Patronize Local Service Providers
What if we occupied our local merchants this season? I am not just talking about retailers (some folks don't need any more stuff). There are lots of local service providers too (some folks don't want any more stuff). Here are some ideas for alternative, local giving.
- Hair cut certificates
- Gift certificate for girl's day out (massages, pedicures, facials)
- Local restaurant gift certificates
- Car wash or auto detailing certificates
- Gift certificates for the local hardware store
- Tickets for a local musical or plays
- Baby-sitting services
- Cleaning services
- Oil changes or auto repair certificates
- Certificates for golfing at local course
- Local handyman services
- Adopt a pet from a local shelter
- Pet grooming certificates
- Pet sitting
- Lawn or garden care certificates
- Handmade jewelry from local artisans
- Clothing from local boutiques
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Greenfabulous Finds
Oh so tacky!
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(image courtesy of Hipcycle)
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Trash turned into a trash can. This colorful trash bin is made from Mentos wrappers. For more info check out Trashy.
LegoŽ-like Furniture
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(Image courtesy of Module R)
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A modular furniture pack that can be a stool, chair, table base or a plane (okay maybe not a plane) depending on your needs and recycled from a composite material. Check out Mold Me for order information.
Growing Architects
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(Image courtesy of Grow Books)
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House kits from recycled cardboard are a live and learn gift sure to "build desire" for that budding architect in your life. Grow Books
For more green gift ideas check out Treehugger
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Detoxify Your Home
Artificial trees (most are made outside of the U.S.) may be made from petroleum products, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and Lead (in California the labels will indicate if they contain lead). If you want to buy an artificial tree consider buying American.
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Reader's Corner
Janet, a loyal reader of this newsletter, thought the canvas plants were cool but shared this suggestion for keeping live plants in your home.
"I have a suggestion that should work for even the least green-thumbed folks. I keep a common fern in a pot behind our kitchen sink, and I pour rinse water, overflow water, even slightly dirty water on it as a way to save water from just going down the drain. It's the happiest plant I've ever had, and has been going strong for 10 years. I think it likes the food particles and dirt and such. I give it no food or anything else. So it saves water and cleans the air. Win win!"
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Feedback Always Welcome
Eco-Chic Design would like your feedback. Please email marie@eco-chicdesign.com and tell us what topics you would like to see in your monthly newsletter. Sincerely,
Eco-Chic Design 
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