Greening Your Holiday
This month is one of the busiest of the year, marked by a multitude of December holidays. While out looking for that perfect something to get for a loved one or perhaps 
a gift donation, consider a green approach. There are a number of stores, organizations and nonprofits that offer gift-giving ideas that benefit the environment, and in some cases, people of different nations. Gifts can come in many different forms, whether it be a donation made in the recipients name or a pass to the opera. Here is a list of some green gift ideas to get you started:
* Think about a donation of animals to a family in another part of the world, to help nourish, enrich and support their lives. You can donate a flock of chicks on up to a water buffalo at www.heifer.org.
* Consider giving a gift of an experience, such as tickets to the theater, a concert, a football game, or even a pass to the national parks. Not only will you not be adding to your loved ones’ pile of possessions, but you’ll also save some trees from all the wrapping paper you’ll be saving.
* Certificates good for backrubs, trips to the movies, weeding a garden or a home cooked meal can be some of the most beloved gifts to give!
* Give some home-canned fruits, chutneys, jams or veggies to share that organic produce love.
* There are plenty of gifts out there to help keep your friends and family green and informed - try subscriptions to magazines such as Plenty or Utne, or go for a movie subscription service that caters to small filmmakers like www.filmmovement.com. Nothing says happy holidays like some organic wine, a homemade bag of mulling spices, organic cheeses and a selection of crackers!
* If you choose to wrap what you give, try to use reusable wrappings - bandanas, fancy cloth napkins or scarves can all lead double lives as gift coverings.