How to Find Gifts Made of Recycled Items

Due to increasing awareness of our effect on the environment, interest in green living is at an all time high. Whether you are interested in reducing your own carbon footprint, want to educate a friend or family member about the benefits of green living, or are simply searching for a present for an eco-conscious loved one, giving a gift made of recycled items is a great way to show you care, while helping the environment at the same time.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

How to Find Gifts Made of Recycled Items

1. Many mainstream retailers carry environmentally friendly items that are suitable for use as gifts. Look for items packaged in containers made from recycled materials. These should be clearly marked with the recycled symbol, and the package should display the percentage of post-consumer content used to manufacture the item. Most bags, cartons, cereal boxes, bottles, cans, and paper wrapping are made from recycled content. Additionally, items such as calendars, garden hoses, stationary, landscaping supplies, mouse pads, and wallets are made from recycled materials and make great gifts for friends and family members.
2. If you are unable to find a suitable gift in your local store, do not hesitate to ask the store to begin carrying more recycled items. Many retailers, especially smaller stores, will be happy to order an item for you, and may even agree to keep more eco-friendly items in stock for future customers.
3. The Internet is an excellent resource when shopping for gifts made of recycled items. A number of websites cater to customers interested in green shopping, and many more include a section specifically for organic, recycled, and eco-friendly products. If you do not have any luck shopping for gifts made of recycled items in your local stores, try searching for “green gifts” in any of the major search engines. You may be shocked at the large assortment of online merchants that turn up in your search results.
4. Another option when searching for gifts made of recycled items is to join a green living group or other organization that focuses on environmental issues. Other group members will likely be able to point you in the right direction, and may provide you with some great gift ideas you never would have thought of on your own. Groups of this type can be found in larger cities, as well as online.
5. For a special green gift, consider making something on your own. Items such as stationary, calendars, greeting cards, wallpaper, and even clothing can be made easily by just about anyone. Use as much post-consumer materials as possible when creating your gift, and add a final green touch by wrapping it with wrapping paper made of recycled content.

Tips & Warnings

• As the demand for recycled products rises, the number of products made from recycled content will increase to meet the demand. It is important for consumers to encourage retailers to carry eco-friendly products.
• Always check the percentage of recycled material a product contains. Some product labels are misleading.