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How to Shop for an Eco-Friendly Gift

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By Erin Huffstetler
User-Submitted Article
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Need to buy a gift for a friend that's gone green? Here's how to pick out an eco-friendly gift that will impress.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Creativity
  • A discerning eye

    How to Shop for an Eco-Friendly Gift

  1. Step 1

    Start by looking for gifts that are minimally packaged. Boxes and shrink wrap will just take up space in the landfill after the gift has been opened.

  2. Step 2

    Look for items that have been made from recycled materials. This could be a mass-produced item or even something hand-crafted by a local artisan.

  3. Step 3

    Choose a gift that's made from a renewable material like bamboo.

  4. Step 4

    Select products that have been grown organically. Food, clothing and housewares can all be produced this way.

  5. Step 5

    Shop second-hand instead of shopping retail. Vintage shops, thrift stores, flea markets, yard sales and antique stores are all great sources for eco-friendly gifts.

  6. Step 6

    Buy an energy-saving product. A wind-up radio or flashlight, LED bulbs or a solar power lamp is sure to be well-received.

  7. Step 7

    Shop locally. Items that are grown or made locally have a much smaller carbon footprint than items purchased from a big-box retail store.

Tips & Warnings
  • Check the phone book for stores in your area that specialize in eco-friendly products.
  • Try farmer's markets, craft shows and gift shops for locally produced items.
  • Wrap the gift in eco-friendly materials, like old newspaper, fabric or a used gift bag.

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