by Jennifer Lefebvre

These days, almost everyone is trying to make a conscious effort to “go green.”  Those efforts may include recycling, carpooling, using less paper, less water, less plastic; thankfully, the list is vast and goes on and on.  However, sometimes many of us tend to forget that going green encompasses every aspect of our lives – including gift giving.  If you’re shopping for a gift, why not consider something that is eco-friendly?    Living a green lifestyle or giving a green gift doesn’t mean you have to compromise on the quality of a gift or the price you’d hope to pay.   Many new eco-friendly products are being created and introduced to the consumer market every day.  Some may cater to the practical person on your list while others may appeal to the fun-loving person.  No matter the reason or to whom you choose to give, these items have a common goal in mind:  helping promote the “going green” lifestyle.
Shopping for an environmentally friendly gift has become a whole lot easier than it once was.  Below are some ideas and websites to check out.  If you’re still looking for something special, simply type “eco-friendly gifts” into your search engine and a world of possibility pops up.

1. Global Goods Partners:  www.globalgoodspartners.org  – Help the environment and promote market opportunities for economically marginalized women across the world!  Global Goods Partners is a fair-trade, not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to reducing poverty and promoting social justice by strengthening women-led development initiatives for marginalized communities in Asia, Africa, and the Americas.  Artisans in these countries are not able to easily access the global marketplace and succeed in economic growth. Through their online store, Global Goods Partners provides direct access to new markets for their partners’ handcrafted products, often providing the only means of revenue in their communities.  Eco-friendly items include bags, jewelry, home décor, and clothing.

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