With the holiday season coming up, I usually feel less 'Green' due to some of the wasteful and eco-harmful gifts and packaging out there. Over the past couple of years I've tried to live up to my Green philosophy by giving gifts that help, not harm, the environment and have found that they actually end up costing less in the long run. An added plus is that they also end up being an intimate way of spreading your Green message and lifestyle choice.

Many of my friends and family now look forward to what I have in store for them and have told me that it actually makes them feel better knowing they have connected with me and the environment in such a positive way too. With the economy and the sensitive condition of the Earth and the environment this holiday season would be the perfect time to start practicing being more Green and Gracious!

So how can you start shopping Green for the Holidays? It's a lot simpler than you may think.

Greeting Cards- there are tons of Organic or Green Greeting Cards for the holidays or for other special occasions. They are usually free trade and made with recycled and organic based paper and materials. They are very unique and personal and some sites let you make them yourself!

Packaging, Gift Wrap, Boxes- Keep an eye out for recycled and organic paper and gift bags. Instead of using the boxes that the store gives out, use organic tissue paper and paper instead.

Office Gifts: Instead of a traditional gift exchange or secret santa, urge your office and coworkers to do an Organic version and purchase organic products and gifts! This is a great twist and could even help you learn more about your fellow Treehuggers. Organic Teas, Coffees, Beauty Items, and Candles are always appreciated and beat the average teas and coffees that are usually exchanged!

And for the Family, why not do the same thing? Encourage your family and children to buy eco-friendly gifts this year, or even make them! And ask them to skip the fancy wrapping and go for more Earth friendly options instead. This is also a good way to teach your children and loved ones early on about how to value the Earth, even in times of giving and graciousness.

Have an Outdoorsy person on your list? Why not give them an annual pass to the State Parks or some other pass to local outdoor events.

And for the Sports Lovers..How about tickets to their favorite sporting events instead of the usual gifts you have to go and buy...

Don't forget your Arts and Theater enthusiasts! Tickets to upcoming shows and events would be a great way to go give Green.

The best way to give, regardless of whether it's earth friendly or not, is to have the recepient in mind so if you apply those same principles when you Gift Green, you may even find it easier, and cheaper!, to give this year. There's tons of eco and human-friendly items out there for people with all interests from gardening, spa, tea lovers, fashionistas, students, professionals, etc...

Shop Online... This helps prevent excess pollution and saves gas, and it's definitely more convenient and less time consuming!

If you do have to go out and shop, try to carpool or do all of your shopping together, or better yet take public transportation to prevent excess pollution. Most travel routes offer special timing and extra routes during the holidays.

Trust me, your loved ones will appreciate the gift and it will mean a lot more to them because it shows you want them to be a part of your passion for the Earth and the Environment. It also shows them that you have them in mind when you are trying to save the planet! I love the grocery tote I got from my cousin last year and think of her everytime I go shopping!

Check out my suggested gifts for some more ideas! Happy Holidays!