Happy Holidays everyone! Now that Christmas has come and gone, we trust that many of you are relaxing and tidying up all those boxes, ribbons and bits of wrapping paper from yesterday’s gift exchanges. Despite many of our best intentions in our gift wrapping (using silk scarves, brown-bags or socks), most of us will still be left with piles of wrapping paper to clean up. So what to do with all that wrapping paper that can’t be salvage for next year’s presents? We’ve got some ideas for you over at Inhabitots >
HOW TO: Green Your Christmas Tree
by Jill Fehrenbacher, 12/26/08
Christmas trees are one of the most enjoyable traditions of the holiday season, and there are lots of easy ways to go green with your Christmas tree: from using living potted Christmas trees, to recycled cardboard trees, to buying LED Xmas lights. After weighing the choices every December for years, and going on my own personal quest to have the greenest Christmas tree ever, here are the most eco-friendly tips I can offer on greening your holiday tree:
Paprika Recycled Water Bottle Christmas Tree
by Kate Andrews, 12/23/08
We’ve shown you lots of inspired eco takes on the traditional Christmas tree this holiday season, but this one takes the cake! This gorgeous “Ice Tree” sculpture is made from 300 recycled water bottles suspended in the air. Created by graphic design studio Paprika, the provocative installation is hanging in the window of Montreal’s furniture store Domison throughout the holidays. We love how the inspired sculpture casts and reflects beams of light, creating an eye-catching display that raises awareness of the possibilities of recycling.
READ MORE >
If you’ve been reading Inhabitat at all recently you may have noticed that we just launched a fabulous online boutique to help all you online shoppers find the best of the best in terms of green design. Now we want to remind you that while the Inhabitat Shop is a great place to find Xmas gifts – you need to place orders by TODAY (and you need to get 2nd day or overnight shipping!), in order to receive items before Christmas. So if you’ve been eyeing something in our shop for a Christmas gift and have been putting off purchasing it – now is your last chance!
INHABITAT SHOP >
INHABITAT GREEN HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE >
GREEN GIFT GUIDE: For Her
Eco-savvy ladies should be able to enjoy the finer things in life without having to compromise their environmental ethics. There are plenty of places out there to find glamorous green gifts for that special lady in your life, if you know where to look. Read on for our top picks for green goodies sure to please any discerning eco-chick.
GREEN GIFT WRAP IDEA: Bobo Wrap Scarves
While it makes a fun tradition, gift-wrapping packages with paper and tape is an inherently unsustainable practice: think of all the paper and ribbon that goes into the trash each holiday season for the sake of making presents pretty. Here’s a lovely green gift-wrap idea: wrap your present in a silk scarf this …
GREEN GIFT GUIDE: For Pets
We spoil our pets and it’s ok. For many of us they are our children, our confidants and our friends – of course we love making them comfortable and happy as well as safe and healthy. Fortunately, a new wave of eco-friendly and healthy pet products have come along so we can be sure that we’re providing the best for our furry loved ones.
HOW TO: Make Your Own Applique Shirt
Looking to get crafty and save money with your Christmas gifts this year? If you are looking for presents for small kids, here’s a crafty idea that is sure to please the little guys in your life! Applique shirts are all the rage in children’s boutiques, and you can easily …
GREEN GIFT GUIDE: Gifts That Give Back
It’s easy to get “wrapped up” in the holiday giving spirit, but why not think bigger than just your immediate family, and consider giving back to humanity and the planet. It’s a big world out there and there are plenty of people and environments in need. Whether you’re supporting global development by purchasing artisan crafts or restoring damaged habitats by planting trees or saving endangered species, these gifts that give back will make the world a better place.
GREEN GIFT GUIDE: Handmade Christmas Gifts
The handmade movement is taking the country by storm. Make this holiday memorable by choosing to give something one-of-a-kind, made with skill and craftsmanship not found at the mall. And just think of the sustainable benefits: reduced carbon footprint, recycled/recyclable materials and the satisfaction that comes from knowing you’re helping sustain local artisans. Strike a blow for sustainability and give handmade this season!
Give An XO Laptop and get one for yourself this year!
We are huge fans of the One Laptop Per Child project and computer design, and we’ve written extensively about the OLPC laptop on Inhabitat (here, here and here). So we were thrilled to discover that the Buy-One-Give-One program that was launched last year during the holiday season is back and better than ever this year – this time in partnership …
An Alternative to Holiday Consumerism – Buy Nothing!
We love the holiday season and definitely love scouring the web for fabulous eco-friendly gifts, but sometimes we get overwhelmed. With the economy in its lousy state and the fact that we’re trying to be good environmental stewards, we aren’t buying quite as much anymore. There are days when we wish we could forgo the whole gift-buying frenzy and just have a lovely holiday with our family and friends. And who really has time to buy so many gifts and then wrap them? For those of you out there feeling stressed out from having to buy too many presents, maybe it’s time to cut back completely and buy nothing.
GREEN GIFT GUIDE 2008: Stocking Stuffers
Whether you’re looking to stuff a stocking full of something other than candy and useless do-dads, or just looking to pass on a bit of green fun, we’ve selected an assortment of our favorite pint-sized green finds for you this year. From miniature marvels of modern technology to things that grow and tasteful doses of home decor, read on for a list of eco-gifts that prove great things do come in small packages.
Felted Sting Rays Up the Eco-Cutey Quotient
Does it get any cuter than these felted Sting Ray toys from Branch? We think not! Designed originally as chew-toys for dogs, these 100% natural and fair-trade toys are so adorable that they seem better suited to be a tot’s trusty little companion than to get chewed up in a doggy mouth. However, we’re pretty certain …
GREEN GIFT GUIDE: Make Your Own DIY Gifts
Homemade gifts are always cherished and add a personal touch to the season of giving. They’re also easy on the pocketbook, and we know that will appeal to lots of you out there in these tough economic times. Since we all have different levels of craftiness, we’ve listed our DIY gift ideas here in order of complexity: simpler DIY ideas for the novice are at the top and projects for seasoned crafters at the bottom. Many of these projects require buying fabric or other raw materials. Keep it green by choosing organic, local, pre-loved or sustainably sourced goods.
Eco CNC Xmas Tree at Inhabitots
Every year it’s a bit heartbreaking to see all those clear-cut christmas trees lining city streets, and evergreen plastic alternatives are hardly eco-friendly. Imagine our excitement when we ran across this gorgeous flat-pack christmas tree by Buro North. This update on the standard tree is constructed entirely of plywood that has been CNC-milled into a beautiful modern form that is ready to be decked out with ornaments …
GREEN GIFT GUIDE: For Mom and Dad
Oftentimes the hardest people to buy for in our lives are our moms and dads. They have practically everything, and if they want something new, they tend to just buy it. Most of our parents are becoming hipper and more tech-savvy, possibly with our influence, but sometimes they need a little help becoming greener. We’ve come up with a few items that are sure to delight Mom & Dad while making their lives more efficient and environmentally friendly.
GREEN GIFT GUIDE: Eco Knits for the Holidays
Nothing says ‘warmest wishes for the holidays’ like cozy knitwear that is lovingly crafted and sustainably produced. Eco knits make a great holiday gift, as they remain stylish from year to year while also keeping us cozy and cutely bundled from day to day. We have handpicked a few great finds from our favorite eco boutiques, Etsy crafters, and our new Inhabitat Shop as a toasty warm-up for your gift-giving list. Spread the cheer of sustainable style with eco knits that add a unique and fun twist to chic green layering.
GREEN GIFT GUIDE: Green Gadgets
Every year we’re excited to see more and more exciting innovations in the clean tech industry, and happily many of these advancements are finally trickling down to greener consumer gadgets. From renewable mobile energy sources to greener materials and manufacturing, today’s gizmos are smarter, smaller, and more efficient than ever before. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite clean green devices that are sure to bring holiday cheer to the gadget geeks in your life.
Cut back your consumption & RENT-A-TOY this holiday season!
Lots of people are feeling the pinch of the souring economy and cutting back their holiday spending. It may smart a little, but now is a prefect time to rethink your consumption habits and find more economical and eco-friendly ways to celebrate holiday giving this year. Cutting back on buying things is great way to go a bit more green. One great idea that we’ve spotted recently is …
GREEN GIFT GUIDE: For Tots
Shopping for any little ones this holiday season? We’ve got some great green gift ideas for you that allow you to purchase the most environmentally sensitive products for the tots in your life. From soy pebble crayons, to cute and cuddly knit gifts, to ornament toys, the Inhabitots Green Gift Guide has you covered for all your kiddie-shopping needs
GREEN GIFT GUIDE: Cheap Gifts Under $20
We’re all feeling the pinch of the economic downturn these days, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t still enjoy a little green holiday shopping without spending too much green. Despite what some people think, ‘Eco’ can still be ECOnomical. For many of us here at Inhabitat, this is our first holiday season in a recession and boy do we love a challenge. If you liked last year’s $50 and Under Gift Guide, you’ll be delighted to see we’ve lowered the ante. At less than $20, these gifts are designed for maximum usability and minimal impact on both the environment and your wallet.
GREEN GIFT GUIDE: Gifts for Under $50
We’re all worried about the recent economic news, but we’re happy to tell you that you can still give ‘green’ without spending too much green. Stretch your green a bit further this year by giving the gift of economic and eco-friendly design. There are tons of great gift ideas out there that are fun, functional, and most importantly….frugal. Here is a round-up of a few of our favorite gifts under $50 that your friends and family will surely appreciate.
Give the gift of GREEN with an Inhabitat Tee!
$20.00 – Organic ‘Roots’ Inhabitat Onesie (3-6 mos)
$20.00 – Organic ‘Roots’ Inhabitat Onesie (6-12 mos)
$20.00 – Organic ‘Roots’ Inhabitat Onesie (12-18 mos)
$20.00 – Organic ‘Roots’ Inhabitat Onesie (18-24 mos)
Looking for that special green gift this holiday season that won’t break the bank? Look no further than Inhabitat’s fabulous collection of eco-friendly kids and adults tees. With styles ranging from seriously supercutey (for kids) to sustainably chic (for adults), Inhabitat has the hottest eco styles for the whole family. All of our tees are 100% organic cotton and printed with non-toxic, water-based inks. Every purchase of an Inhabitat tee goes to supporting our organization, and allows us to continue to do our work in green design journalism that you’ve come to know us for.
GREEN GIFT GUIDE: For Girls
I know what girls like, I know what girls want. They want a dollhouse, and a couture blouse. They want some leggings, they’ll grow some Egglings. They want a princess, sans frilly excess. I know what girls want… girls want… Girls want ‘green’!
READ MORE AT INHABITOTS.COM>
GREEN GIFT GUIDE: For Boys
Looking for great green gift ideas for the growing boys in your life? From Hip-hop and heroes to things that are furry, bikes that go zoom, and long-sleeved shirts free from worry, we’ve rounded up a tried and true list of boys’ favorite things.
GREEN GIFT GUIDE: For Her
Eco-savvy ladies should be able to enjoy the finer things in life without having to compromise their environmental ethics. There are plenty of places out there to find glamorous green gifts for that special lady in your life, if you know where to look. Read on for our top picks for green goodies sure to please any discerning eco-chick.
GREEN GIFT GUIDE: For Him
Yesterday we launched our massive Green Holiday Gift Guide, and today we’d like to shine the spotlight on some great green gifts for men. If you’re searching for some inspired sustainable gift ideas for the guys in your life, look no further! Whether you’re shopping for your husband, father, son, or significant other, we’ve selected an assortment of eco-conscious gifts that are sure to be big hits.
ANNOUNCING: Inhabitat’s Green Holiday Gift Guide!
Drumroll please! Today is the first day of December, and you know what that means! The gift-giving season is kicking off and Inhabitat is here to help green your holidays with our GREEN HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE >
We’ve got you covered with the greatest Green Gift Guide around! Our busy little elves have been hard at work pulling together an incredible assortment of ways …
LOTS MORE GREAT GREEN DESIGN STORIES HERE... KEEP READING!
