Green Products for Gifts

Reusable water bottles reduce waste and make excellent gifts.blue water bottle image by Jim Mills from Fotolia.com

Gift-giving occasions such as birthdays and holidays provide an opportunity for you to promote environmentally friendly efforts. Since many green products last a long time, your green gift can still be useful months or years after the occasion has passed. You can give a green gift to anyone, whether they are concerned with protecting the environment or not.

Give a Tree

Trees are long-lasting, low maintenance and have a positive effect on the environment. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and other air pollutants and release clean oxygen, according to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. They also provide shade on hot days. Give a tree sapling as a gift to help the receiver reduce his carbon footprint. If the receiver of your gift has no room to plant a tree, consider giving a rain forest tree through a conservatory program. Often in these programs, a tree is planted in the rain forest and the purchaser receives a certificate of ownership and the opportunity to name the tree.

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The National Park Service offers an America the Beautiful--National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. With a pass, your gift receiver can have free entrance into national parks and federal recreation sites for a period of 12 months. The pass is good for both its owner, a non-commercial vehicle and four adult guests. The pass is a good option if your gift receiver likes nature or outdoor activities. It is also a good gift to help raise awareness about the positive benefits of the environment and the national park system among your family and friends.

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Giving a reusable water bottle helps combat the negative affects of bottled water. Bottled water requires large amounts of fossil fuels to distribute, is not recycled 86% of the time and is not safer than tap water, according to Evergreen State College. Purchase your gift recipient a reusable water bottle that he can use as an alternative to bottled water. Reusable water bottles are available in most department stores and sporting goods stores, in a variety of colors and designs. Choose a reusable water bottle that reflects your gift recipient's personality and preferences.

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