As we approach the holiday season, one of the things we begin to consider is the ideal gift to give our family and friends. In choosing a gift, be prudent, practical, thoughtful and creative. It is better to purchase gifts that are long-lasting or that can be reused and later recycled. Green gifts have a great reputation for being clever and unique, and they help you lower your carbon footprint while encouraging others to change their habits too. Some may argue however, that these can be expensive and hard to find. However, all you need to do is be creative and make use of what you have to create a perfect gift, while saving money and the planet. Here are a few ideas for giving green gifts: •    Look for locally made gifts – many imported gifts come from halfway around the world, and the impact of transportation contributes significantly to greenhouse emissions and global warming.  Many craft items are manufactured locally and these make great gifts.
•    Give ‘battery-free’ gifts – Discarded batteries are an environmental hazard. Even rechargeable batteries are eventually thrown away, contributing to waste. Buying or making gifts such as wooden push toys for children has less of an impact on the environment.
•    Reuse stuff that you no longer need
This is just one example of how to reuse old items and reduce waste. Make a doormat of rubber slippers that you no longer use. It’s not just responsible, it also looks really, really cool. The material is useful for wiping dirt and draining water, and you can easily find plenty of options when it comes to colour and texture. This option is  very unique, clever and useful.

•    Potted Herbs
Most people appreciate receiving plants as  gifts, but you can take this gift idea a step further by choosing a plant they can put to practical use several times a week. Providing a beautiful and useful gift really shows you took the time to think it out.
Plants such as rosemary, thyme, basil and sage are kitchen plants that can step up to the dinner plate on a regular basis.

•    A Compost Bin
What do you get for someone who has it all when it comes to going green? Something extreme – like a compost bin! Composting is a process that allows organic materials such as yard and kitchen waste to be broken down naturally and converted into a valuable soil additive. When people compost they help to manage the amount of waste they produce. The average household waste comprises about one quarter of organic material – waste from plants such as food scraps, vegetable peels, spoiled fruits and greens, paper towels, etc. The plant waste is good compost material which may end up being burnt or taken to the dumpsite.

•    Bandanas
This may seem a weird gift, but a set of six bandanas can serve as casual dinner napkins for the gift recipient. They’re more budget-friendly than expensive cloth napkins and more earth-friendly than throwing away disposables.
Bandanas also come in handy for travellers. You can use them as dish cloths on the road; face masks for open-air rides on dusty roads; washcloths for the shower, and a clean, reusable wrap for food such as muffins and fruits. They can even come in handy for minor medical emergencies.
It’s a great “zero waste” strategy. Bandanas take up very little room in a pack, and they dry quickly after washing.

Teacup Garden
Materials needed:
•    Teacups (used or new)
•    Potting soil
•    Mini pebbles
•    Small plants (cactus or succulents)

Method:
•    Place some potting soil in the teacup half way through then tuck in the plant root. Place some additional soil around the plant;  make sure to leave some space.
•    Take a few mini pebbles and place around the plant; make sure not to cram it too tightly.
•    You can also use materials such as an old teapot, milk and sugar holders to make a tea set for your gift. It’s simple, easy and beautiful. Enjoy!

You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O EIT Division, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN or email us at eit.epaguyana@gmail.com.