holidays. Artificial trees may be the right choice for some people, and can be cost effective in the long run. However, some artificial trees are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a potential source of hazardous lead, and once those trees are thrown away, they’ll be in a landfill for a long, long time.

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