By Barbara Kessler
Green Right Now

Let’s shop green without being obvious about it, OK? You can, you know. There are many ways to tweak the holiday list this year to skew it toward recycled, socially conscious, energy-conserving goods. Of course, we don’t like to advocate lots of consuming. We definitely don’t buy that theory that it’s our patriotic duty to purchase our way out of the recession.

On the other hand, we are going to exchange gifts this holiday season. With that in mind, here are a few humble suggestions for keeping it green (and affordable), subtly.

A TOASTER OVEN

Black and Decker CTO6301 Convection Toaster Oven

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Green Right Now Reports

As we were prowling for practical green gifts to feature in our coming 2009 Green Gifts Lists, this simple T-shirt caught our eye. It’s green, unisex and made with organic cotton. And you’ve got that iconic Panda there on the side. What more could a greenie want?

Organic cotton T from World Wildlife Fund

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From Green Right Now Reports:

As the days get longer and hotter, we’re heading for the summer solstice here north of the equator, marking the official start of summer on June 21. SOLSTICE Sunglass Boutiques will be celebrating with a benefit for The Climate Project, by donating 10 percent of all their sunglasses sales at U.S. SOLTICE Sunglass Boutiques on the solstice (Sunday).

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By Barbara Kessler
Green Right Now

This Father’s Day go green and sustainable with gifts that support eco-friendly clothing, are made with recycled products or help de-toxify dad’s bath and body routine.

• Whether dad is a rugged outdoorsman or just likes to trek around the ‘hood and occasionally go off-road, he might appreciate these Finn Vegan Hiking Shoes by Patagonia. Made without any animal by-products, they’re topped by a breathable mesh and have a footbed composed of 70 percent recycled foam containing carbon and cork bits to wick moisture and control odor. (Making for a lighter footprint!). The insole board is made from recycled polyethylene and the patented “Vibram Ecostep” outsole is composed of up to 30 percent recycled scrap rubber. Patagonia has been producing green clothing and gear for many years, so these shoes are backed by eco-experience that newer green shoemakers are still acquiring. About $100 at Zappos, which carries many more vegan shoes.

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By Sommer Saadi
Green Right Now

As I unloaded my groceries onto the conveyor belt, I realized I was buying more than could fit in my reusable bags.

“Can you try to fit everything in these?” I asked, handing over my assortment of canvas totes.

“I can try,” the cashier answered. “But it’s no big deal, I can just use plastic bags for whatever we can’t fit into the ones you brought.”

“Oh no,” I said. “No plastic bags. Please.”

She stared back at me. She had already stretched out a plastic bag and was ready to load.

“I have this thing,” I told her. “I just really hate plastic bags.”

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By Barbara Kessler
Green Right Now

From electronics powered by the sun to plates made from corn, towels woven from bamboo and suits spun from recycled plastic bottles, green products are crowding into stores. Never before has the green consumer enjoyed such a dazzling, dizzying…and completely confusing array of treats.

How does one choose? Should you get the locally grown zucchini or the organically farmed summer quash? The bamboo towel from Asia or the organic cotton bath sheet from Texas? Organic face cream or natural? Disposable or reusable? Plastic or stainless? Is it green, sustainable, FSC and Fair Trade?

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By Laura Elizabeth May
Green Right Now

When getting ready for Mother’s Day, don’t forget about Mother Earth. We have gathered eight ideas that your mother will love and won’t hurt the earth.

A Gift That Blooms

1. Flowers are always right for Mom’s Day. If you are leaning in that direction, consider buying local blooms from a local florist. Picking out flowers that are grown locally cuts down on the amount of gas used to bring you that flower, and you will be supporting your neighborhood economy. If cut flowers aren’t easily found, look for a perennial or shrub in a pot.

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By Barbara Kessler
Green Right Now

If you’ve been looking for a fragrance that’s true to nature’s aromas and also free of toxic phthalates and preservatives and dyes, get ready for an April treat.

Demeter Fragrance Library of New York is debuting a line of eau de parfums at Sephora this month called Vintage Naturals that aims to deliver quality natural fragrances at an affordable price.

If you’ve ever wondered why wonderful natural fragrances are so hard to find, or afford, listen to Demeter’s CEO Mark Crames.

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By John DeFore
Green Right Now

Making footwear out of used auto tires may not be a completely new idea, but the many tire and/or inner tube sandals you may have come across aren’t nearly as versatile as (and they look substantially less comfortable than) the line of ecoSNEAKS by the nice folks over at Simple Shoes.

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Millions of women put on makeup every day, but you don’t think it could be hazardous to your health. Visit www.susanjeske.com for more information.

> Watch Now

Related stories:

• Color me natural: The search for good organic cosmetics
• For teens, this smells like trouble
• Do ‘Natural’ And ‘Hair Color’ Ever Go Together?

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By Melissa Segrest
Green Right Now

From your Naturopathica balancing mist to your Origins nourishing face lotion, from that fabulous Florestas rose night cream to your favorite Healing Garden anti-wrinkle cream, your bathroom countertop is a showcase of natural, organic skin and body products.

So why are you hiding your makeup? Perhaps because it is very un-green.

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By Laura Elizabeth May
Green Right Now

So, you are thinking about popping the question on Valentine’s Day but you have no idea how to pick out the perfect ring. You know your special some one cares about the earth, so show them you care about them by getting a ring that did not damage the environment.

GreenKarat offers a wide variety of engagement rings and other jewelry that are earth friendly.

The myKarat program allows customers to turn their unused gold into new jewelry or simply receive a store credit for recycling it. Only recycled or created diamonds are used. Many of the recycled diamonds come from estate sales.

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