One of the best ways to take good care of the environment is to vote with your dollars and buy products that are environmentally friendly. With the holidays right around the corner, here are some great, green gift ideas:

• **Avoid gifts that will be thrown away, use excessive packaging, or are made from environmentally sensitive materials, particularly tropical wood such as mahogany, teak, or rosewood.
• **Buy gifts made from recycled materials or use natural materials such as unbleached cotton or beeswax.
• **Choose durable, energy-efficient gifts that use wind-up power or use rechargeable batteries. Give energy-saving products such as florescent light bulbs or low-flow shower heads.
• **Give recycled gifts such as antiques, family heirlooms, or personal items.
• **Give non-material gifts such as tickets to an event, dance lessons, spa visit, or membership to a museum or gym. Offer your time for babysitting, dog walking, or car washing.
• **Make edible gifts such as breads, cookies, dried fruits, or nuts. Package them in reusable tins, baskets, jars, or decorative bags or boxes. Sew, knit, or paint a homemade gift. Tape a personal message for family and friends.
• **For kids, consider giving an environmental excursion, such as whale-watching or camping trip or make a gift to charity in a loved one’s name.