Monday, February 8, 2010

Best Green Gifts for 2010 -- A Guide and Giveaways!!

Good morning Friends, the GLR Best Green Gifts for 2010 guide is finally here and we’re even giving some of them away to a few lucky readers like you. These gift ideas are appropriate for anyone on any occasion and include some physical gifts, as well as other awesomeness, so sit back and dive into the Best Green Gifts for 2010, presented in no particular order.

*** GIVEAWAY RULES are located at the end of the post so please read through***

BEST GREEN GIFTS FOR 2010

Hugg A Planet -- It’s the globe for the new generation, but not only can a kid (or adult!) hug the planet Earth, there is also a moon, Mars, stars and even a flatter map of the U.S. to choose from. The shell is 100% cotton and provides a guide to over 600 places (on Earth) on a squeezable pillow. What better way to show a love for the planet than giving it a big hug every night?

Nahui Ollin Handbags -- Ever think about what happens to all of those gum or soda bottle wrappers after their first use? Well Nahui Ollin sure did and uses them to create stunning cases and handbags with a truly unique, woven look. Talk about doubling your fun!

World Vision Gift Catalog -- With over 100 options inside, this is the Green gift that keeps on giving! But don’t think it’s all about things manufactured, some of the very cool gifts include: an alpaca, a deep water well for a school, a bicycle so a girl can attend school, ten fruit trees, plus a slew of others. These gifts are not only eco-friendly they are socially conscious and well worth the investment.

Make it Right -- In August of 2005 Hurricane Katrina changed the lives of thousands of people along the Gulf Coast, primarily in the heart of New Orleans, Louisiana. Two years later activist Brad Pitt toured the hardest hit area, the Lower 9th Ward. He started this campaign with the Pink Project (sculptural tarps that indicated locations of the homes slated to be rebuilt) and 50 of the 150 LEED Platinum certified homes were to be completed by the end of December 2009. There are amazing items available to purchase (such as the first book published documenting the project: Architecture In Times of Need or tote bags created from the original pink tarps) or a donation can be made to further the cause and assist in completion of the project by December 2010.

Filter for Good Campaign -- Brita together with Nalgene are aiming to completely eliminate the use of one time use plastic bottles through this campaign. Delicious, filtered tap water consumed from a BPA free, reusable bottle? I can’t think of a better way to stay hydrated! Not to mention they also support the Surfrider Foundation, way cool.

The Greening Book -- I can’t stress enough: Green gifts for kids. Learning now will ingrain positive habits for the future! A spiral bound journal style book with a rigid cover allows the user to add their name as co-author to the front, as well as their thoughts, ideas and actions toward caring for the planet, not to mention there is a giving thanks page and a way to involve every member of the household plus so much more.

Dapple -- Any parent with a new baby is concerned with keeping their items as clean as possible and Dapple promotes the use of naturally derived ingredients in their cleaners that break down food and odor for truly clean, mouth ready toys and bottles.

BooksOnBoard -- All the rage, and a strong proponent of saving trees, is the eBook. The cool thing about BooksOnBoard as opposed to a handheld device is that the book is downloadable right to the computer and it works for PC, Mac, iPhone and other smartphone style devices (it will also work with Kindle according to the website). No trees are harmed and no additional equipment has to be manufactured to give the gift of words.

Save the Redwoods League -- Many of us will spend $50 on gifts for our loved ones but few of us could say that money purchased a tree named in their honor, until now. With a $50 donation a seedling will be planted and a commemorative certificate showing the reforestation efforts in California State Parks is granted to the recipient. But truthfully this gift is really like giving to every living thing that needs oxygen to survive!

Animoto -- A greeting card for the technophile in all of our lives. Photos and videos are uploaded by the creator to provide a most unique greeting card to the recipient. An annual membership will cost about $30 but to create a simple, super cute Valentine’s Day greeting video for a friend or loved one is totally free.

Soda Stream -- Turn water into a carbonated beverage with just the push of a button then add condensed flavoring options to create healthier versions of your favorite sodas right at home. Place cold water in a special carbonating bottle (in BPA free plastic or glass) then inject with CO2 from the attached canister. The canister is sent back to Soda Stream to be inspected, cleaned and reused so there is virtually no waste, which helps save up to 310 aluminum cans per canister and the machine uses no electricity to operate.

Nature Bag -- Created by home based workers from JungleVine in Laos, this simple bag is perfect for a day at the Farmer’s Market, to tote toys or anything else that needs carrying. A sturdy strap, that is long enough to cross over the body for ease of transporting items, and inherent stretch from the vine make this a durable, yet flexible and breathable, woven fabric.

Zipcar Annual Membership -- The other day I discussed the new trend toward Hybrid vehicles, suggesting alternate forms of transport, and Zipcar is way at the top of the list of cool, Green options. For just $75 you will give someone without wheels the flexibility of mobility whenever they like (membership & annual fee included, hourly/daily rates not included). Use it for an hour or a week, order online or over the phone. The ‘use only when needed’ approach takes countless tons of emission out of the air. With gas, insurance and 180 miles included this is sure to get you moving.

DuckSkinz -- There are few things to me as enjoyable as spending time outside in the sunshine. I love to walk the beach, swim, play sports, hike, anything in the bright fresh air. The problem lies in my very fair skin and how easily it can burn without proper sunscreen protection. The makers of DuckSkinz are revolutionizing outdoor activities by providing a lotionless SPF protection of 100 by simply wearing their moisture resistant, lightweight, flexible shirts/jackets. Not enough to be touted as environmental you say? All their shirts are made from a blend of proprietary recycled material and bamboo. Surf’s up!

Sylvania Light Products -- Leading the charge in cool and creative lighting concepts, Sylvania provides consumers with 3 snazzy, fun lighting solutions: DOT it Solar (solar powered outdoor LEDs), PalPODzzz (portable night light) and LED Color Changing Coasters. The outdoor lights are perfect for lining a patio or walkway, PalPODzzz come in an adorable ladybug shape and the LED coasters will be sure to make a funky splash at any gathering, all without using electricity or incandescent bulbs.

Garden Bon Bons -- What does soil eat? Why bon bons of course! I’m not talking about the human variety ice cream filled versions, no, these are a little different. Made from seeds, compost and clay, these lovely little selections are made up into truffle shapes and placed in a fancy pants box that could almost fool the savviest of chocolate eaters! They could not be simpler: plant in the garden or indoor pot, water give a little sunlight and enjoy as they grow. Comes in Italian Herb or Herbal Tea varieties and at about $15 for eight bon bons, this is a gift anyone can enjoy.

Annemarie Börland Natural Beauty -- Created from natural extracts that will readily biodegrade where possible, the company provides skin care products (for men & women), hair and body care and a full line of cosmetics, not to mention an entire sun block line as well. When it washes down the drain and into waterways we can feel confident knowing these products will not harm the planet.

VeeV -- Few things are as popular as giving the gift of liquor, so when shopping for something that will be sure to impress, consider a bottle of VeeV Açaí Berry Spirit. The liqueur is created from distilled Idaho grain and infused with the exotic Brazilian Açaí berry (also prickly pear cactus & acerola cherries) and at a price of just $35 per bottle it is far less than many other high end liqueurs. The company is dedicated to socially responsible harvesting, donating proceeds from their sales to that very cause, not to mention Açaí is touted as one of the world’s top superfoods. Oh yeah, VeeV is also the world’s first spirits company to be certified 100% carbon neutral.

GIVEAWAY RULES

The companies below will be conducting a random giveaway of their mentioned item so to qualify, please leave a comment answering the following question.

***Who in your life will benefit the most from receiving a Green gift in 2010 and why?***

Only one entry per person.

Be sure to include a way to get in touch with you if you win, all winners must acknowledge their win within three days or another winner will be chosen.

The contest will run through this Sunday, February 14, 2010 at 5:00 PM EST. At that time I will use a random generator to pick the winners but please note the items sent will be done so at random via Social Lite. These companies will be shipping direct to all of you so I will need to acquire mailing addresses for that purpose.

Good luck!!!

Giveaways include:
Soda Stream
Filter for Good
DuckSkinz
Nahui Ollin handbags
Garden Bon Bons
Sylvania Light products (3 products)

18 comments:

Almost Precious said...

Fantastic Giveaway Jenn! Would think you'd have dozens of entries by now...maybe people just are too busy to take the time to read ?
As for me, count me in...I think my hubby would benefit the most as he just so does not "get it". Thinks global warming is a joke made up by liberals and that our planet is self-healing. Maybe a green gift might make my "clueless in Florida" become a little more sensitive and conscientious of old Mother Earth.

I'll try to post a link back to your giveaway in my blog tomorrow...but I don't know if it'll help. I did a short blog today with a link to Overnight Prints (they do business cards, brochures, rack cards, posters etc.) as they had a terrific and very imaginative article on "Small Budget Marketing for Small Businesses". Most of their ideas were so fresh and unique that they really opened my eyes...like: while waiting at your doctor's or dentist office, place your business cards into their magazines!...they were just super creative. But naturally nobody took the time to even check it out. I even got a comment regarding the photo that I had posted in order to draw in attention...the comment had nada, zero, zilch, nothing to do with the real meat of my blog. :(

Do you ever feel like your shouting into the wind ?

Julie said...

What cool ideas! I'm not a huge pop drinker, but the "Soda Stream" sounds really cool... as do the bon bons, bags, and, well, everything on the list! :)

In defense of readers like myself who follow by email subscription, the email was just delivered about 20 minutes ago.

As for who I would like to give a gift to... Let's be honest, I owe my mom more than a green gift, but it'd be a start at least! Why, because she's my mom! :)

Elaine said...

My daughter would benefit the most! She just turned 2, and I'm trying to do everything I can to better her environment. I want to keep her healthy and safe. I've slowly switched over to the little common sense things that I could think of, but I'd love to learn more for her!

elaine guenther at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

Love the article Jenn! The Bon Bons are priceless! What a fantastic idea!
Who would benefit most? I think mom. She recently started recycling because Newton rolled out a new recycling plan. She loves it now! Plus, she's a huge tea drinker, so the tea bon bons would make her day!
Kathy

andrea v said...

You have great reviews, I know my husband would benefit since he doesn't seem to want to listen to me. He's a huge soda drinker and I would love if he could make his own so we don't have can and bottles of pop everywhere. Thank you
vickers at comcast dot net

Bridgete said...

My new roommate will benefit the most -- I just discovered a soda bottle in the kitchen trash...when the recycling bin is right next to it!!!!! He needs to learn to be green ASAP!!!

And if I win...you know where to find me. =)

T@PoppyPlacePdx said...

Great Giveaway Jenn, I got your link thru Almost Precious :)

I think my Daughter would benefit the most from a Green Gift, she lives in San Fran (and is a zip car member :)

Love your blog, will be following and I will put a link on my blog tomorrow :)

Have a wonderful evening, regards, T.

www.PoppyPlacePdx.blogspot.com

andrea v said...

My daughter would enjoy these products. She always has a reusable bag in her purse and extras in her car. She would enjoy the Sylvania products.
lindakay1951 at yahoo dot com

Lisa at lil fish studios said...

Wow, everything on your list here is really cool. What a great guide and giveaway. I found you through our EcoEtsy team.

I think my husband would benefit most from these prizes. He chooses convenience over "green" a little too often and I think it would be great for him to see that sometimes convenience (whether in the soda stream, dapple wipes, etc.) can be green and can be just.as.good. (if not better)

Lisa

ikkinlala said...

May Canadians enter?

I think my brother would benefit the most. He values being green, but he often doesn't see ways to improve on what he's used to.

ikkinlala AT yahoo DOT ca

Karen Meyers said...

Let's see, who would benefit the most......perhaps my friend who told me recycling was an exercise in futility. He needs to see some positive role modeling in going green!

molecula said...

I enjoyed seeing these choices. It's so uplifting that more and more companies care about being green - and donating to good causes! (I try to do that in my little business, too!)

Since I endeavor to give *everyone* in my life green gifts, I would have to say "everyone." To pick one, maybe my sister, who acts green when convenient - so why not help make it very convenient?

Unknown said...

I love this list! It's always hard to procure Eco-frienflygifts when big box stores are staring you downevery day :). The person in my life who would most benefit is my brother. With three teenage sons, my heart aches for all the energy drink bottles and soda cans which never get recycled in that home!

Anonymous said...

What an amazing giveaway! Wow. Thank you, thank you!

Well, who most needs a green gift that I know? My inlaws (I know, I know, it's always the "inlaws" :) but they would perhaps benefit from seeing, and then believing. It's difficult sometimes to talk with them about reasons to live a more eco friendly life, and reasons to use their buying power to support more sustainable practices and businesses. If they actually had and used something that was green, this might help them down the road of understanding, which would be a truly wonderful thing!

Thanks!

jen dot s dot chandler at gmail dot com

karen said...

Great giveaway!

I'd love to give a gift to my Mom who should receive the Green Matron of the lifetime award - if there's a such a thing. She never buys any junk and she'd never indulge in anything cool. So yeah, she deserves something special.

Thanks Jenn!

Erin from Long Island said...

What a fantastic giveaway! I think my sister would benefit the most. Her carbon footprint is more like a valley! I try to convert her, but it is so hard. Maybe something like his would help? And I know if she gets on the green bandwagon she will get her friends and boyfriend to join, and who knows how many people they will convince!

Henria O. said...

What a nice giveaway! I think my sister would benefit from a "green gift." She has no green or environmental consciousness whatsoever. This would be a wonderful incentive and catalyst to greener things ahead!

Vivian said...

Thanks for the support of the Nature Bag Khmu/Lao Poverty Reduction Project! Our reusable sustainable organic bag is compact, lightweight and minimalistic. Elastic construction enhances versatility. Amazing strength and beauty enrich today's fashionable eco-conscious users and the ancient enduring Khmu culture which makes it.

Thanks again!

Vivian
http://www.naturebag.org