Sarah Shirley, shopping expert for Shopping.com shares some sustainable holiday gift ideas with us this week. Below are some of her tips for us…
~ Everyone from Hershey’s to Levi’s seems to be touting “green” products this holiday season. What better way to shop with a purpose than buying an eco-friendly gift? However, it’s hard to tell if you are actually helping the environment, as there are so many confusing terms associated with the green movement.
A few years ago my college roommate went to work for an organic chocolate company. I thought - that’s nice but what does that mean? “Oh she’s working for a chocolatier that makes chocolate for vegetarians!” With all these new terms, it’s tough to understand how products with labels like eco, sustainable and organic really help make the world a better place to live.
Don’t fret! I’ve put together a cheat sheet of common terms related to the eco-movement so you too can shop green with ease. I love the idea of shopping and helping the environment at the same time. Talk about guilt reduction!
Sustainable - Sustainability in an environmental usage, and refers to the longevity of vital human ecological support systems, such as the planet’s climatic system, systems of agriculture, industry, forestry, and fisheries, and human communities in general and the various systems on which they depend. In other words look for something that can grow back easily like bamboo, or something that can return to its natural state once discarded.
Environmentally Friendly, also referred to as nature friendly, includes goods and services considered to inflict minimal harm on the environment.
Earth Friendly can be similar to environmentally friendly but buyers beware. Companies use these words to mean just about anything. Do your research before you buy, as many companies slap on these types of labels as part of a larger marketing campaign.
Recycled - Many items today are made from waste materials that have been reprocessed. For example, leather that otherwise may have been tossed, is used instead to make handbags, or plastic bottles that are repurposed into dog beds.
Organic - Involves materials grown with fertilizers that are of animal or vegetable origin (nothing artificially produced) as opposed to manufactured chemicals.
Organic Cotton- Cotton fiber grown without pesticides, toxic chemicals and other artificial agents - hence there is less wear and tear on the earth by not adding harmful chemicals to it.
Non-Toxic- Not affected by toxins or other poisonous and potentially harmful materials. Who wants a toy that is made with toxic dyes?
Solar- Using or operated by energy derived from the sun.
Green- Environmentally sound or beneficial in environmental preservation.
Hemp- A tall, coarse plant (native to Asia) that is a source of valuable fiber.
Repurposed- To convert or use in another format or product.
Know that you’ve taken my crash course in “eco” and are familiar with the buzzwords; it will be easy to pick out a few “eco-friendly gifts” in a flash. And if you are still a bit confused, I included a few of my faves.
Bamboo Hooded Towel & Washcloth Set in Natural
This set includes the Bamboo Baby Hooded Towel 30″ x 30″ and 5 washcloths. Super absorbent and fast driving, bamboo is softer than cotton, making it a perfect choice for baby. It is also natural, regenerative and sustainable, making it an eco-friendly alternative to chemically infused cotton or other toxin-laden fibers. This remarkable textile is naturally anti-microbial meaning no additional chemicals are needed. Made in the USA using fair labor practices. 
Totally Bamboo Anacapa Vertical Grain Cutting Board
Bamboo is a renewable resource and is 16% harder and more durable than maple. Only food-safe, formaldehyde-free glue is used in assembly and dyes or stains are used to color the wood. Made with premium, hand selected bamboo — the variety chosen is neither a food source nor a habitat for the Giant Panda. I love Pandas so I am happy that I am not hurting their habitat by giving these to all my foodie friends who love to cook!
Citizen Elektra Diamond Eco-Drive BM0720-52A Wrist Watch Citizen Eco-Drive watches never need a battery, meaning - old batteries never end up in a landfill. The watch uses a solar conversion panel and energy cells to power itself and has the ability to use light from any source to generate electrical power, meaning the supply is limitless AND free. Knowing that’s, is an eco chic statement that is always in style! 
Flote Faegan Recycled Leather Clutch
These beautiful clutches are made out of 100% Croco-Embossed Recycled leather! I know the designer herself and asked what does that mean? How can purses be eco friendly? Jill (the designer) replies, ” A warehouse was going to close down and throw all these beautiful materials out. I could not see dumping all this gorgeous leather into the land fill when I could make beautiful bags out of it.” When you give a clutch that looks this good and helps the environment, you are on your way to lowering your carbon footprint! How can that be vanity!
~ Sarah Shirley ~
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Procrastinating gift givers have still time to get it there in time for the big day. According to our survey, one-third of Shopping.com merchants are offering Next Day shipping for purchases made by today, December 21, so your gifts will still arrive in time for Christmas.
Need some ideas? How about a gift card? Our recent consumer survey showed that they are the must-have gift this year, with 77 percent of consumers saying they’d prefer to receive a gift card to their favorite store over a tangible gift. Most of them may get their wish, as 59 percent of gift-givers said they’d prefer to GIVE a gift card than a tangible gift. The Home Depot gift card is the most popular on Shopping.com this season, with many other great cards available from everyone’s favorite stores.
The Budget Fashionista 
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