From toys to jewelry and wrapping, you can be earth-friendly when you pick out your presents this holiday season.
Green living speaker, writer and consultant Linda Mason Hunter says it's easy, and maybe even cheaper to give green this year. She says, "The two main trends this year are radical reuse and regifting."
That's right, regifting. Hunter says you can give something that's been given to you if you follow two rules. She says, "The gift you're giving should be in pretty good shape." And, she says, "You must be certain that the person you're giving it to would really like it."
She says you can package the present so it's more meaningful. If you're giving a book, she suggests throwing in a cozy throw blanket. If you're re-gifting a D-V-D, include Iowa popcorn.
As for radical reuse, she says it's when, "You take something that had been thrown out and discarded and you use it in some entirely different way."
Hunter says West End Architectural Salvage in Des Moines is a great place to find radical reuse gifts. They sell Christmas ornaments made from pieces of chandeliers and the roof of the Historical Building in Des Moines. And, you'll find anagram necklaces. She says, "It's really fun to wear and makes use out of things that would go into the landfill. It's hip that way."
Hunter says a hip present for the kids on your list are these Bla Bla Dolls from Best Wishes in the Shops at Roosevelt. All are made from cotton and each one is different. She says, "Use it as an investment, give a child a toy that is a play thing today and keepsake tomorrow."
Hunter says you can reduce waste by buying gifts with the least amount of packaging and wrapping presents with paper you've collected throughout the year.
Green living speaker, writer and consultant Linda Mason Hunter says it's easy, and maybe even cheaper to give green this year. She says, "The two main trends this year are radical reuse and regifting."
That's right, regifting. Hunter says you can give something that's been given to you if you follow two rules. She says, "The gift you're giving should be in pretty good shape." And, she says, "You must be certain that the person you're giving it to would really like it."
She says you can package the present so it's more meaningful. If you're giving a book, she suggests throwing in a cozy throw blanket. If you're re-gifting a D-V-D, include Iowa popcorn.
As for radical reuse, she says it's when, "You take something that had been thrown out and discarded and you use it in some entirely different way."
Hunter says West End Architectural Salvage in Des Moines is a great place to find radical reuse gifts. They sell Christmas ornaments made from pieces of chandeliers and the roof of the Historical Building in Des Moines. And, you'll find anagram necklaces. She says, "It's really fun to wear and makes use out of things that would go into the landfill. It's hip that way."
Hunter says a hip present for the kids on your list are these Bla Bla Dolls from Best Wishes in the Shops at Roosevelt. All are made from cotton and each one is different. She says, "Use it as an investment, give a child a toy that is a play thing today and keepsake tomorrow."
Hunter says you can reduce waste by buying gifts with the least amount of packaging and wrapping presents with paper you've collected throughout the year.
