Greetings!
December 2008 could mark just
another holiday season... except that this holiday season many of us have a little less cash in our
gift-giving reserves. Which gives us all the more reason
to alter, then heed, an old adage: it's
the quality of the thought that counts.
This year, spend a little extra time
thinking about what you give, how you decorate, and what you serve. Your
thoughtfulness will pay dividends, not just to you and your family, but to the
planet as well.
Did you know? Our featured products and businesses are 100%
paid-placement free. They are solely intended to represent the
views of the SustainLane community. |
 Featured Product: I'm Tired of...
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 It's the quality of the thought that counts this season, especially for
those looking to give a gift that keeps on giving without
draining our bank accounts. Made from recycled tires and metals, " I'm Tired of..."
bracelets are a great way to give a meaningful gift while donating to a
cause of your choice. The bracelets are $10 each, half of which
goes directly to one of ten charities that you choose. Click for I'm Tired of... bracelets
 "Charitable ecopreneurs and siblings Dan Hoffman and Carrie Pollare are
the founders of "What Are You Tired Of". Their "What are you tired of?"
bracelets, designed by renown jeweler Joseph Bortolli..." click to read more- Cris B.
What do you think of these bracelets as gifts for the holidays? Review them now at: SustainLane.com!
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New Feature: Add Video to Your Posts!
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 You asked and we answered: it is now possible to embed videos from YouTube and other video sharing sites directly into your SustainLane blog posts.
Here's how it works: when writing your article, place your cursor where you want the video to appear on the page. Then click on the flash icon (third from the right in the toolbar). It will prompt you for the "embed" code of the video, which you can copy directly from the video sharing site. For a complete instructions, click here.
Try it out, and let us know how it works for you!
E-mail us at community@sustainlane.com.
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The Best Gifts Money Can Buy
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When brainstorming gift ideas, think quality over quantity. Sure, fall-back soaps and candles for her and
a t-shirt for him are fine, but why not give quality gifts you feel good
about buying and giving?
If you're looking for green toys, check out Terrah M.'s favorite green toy companies here.
Tread Light Gifts sells eco-themed gift baskets that SustainLane reviewers rave about.
Check out SustainLane's Holiday Gift Guide
for other green gift ideas.
And of course, by using coupons from the SustainLane GreenSaver to make your purchases, you are sure to stretch that dollar just a little further!
Have something to add? Blog about it at SustainLane.com!
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'Wrapping Up' 2008
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 Whether you're wrapping Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, or any other kind
of present, it's the quality of the wrap-job that counts.
So give this a try: save trees, save
landfill space, and save money. Tell yourself you are not allowed to buy any new
wrapping paper or other gift-accessories this year (that means no new ribbons,
bows, or gift tags). Then add one more stipulation: every gift you give must
inspire its recipient to tear into
it.
If you need a card, Mr. Elli Pooh giftcards, made from processed elephant dung, is always a hit.
Click here for creative ways to wrap gifts.
Also, check out this weeks video for more alternative gift wrapping tips.
Got your own wrapping tips? Share them on SustainLane.com
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Decking the Halls
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This December, no matter where you are, you're likely see some familiar holiday sights: tinsel dusted Christmas trees and Hanukkah bushes; strings of twinkling lights; menorahs in front windows; and reindeer, snowmen, and other holiday bric-a-brac on lawns and side tables.
Now the sad news: much of this d�cor is destined for the
landfill or, at the very least, a rarely-visited attic corner.
So go green: only decorate with items you can reuse,
repurpose, or recycle. We're not suggesting you spread granola on your table
runner and stick a candle in the middle, but it is possible to beautifully and
tastefully decorate your home without buying lots of disposable products. Check out SustainLane's guide to decking your halls all the way from tree to table: How To Deck Your Halls Eco-Style Like our ideas? Think we're off our rockers? Post your favorite holiday decor ideas at SustainLane.com.
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La Comida (That's 'food' in Spanish)
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 So, the tree is trimmed and the table is set - now comes preparing the meal. - If you splurge on anything this holiday season,
splurge on your main dish. Buy organic, free-range and/or pastured meat.
- If you can't afford organic meat, then at least
remember the Dirty Dozen when you buy your produce.
- For alcoholic drinks, try organic wine and beer.
These beverages are made from agricultural products-like grapes, barley, and
hops! The best part is they taste just as good! You can even make your own eggnog.
Have something to add? Share your knowledge at SustainLane.com. |
Green Holiday News
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Green Your Office Party
Make sustainability (not your tipsy co-worker) the most interesting thing
about this year's holiday party.
Holiday Tree Safety
Once your tree is trimmed your lined with LEDs, safely show it off
with these tips.
Is Online Shopping Greener?
Traffic jams in parking lots and picked-over store shelves
may entice people to shop online, but what does that mean for the environment?
10 Gifts to Avoid
Want to know which gifts are the worst eco-offenders? Read on.
Inspired to discuss a story? Post
your comments at SustainLane.com.
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Video: Furoshiki
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 Fabric is an eco-friendly alternative to gift wrap. Try Furoshiki -- a traditional Japanese method for wrapping things. It's just as easy as it looks and this video will show you how. Watch it now.
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