Cheap green Christmas gifts for tween girls from fabric scraps

Cheap Christmas gifts for tween girls aren't hard to come by. Tween girls are really getting into the environmental movement and just starting to think about room decor. Why not give them a truly green and meaningful Christmas gift this year? Make these inexpensive gifts yourself by reusing and recycling items you may already have.

Memory quilt

Use scrap fabric from special outfits or even Dad's old pj's to make a beautiful warm Christmas quilt for a tween girl. She'll love a quilt with random flower patches sewn on. Choose fabrics with meaning. Let them guess the origin of the fabric pieces. Quilts are the original green room decor item for teen and tween girls.

Bulletin board

This green gift for tweens starts with a regular large cork board. Cork is a sustainable product. Decorate the cork board with recycled fabric scraps. Embellishments to reflect the personality of your tween. Personalize the board with her name or favorite hobby. This thoughtful green gift gives them a spot to tack friends photos or reminders on.

Throw pillows

Tween girls love pajama parties. What's a pajama party without a pillow fight? Make various shapes and sizes of throw pillows with scrap fabric. This cheap ecofriendly Christmas gift will get plenty of use. Check your tween's room out in advance for color schemes. Be sure to subtly ask if she is planning on any room decor changes too.

Headboard

Make a unique fabric scrap headboard for a tween girl. This green Christmas gift can be done in a variety of ways. Here's two:
Hang a fabric collage as a headboard. Use two large fabric scrap panels as a dramatic curtain headboard.

Note: You can also cover a board with fabric wrapped cushion for an elegant room decor look.

Fairy-tale bed

Give your tween a fairy-tale bed with flowing scrap fabric hung around it. This green Christmas gift makes her feel like a princess. Curtain rods can be suspended from the ceiling to hold the fabric. Use strips of chiffon or tulle tied and allowed to hang down. Scrap ribbon ties and sweeps back the curtain for a dramatic effect.

Picture table

This gift is made by recycling an old wooden coffee table. Sand the table down. Paint it to match your tween girls' room decor. Glue pictures and scrap fabric to the table as a collage. Cover with non-toxic decoupage glue. You can also make this table using a jigsaw puzzle, news clippings or other memorabilia.

Funky fashion purse

What tween girl doesn't like purses? Make a basic purse out of scrap fabric. Add more scrap fabric pieces, patches and buttons with silly sayings until you are happy with your masterpiece. Or, put together a kit your tween can use to make it herself. Just sew the purse and give your tween the objects to add on.

Kids: Green gift ideas for your grandparents

The frugal ways of grandparents are ecofriendly habits. Why not reinforce their green style with these inexpensive Christmas gifts? Grandma and Grandpa know that grandkids don't have a big budget for Christmas. Luckily, going green doesn't have to break the bank. Combine grandparent frugality with grandkid sized piggy banks for these cheap, green Christmas gifts.

Homemade stationary

Grandparents love to write snail mail. Kids can make homemade stationary as a Christmas gift. Just chop up some old paper and bits of flower heads in a blender with a small amount of water. Spread the pulp out into a sheet on some fine screen. Let dry and peel off. Be sure to wash the blender right away after use.

Soy crayon drawings
Use that recycled homemade paper you just made for the next gift idea. What grandparents don't love drawings from their grand-kids? Kids can use soy based crayons to draw beautiful pictures and designs on homemade paper. Pop the drawing into a cheap frame from the dollar store to give a finished look to this Christmas gift.

Milk jug bird feeder

Grandparents often have a love of nature. Why not make them a bird feeder for Christmas? This inexpensive Christmas gift is a snap to make. Cut a slanted hole in the top of the jug, leaving the handle intact and taking off the pouring spout. Use odd bits of cheap scrap paper to glue a mosaic pattern all over the jug. Tie a string for hanging to the handle. Fill with bird seed.

Quilt Squares

Use up that old fabric to make a pretty pack of quilt squares for grandparents. Grandma can stitch up a nice warm Christmas quilt for her and Grandpa. Or maybe Grandpa is the “seamstress” of the family. Who knows? You can use old worn out clothes to make quilt squares too. Pinking sheers cut fabric into squares of the same size that won't ravel. Tie a pretty ribbon around each bundle.

Bucket gardens

Some grandparents lack the space to garden. Try putting together a bucket garden as a cheap green Christmas gift. Use an old bucket with the outside painted a pretty color. Poke holes in the bottom of another bucket for drainage. Slip the bucket with the drainage holes inside the pretty one. Add a bag of good soil, along with some seeds. Now, Gram and Gram can just add water and watch the magic happen.

Plastic shopping bag dispenser

Here's a great Christmas gift for frugal grandparents. Remove the label from a plastic 2 liter soda bottle. Cut off the bottom. The bottom becomes the top. Decorate the bottle by covering it with contact paper. Punch two holes one inch apart at the top for hanging from cup hooks. Stuff bags into the open top. Pull bags out of the pour spout to dispense.

Drawer sachets
Grandparents love fresh smelling sachets for their clothes drawers. Make these cheap green Christmas gifts using items around the house. You'll need small circles of breathable fabric and ribbon to make the bags. Just lay the fabric circles out. Pile scented potpourri in the center. Gather the circle. Tie the ribbon in a bow to hold it together.

Homemade potpourri

Why not make your own homemade potpourri for the sachets? This can be given with or without a container. Package it in a pretty bag or bowl. Making potpourri isn't complicated. There are techniques to keep a longer lasting scent in the potpourri. The above link will help you learn to make your own potpourri that lasts.

Inexpensive ecofriendly Christmas gifts for coworkers

Looking for green gift ideas for Holiday gift exchanges? You want to give coworkers nice presents but remain environmentally conscious. You don't have a big budget either. Why not make your own homemade green Christmas gifts?

Herb growing kit

Your coworkers can grow their own herbs with this great herb growing kit. Include small ecofriendly clay pots, soil and herb seeds in a pretty basket. This cheap Christmas gift for coworkers lets them grow healthy, ecofriendly herbs indoors all winter. In spring, the herbs can be transplanted outdoors or in larger pots.

Fancy it up:

Paint the outside of the pots in pretty spring colors with non-toxic craft paint.

Baking mixes

This is a popular gift coworkers will love. Layer dry ingredients in a glass mason jar. Include a recipe. List wet ingredients, mixing and baking instructions. Tie a pretty ribbon around the jar with the recipe attached. For an added touch, bake a finished batch and put them all in a basket together.

Fancy it up:

Package it in a mixing bowl. Add a wooden spoon with a pretty red checked bow.

Jams and jellies

Jams and jellies are actually quite simple to make. They make a really pretty homemade Christmas gift for co-workers. Make a big batch. Give one jar to each coworker on your list. They can reuse the jars for any purpose including making their own batch of jelly. Include a recipe to make it easier for them.

Fancy it up:

Cut circles from floral fabric. Rubber-band them over your jars for a handmade look.

Homemade pickles

Who doesn't love pickles of one kind or another? Whether they're dill or bread and butter, these pickles won't last long. They can be made in large batches just like the jams and jellies. Include a recipe for a nice touch.

Fancy it up:

Add whole dill, garlic cloves or whatever whole spices you like to each jar.

Soap

Why not make homemade soap for Christmas gift exchanges? It really is quite easy. Buy inexpensive soap base at any craft store. Craft stores also sell soap molds, scents and colors for environmentally sound soap making. You can even buy an inexpensive soap making machine that melts and blends the whole thing for you. Pour into molds and you're done.

Fancy it up:

Craft stores also sell ingredients for making bath bombs, shampoo and lotion. Why not include a few in the basket with your soap?

Handmade candles

Your coworkers might also enjoy homemade scented candles. You can buy a cheap candle making machine and supplies too. The machine isn't necessary but it does make the whole process easier. Craft stores sell candle scent, wicks and colors too. Your fellow employees will be impressed with your craftiness.

Fancy it up:

Include decorative candle holders. Embellish your candles with cut outs from old Christmas cards

Fruit and nut basket

Food baskets are always a welcome Christmas gift for coworkers. Check to be sure your recipient has no nut allergies before giving this cheap ecofriendly gift. You can buy nuts in the shell by the pound at your local supermarket. Dump them into a pretty basket over fresh seasonal fruit.

Fancy it up:

Toss in a decorative nut cracker or a simple one with a bow around it. I've had my basic metal nutcracker for over 20 years. It's still going strong. Talk about sustainable!

Green your gift wrap

Fabric gift wrap pleases seamstresses.

Enhance your earth friendly lifestyle with creative ideas for gift wrap. Go green by using recyclable and reusable items to wrap presents for special occasions. Going green doesn't have to be boring, plain or ugly. These suggestions are unique and beautiful.

Newspaper as green gift wrap may seem common.

Jazz up this eco friendly gift wrap. Fill spray bottles with a food coloring and water solution in several colors. Go green and colorful by spraying newspaper for a tie dye effect.

Amp it up: Spray an old map with watered down brown acrylic to antique it.

Go green by brown bagging it with style.

A used brown paper bag becomes a work of art. Use rubber stamps, stickers, ribbon and embellishments left over from a scrap booking page, to make a creative gift bag. This gift wrap idea can be re-gifted or recycled as well.

Fabric gift wrap pleases seamstresses.

Go green by wrapping gifts in fabric for people who sew. Re-use old scraps or find a pretty clearance piece. This ecofriendly gift wrap can be turned into a usable item by a gifted seamstress.

Make a shopping/gift bag as reusable wrap.

Make a useful item such as a green shopping bag to use as a gift bag. The recipient will be delighted to get two gifts in one. Fill the shopping bag with green products for the home for a true green living gift.

A gardener might appreciate a gift of seeds in a pot.

Include tools, and other gardening supplies. Tuck them all inside a pretty flower pot. Tie a recycled fabric ribbon around the flower pot to perk it up.

A plant makes a lovely earth friendly gift that needs no wrapping.

The only wrap required is a ribbon and card. Choose a versatile green living plant that can be used indoors or out. For go green sustainability, perennials are best. For the card, use scraps from a children's art project.

Use shredded paper from the office as bag filler.

Reuse this normally wasted resource. Encourage the gift recipient to re-use or recycle the shreds to promote green living.

Make a crazy green gift wrap bow.

Tye random paper shreds together with ribbon. Just line them up on the ribbon at varying lengths. Now take the two ribbon ends and tie a knot around the paper shreds. This eco friendly bow should resemble a burst of fireworks when done.

The best way to go green with gift wrap is to save it.

Open gifts carefully. Save every ribbon, tag, wrap, bag and bow for future use. Green living means using everything to it's full potential. Even after gift wrap has reached it's limit, it may be recyclable.

Green outdoor Christmas decorating

So you want to have a green Christmas? Looking for environmentally friendly outdoor holiday decorations? Some of the best outdoor decorations for the holidays are the ones you make yourself. The right Christmas decor can make wildlife happy too. Saving energy can be fun when do it yourself ideas come into play. Making your own inexpensive decorations is all part of having a wonderful old fashioned holiday season.

Deck your trees

If you have evergreens in your front yard, decorating them for the holidays is a tradition. Why just use any decorations though? How about decorating them for the birds and squirrels? Use old fashioned popcorn chains as inexpensive decorations with an ecofriendly twist. Don't stop there. Hang pine cones filled with peanut butter, orange slices and other fruit as a treat for wildlife. No evergreens? That's OK. You can dress up the bare branches of any tree with these non-electric green decorations for the holidays or any day.

Patchwork Christmas flag

Non-electric decorations are found in stores everywhere. For instance, you can buy flags for any holiday. The problem is, they're not exactly green. Patchwork holiday flags you make yourself send the message that you believe in having a more ecofriendly Christmas. Start with a rectangular piece of an old white sheet. Use old fabric to form a picture, which you can glue or sew to your flag. Now back your picture with a second piece of sheet. Add tabs for hanging. This inexpensive decoration can be washed and reused for a green Christmas every year.

Snowmen

This is about as green as you can get. For some reason, the old tradition of snowman building doesn't seem as popular as it once was. Too bad, because these ecofriendly spontaneous outdoor holiday decorations really show the true spirit of the season. They're handmade by kids out of fun-loving holiday joy. They brighten up your lawn and the faces of everyone they greet. When they melt, they water your lawn, saving energy and water. So get out there and have a little fun with the kids making these inexpensive decorations for your green Christmas. If they melt, do it again!

Recycled wreaths

When I think of outdoor holiday decorations, there's always a welcoming wreath in the picture. You can make recycled wreaths out of a wide variety of materials for a green Christmas. Aluminum pop cans are a great example. They're green, shiny, colorful, nonelectric and completely recyclable. Crush them and string them into a circle by the pop tops. Add a pretty bow and/or some dangling Christmas bells. After the holidays, remove the string. Toss the cans into the recycle bin. Save the bells and bows for next year. Or, save the whole thing. You can't go wrong with these energy saving outdoor holiday decorations.

Go green with recycled Christmas crafts and gifts

Use the old wrap before you buy new

Christmas can be a wasteful proposition or an opportunity to make a difference. Do the world a favor Make this Christmas a low impact holiday. Create lovely, simple Christmas decorations, recycled and up-cycled crafts, gifts, decor and even Christmas cards this year. You might be surprised at how fun these green Christmas craft projects are and how beautiful they turn out.

Christmas cards.

Each year you receive Christmas cards from family and friends. Sure, you display them during the holidays. What becomes of them once the season is over? Don't throw those beautiful cards in the trash. Turn them into green Christmas crafts instead. Buy blank recycled paper cards from the craft store to decorate or use plain paper to make your own. Cut out the beautiful pictures on the cards you received from friends and family last year. Use raised glue dots from the craft store to make 3D designs on unique homemade cards for this year.

Wrapping paper.

Many people save their Christmas wrap to use again next year. It's a great way to have a greener Christmas. Why not take it a step further? Cut designs or simple shapes out of old wrapping paper to make a lovely Christmas mosaic. If you're artistic, this Christmas craft project can form a picture. If not, the random colorful shapes can be glued to recycled cardboard to make a colorful abstract design. Once your creations are done, hang them up as up-cycled holiday art. Frame them if you wish for a more finished look.

Up-cycled fabric scraps.

Can you think of a better Christmas gift than a beautiful handmade quilt? Through the ages, this traditional recycled craft has warmed heart, mind and body. Be sure to do it the old fashioned way for a truly ecofriendly Christmas. Don't buy new fabric for your green quilting project. Anyone who can stitch a straight line can make a Crazy Quilt from random fabric scraps. Sew all shapes and sizes of fabric scraps together. Use squared off pieces for the edge. Stitch your finished quilt top to an old blanket as backing for even more green power.

Up-cycled socks?

Got some well loved, colorful old socks lying around? You know the ones where the toes are full of holes but the upper part of the sock is still good? Why not try this project? Simply cut off the foot of old colorful socks. Hem them using elastic thread and you have a nice pair of leg warmers. Better yet, use several pair. Cut out horizontal sections from several different colors of sock. Sew them together with elastic thread for a striped effect. Nobody will know these gifts are made from old socks unless you tell them.

Recycling Christmas gift bags

Every year after Christmas I purchase pretty Christmas gift bags at 90% off at craft stores. Doing so prevents stores from discarding them at the end of the season. Yes, they do! Isn't that a shame? They're great for wrapping, of course. I also make Christmas gift bag crafts. These are all fun, easy and cheap crafts anyone can make using a re-purposed or clearanced Christmas gift bag.

Holiday door stop

Hold the door open in style this Christmas. Bring in shopping bag after shopping bag without having to open and close the door. The best crafts are quick and simple. Start with a brick and a lunch sack sized Christmas gift bag. Insert the brick into the bag and form fit it like you would when wrapping a gift. Now tape the gift sack onto the brick tightly where the tape won't show. Wrap a pretty ribbon around the gift bag wrapped brick as if it were a Christmas present.

Holiday door stop #2

Here's another clever and simple door stop you can make this year to brighten up your home. Use a pretty medium sized Christmas gift bag with sturdy handles for this crafts project. Fill the sack about ¼ full with play sand. Test the lifting weight. Add pretty ribbon to your Christmas gift bag door stop.Done!

Luminaria

These are always so beautiful at Christmas time. They're even more beautiful when made with a colorful printed gift bag. Trace a simple Christmas shape such as a tree onto the front of your chosen Christmas gift bag near the top of the bag. Cut out the shape. Put about 3-4 inches of sand or clean kitty litter in the bottom of the sack. Place a votive candle in the center of the sack, burying about ½ inch in the sand for stability. Line finished luminaria up on the sidewalk. Light the candles for Christmas.

Notes:

*Save the tree shaped cut-out for card or tag making.
*If you're concerned about fire, use electric tealights instead. Just remember, they're not a green option.

Fancy bag for giving baked goods

Combine a love of crafts with the joy of baking. Make this homespun looking Christmas gift bag to hold the baked goods you make as Christmas gifts. Use a Christmas gift bag with an old fashioned design for this crafts project. Purchase a pack of miniature wooden rolling pins or spoons and some gingerbread cookie cutters from a crafts store. Paint the handles of the rolling pins with red craft paint. Let dry. Dangle cutters and rolling pins/spoons from the handle of the bag using plaid ribbon to match.

Personalized memories gift bag

Make multiple copies of holiday memory photos. Glue onto each Christmas gift bag in memory book fashion. Add embellishments, paper frames, or stickers if you wish. Christmas gift tags can be added right in with the memory design. Add notes on the photos describing the memory and what it meant to you. Direct the comments to the person receiving the gift to make it more personal.

Energy efficient indoor holiday decorating

Looking for energy saving indoor holiday decorating ideas? Look no further than your own two hands. Purchasing store bought “green” decorations just wastes more energy through production and transportation costs. Handmade decorations are a better option. Go green with beautiful candles, wreaths and garlands you make yourself. Recycle everything you make after the holidays. Have a green Christmas by saving energy with these nonelectric decorations you make yourself.

Candles

You can make beautiful candles for the holidays with kits from a craft store. Store bought candles are fine, but why not go completely green? Have an old fashioned holiday. Use GMO free soy wax for these nonelectric lighting options, to make them even greener. Kits contain holiday colors such as red and green and a wide variety of scents. The flickering glow of real candlelight gives your ecofriendly Christmas an old fashioned flair. After the holidays, melt them down and make more for next year.

Do get real with the tree

Although it's true that Christmas trees must be chopped down yearly, they are both fast growing and recyclable. This makes them a renewable resource. These indoor holiday decorations aren't always inexpensive but they can be. Try using a live Christmas tree in a pot that you can re-plant in your yard as landscaping. Talk about a green Christmas. Even cut trees can be turned into mulch for next years garden. Skip the lights. Have an energy efficient Christmas.

Wreaths and garlands

The great thing about using a real tree is that you can shape the trimmed branches into indoor holiday decorations. Nothing is more inexpensive than free. Nonelectric decorations like this are great for saving energy. Making your own wreaths and garlands spreads that fresh pine smell all around the house too, just like your green Christmas tree. These inexpensive decorations are naturally green and environmentally friendly as well. Just like your green Christmas tree, they can be turned into mulch at season's end.

Recycled fabric bows

Nothing brightens up a holiday like colorful fabric bows. Instead of buying them this holiday season, why not make your own? For a green, ecofriendly Christmas use old fabric scraps. Make big bright bows to tie on stair railings, dining room chairs or anywhere you like. These nonelectric decorations will light up your home with old fashioned charm and warmth. They're inexpensive decorations and green too. You can use them year after year. When they start to fade, use the fabric as cleaning rags or recycle it for even more green value.

Simple green gifts for Christmas

Giving a green gift for Christmas is simpler than it sounds. These green Christmas gift ideas are easy to make or buy. They're inexpensive and uncomplicated. Use recycled items from your home for most of the green gift ideas suggested here. You will have to purchase the last two but they'll last for years of green gift making.

Seed paper

This is recycled paper, embedded with seeds for easy planting. Simply use shredded newspaper blended with a slight amount of water to make a pulp. Cover a baking sheet with foil or saran wrap and roll the pulp onto it evenly. Place the seeds into the pulp 2-3 inches apart. Now let the whole thing dry in the sun. Gently peel the paper off. Cut into squares for planting. Tuck each seed paper square into a starter size clay pot. Include a paper bag of soil to complete your green Christmas gift.

Crazy quilt throw

Simply sew together fabric scraps leftover from various projects. The idea is to be as random as possible and not use any new fabric. Try to end with a square shape. Take the square and put it face to face with a piece of inexpensive fleece from a fabric or craft store. Sew it together on three sides then turn right side out. Now tuck the fleece and quilt piece under on the remaining side and sew together.

Recycled candle

Melt old crayon and candle pieces together in a double boiler. Leave some in chunks for a colorful effect. Add candle scent if you wish. Pour into prepared jar to make a new candle. Prepare jar by sticking a wick holder with wick to the bottom of the jar with a teeny bit of wax. Keep the wick straight while pouring wax, by wrapping the opposite end around a pencil laid across the top of the jar. When your green Christmas gift candle is set it's ready for gift giving.

Glass bottle cutter

This handy gadget makes a useful green Christmas gift. Recipients can make used soda or other bottles into drinking glasses, vases or other glass containers by cutting around them and sanding down the edge with sandpaper. Leftover flat glass can be used for glass mosaic objects.

Aluminum can crusher

Not everyone has the space to collect aluminum cans for recycling. This green Christmas gift is for the apartment dweller who wants to do their part by recycling aluminum cans. Simply rinse and crush the cans. They'll fit in a small waste container until ready to be taken to the recycling center. Add a waste can and biodegradable plastic bags to make this green Christmas gift complete.

Cheap, easy, green Christmas tree ornaments

Christmas tree decorating the traditional old fashioned way has always included handmade inexpensive decorations. The most special ornaments on many family trees are simply made. Why not make them green too?

Decoupage mosaic for old ornaments

If you have aging ornaments that are losing their finish, why not decoupage them in a mosaic pattern with old wrapping paper scraps? Just glue paper scraps on. Let the glue dry. Now, brush with non-toxic decoupage glue. Presto, you have a beautiful recycled ornament.

Marble and wire ornaments

Recycle old marbles. These shiny gems will make your green Christmas tree sparkle. Simply spiral copper craft jewelry wire around each marble and form a hanging hook at the end. It's a Christmas craft anyone can do.

Gilded apples

You've got red artificial apples on your Christmas tree. The finish is wearing off. Recycle them with a little fresh paint. Simply hang them from your outdoor clothesline and spray them with non-toxic diluted craft paint. Or decoupage them for a unique look.

Recycled yarn ornaments

You can make over-sized string ornaments for your outdoor Christmas trees using recycled bits of leftover yarn, balloons and flour. Dip yarn pieces in flour and water. Blow up the balloons and wrap them with the wet yarn. Let dry. Pop the balloon and your green ornament is done.

Paper mache star tree toppers

Use wire from old coat hangers to make a star shape. Cut an old newspaper into strips. Dip the strips of newspaper in flour and water. Wrap them around the star shape. Let dry. Paint your recycled tree topper ornament any color you wish with non-toxic craft paint.

Barbie angels

If your child has outgrown their barbie dolls, don't throw them away. Barbie dolls make great recycled angel tree ornaments. Dress them in a fancy blouse. Use scrap fabric to make a cone shaped skirt. Spray the skirt with fabric stiffener and let dry. Now you have a green angel tree topper.

Wrapped blocks

Old wooden building blocks and recycled gift wrap become ornaments. Simply wrap the blocks as you would a present. Tie with a pretty bow for hanging.

Permanent paper snowflakes

Recycled paper snowflakes are fun to cut out and environmentally friendly. Unfortunately, they're only good for one season. How about making them more long lasting? Just hang them from the clothesline, spray with clear, non-toxic acrylic spray and let dry.

Cookies

This is one of the most green ornaments you could hang on any Christmas tree. Why? It's a no waste project. Just bake them, hang them and eat them. Don't forget to make a hole for the hanging string. Save the string for next year's cookies too.

Recycled ornament hangers.

Why buy ornament hangers for your green ornaments? You can make recycled Christmas ornament hangers easily with old paper clips. For green paperclip ornament hangers, simply unbend the paper clip and pull one stem out at an angle. Leftover yarn pieces work too. Just tie and hang.

Cheap green Christmas gifts for pets

These green Christmas gifts for pets are inexpensive and easy to make. You can re-purpose or use ecofriendly items to make special holiday treats and toys for Fido and Fluffy. Why spend a fortune on pet gifts for Christmas when you don't have to? Goodness knows, your shopping list is long enough already! And overspending is far from green.

Quick catnip toys

Use fabric scraps or cheap new fabric to make all sorts of catnip filled toys for kitty this Christmas. Be sure fabric is washed before use to remove factory pesticides. Cut into shapes, fill and sew together for quick toys. Not a seamstress? Make easy green catnip toys by laying catnip on a fabric circle. Pull up the corners. Tie a ribbon around it to keep catnip in. If kitty tears it open, don't worry. It won't harm them.

Homemade dog treats

Make your own homemade dog treats and food as low cost green Christmas gifts. Pet food recalls are scary for pet owners. Why not make your own healthy recipes and treats for Fido? There are plenty of recipes available online. Wrap them up in a pretty bow for Christmas.

Food gifts for rodents

Pets don't care if their Christmas gifts are wrapped. How about making your pet rodent a special salad or meal for Christmas? Why shouldn't pets have a holiday meal? This inexpensive gift for pets is simple to make. Not sure what fresh food and nuts are safe for your pet rodent? Check with your vet to be safe.

Gifts for the birds

Birds like Christmas gifts too. Check your bird manual to see what treats are appropriate for their breed. Don't forget the outdoor birdies! Pine cones can be spread with peanut butter and rolled in seeds as a cheap Christmas gift. Hang fruit slices up in trees or bird cages as edible holiday decor.

Cat grass

Grass is green in more ways than one. You can buy small "patches" of cat grass in the pet store for kitty this Christmas. This is an awesome inexpensive pet gift. Indoor cats will love having their own little grass patch. Consider making a larger patch using a cardboard flat, some soil and seed. Check with the pet store to see which seed is best for kitty tummies.

Pull rope

A tug of war rope for dogs makes an excellent green Christmas gift. Simply braid several strands of organic cotton rope together. Knot at the ends. Homemade stuffed toys for doggies can be made from scrap fabric and a little stuffing. Keeps puppies from chewing up shoes, toys, slippers and the couch.

Mitten toy

Here's a fun Christmas gift for pets. Use an old winter glove whose mate is lost.

For dogs, stuff with fabric and sew up the opening.

For kitties, sew dangling items from each finger. Use yarn, jingle bells or whatever else your kitty might enjoy playing with. Slip the glove on your hand and wiggle your fingers to make dangling items entice kitty.

Paper, plastic or pillowcase

Plastic bags are becoming an epidemic.

• They make their home under the kitchen sinks of millions of Americans.
• They drift down the street like lone ghosts and roost in the trees.
• They float along in scenic streams and rivers all across the country.
• They are not alive yet seemingly multiply.
• They fly out of city dumpsters in massive swarms to overtake the world.

The plastic bags epidemic is spreading.

• It must be wiped out at all cost.
• The solution is within our grasp.
• Plastic bags are taking over.
• We must take drastic steps to fight this epidemic while we can.

Some cities are banning disposable plastic bag use.

What can you do if yours isn't one of them?

Return all plastic bags.

Gather all remains. Root them out from under the sinks and hiding holes of thy habitat and return them to the originators of this tragic epidemic. Proceed in a gleeful manner to the source of the epidemic with said plastic bags. Greet these persons with care, lest they not accept the plastic bags which have been so diligently collected. Lest ye forget, many fair vendors do offer monies in exchange for the return of their plastic bags.

Rebel against the retail gods.

Be heard by the leaders of the epidemic. Break out of the plastic bags mold. Just say no to bringing home more plastic bags. Cease adding to the supply by stopping the demand. Curtail the endless plastic bag pollution that hath scathed the nation. Cry out against evil plastic bags conspirators. 

Say boldly unto them, "No thank you for I have brought my own bag, kind sir or madame, and I intend to use it against this outrageous epidemic!"

Choose an alternative.

Anything that holds purchases and carries easily may be utilized as a plastic bag substitute. A box, a carton, or a pillowcase. Take thy pillowcase to the store rather than spreading the plastic bags epidemic. Make a fool of yourself but stop this ridiculousness before it stops you. Frequent establishments where cloth bags can be purchased and used repeatedly. Make thine own bag using old blue jeans or by tying together a sweat shirt. Do anything man, time is of the essence.

Shop proudly with your new bag.

Hold your head high in the aisles of the finest shopping establishments. Wave your knotted sweatshirt with pride as you boldly fight this sad epidemic. Sneer and chuckle at the plastic bag people. Thou art far superior. Nod to the clerk as you proudly submit your pillowcase to be filled to overflowing. Sleep easily tonight my friend, for the plastic bags epidemic has been swiftly averted.

What the heck is a green hoarder? Are you one?

Is it even possible to hoard and still be green? Well, that depends on what you are hoarding. If you're into purses for all occasions, that's not very green. If you buy what you hoard by conventional means, you're just adding to the waste. On the other hand, if your hoarding involves one of the items below, you might just be a green hoarder.

Do you hoard construction site leftovers?

If so, you're a green hoarder. Your yard may be a mess. Still, the next time you need to replace something on or in your home, you won't have to buy it new. This habit is even more environmentally friendly when you share with others. Why keep it all to yourself? You can prevent a lot of unnecessary waste by saving and/or sharing leftover construction materials.

Do you shop yard sales to feed your hoarding habit?

Are half the dishes in your kitchen from yard sales? Do you accumulate long lasting, high quality items like cast iron pots and pans from estate sales? Do you look for used items before paying retail? Hoarding only used items means you've taken yourself out of the supply/demand cycle.
Manufacturers generate less waste and use less resources when we consume less.

Do you hoard recyclables?

If so, you are among the best of all possible green hoarders. Rather than creating waste, you're saving the earth from piles upon piles of trash. Recycling is not only an Eco-friendly practice, it's wallet friendly too. Your garage may be a disaster in between trips to the recycler, but your collection is as green as it gets.

Craigslist and Freecycle provide plenty of green hoarding opportunities.

Learn to love the free section of Craigslist. Once again, you're sending a message to manufacturers to produce less, or at least, not more. If you weed out the spam and businesses, you can find good quality used items for sale too. The only drawback to this green hoarding opportunity is, you have to be fast. That free stuff gets snapped up like hotcakes on National Pancake Day.

Are you a dumpster diving hoarder?

Be cautious. Dumpster diving is illegal in some places. If not, go ahead and do all the dumpster diving you can. It's surprising what people throw away. You might find recyclables or just nice used items. Some department stores toss returned items frequently. Some people even dumpster dive for food. That's not my cup of tea, but who am I to judge?

So, yes, there is such a thing as green hoarding. You can be a green hoarder if you hoard used environmentally safe products. You'll notice, however, that I didn't say anything about hoarders being neat and clean. Most aren't. But hey, there are always exceptions. Who knows? You could be the first, cleanest, greenest, neat freak hoarder ever.

Green alternatives to a grass lawn

Pretty perennials like this Jasper's Beard save water!

What's the big deal about having a grass lawn anyway? I see a lot of media emphasis placed on having a lush, green grass lawn. Most of it stems from companies trying to sell you chemical fertilizers and pesticides. No thank you! There are plenty of alternatives to a green lawn that won't impact future generations negatively. If you can grow a green lawn without chemical usage, you have my blessing. As for me, I'm seeking some other options to save both water and the environment.

Do you really need all that grass in the back yard?

When we moved into our fixer upper, we were faced with a huge yard filled with native weeds. We made a decision to gradually rid ourselves of the “lawn”, one project at a time. It's going to be a long process. Right now we have an area of raised bed/bucket gardens, a fire-pit area started in one corner and a hugelkultur. In the middle is an area of weedy lawn. As we progress, the weedy area will become paths through some pretty garden beds and features.

What are some ideas for the front lawn, that don't involve grass?

Here in Denver, we use something called Xeriscaping.

It's a technique where native plants abound. The idea is to plant flowers, herbs and other natives that use less water as an alternative to a green lawn. The plants are scattered among rocks and other interesting landscaping features. I've seen some truly original lawns since moving to Denver. That alone is reason to consider this option.

You can grow organic veggies in the front yard.

Some municipalities frown on this practice, while others sing it's praises. Get around the naysayers by scattering your veggies in flower beds. They'll blend right in. I know one local gardener who encourages her neighbors to help themselves to her front yard veggies. She has a garden in the back for just her family. I love her idea! I'm going to try to incorporate it into my next project.

I'm a big fan of English gardens.

Unfortunately, the climate here is semi-arid. We don't get the rain they do in England. Most traditional English garden flowers require more water than I can afford to give them. So, I've come up with a great idea for my front yard. I'm going to try mixing Xeriscape with English garden style and small grassy areas for something totally unique.

What if you really love your grassy green lawn?

Maybe you have future football players in your family. Maybe you just love the look. Whatever your reason for keeping your grassy lawn, you can do it in an ecofriendly way. Start by checking your local home improvement store for non-chemical fertilizers and pesticides. You can also plant grasses or stepable plants that use less water.

Having a green lawn doesn't necessarily mean you must have conventional grass or use chemicals and tons of water to maintain it. When it comes to a fabulous lawn and garden, you can go green and still have it all.

Are fabric toxins lurking in your kids' clothes and bedding?

Sadly, even natural fabrics can be treated with toxins.

What are your kids' clothes made of? Could they be toxic? How do you clean them? Do you bleach your kids' bedding to keep it germ free? If so, your kids could be breathing and absorbing toxins as they sleep. Are fabric toxins lurking in your kids' rooms, either on or in clothes and bedding? Here's how to be safe when choosing and caring for your kids' clothing and linens.

Your kids' clothing may be chemically treated.

Today's clothing industry often adds pesticide and stain repellant to textiles. This is true, whether we are talking about blue jeans or bed sheets. In addition, fire resistant chemicals are routinely used in sleepwear and more. Kids with sensitive skin may react to the chemicals in new clothing. As for the rest, they are still exposed through skin absorption.

What to do:

*Wash new clothing several times before use.

*If reactions still occur, soak in lemon juice and water to detoxify. Then rinse thoroughly.

Wash kids' clothes and bedding with care.

Most conventional detergents, bleaches and stain removers contain highly toxic chemicals. Because of its' toxicity, chlorine bleach is one of the worst things you can use on your kids' clothing. For years we have been taught this is the best way to kill germs. Actually, there are other ways to wash, disinfect and bleach clothing without using chemicals.

What to do:

*Avoid dry clean only fabrics. The conventional dry cleaning process involves chemical washing.

*Wash clothes with vinegar and baking soda.

*Bleach clothing with lemon juice and hydrogen peroxide.

*Disinfect clothing with thyme extract. This is made by seeping thyme in clear vodka.

Which fabrics are most likely to contain chemical residues?

Synthetic fabrics are actually chemically produced. Some are not fabric at all, but different forms of plastics made with a petroleum base. You best bet is to purchase natural fiber fabrics such as cotton and wool. It's important to remember, not all natural fabrics are free from chemical treatment. In fact, a great deal of the cotton fabric available has been heavily treated with pesticides.

What to do:

Be sure the natural fabrics you buy for your family are labeled 100% organic.

Kids' room carpeting likely contains toxins.

The majority of carpeting in homes is made from synthetic materials. In order to insure easy clean up, most carpet is treated with stain resistant chemicals. Some carpet is treated with fire resistant chemicals as well. Between the make up of the carpet and all these added chemicals, that makes carpeting a real health hazard. When kids walk on the carpet in their rooms, particularly if it's new carpet, these chemicals can be transported into their bedding via their clothing.

What to do:

*Opt for tile or untreated hardwoods.

*Use organic natural fiber throw rugs.

Greening your moving trash

Moving creates a ton of trash, doesn't it? And not just trash, but also piles of things you have no wish to take with you. What can you do with it all? What are some ways to stay green while disposing of unwanted items when you move?

Have a yard sale. The more items people have to buy new, the more resources they use. Price it low so that they're more likely to buy it. After all, the object isn't to make a profit, it's to reduce the amount of things you have to dispose of.

Dropping your used, unwanted items off at a local thrift store has dual benefits. Doing so keeps them from wasting away at the landfill, which is decidedly green. You'll also bring more money into the community through their sales.

Maybe you'd rather donate your goods to a local charity, such as a homeless shelter? If so, call ahead first to see what they'll accept. There are also those donation boxes you'll often see in shopping plaza parking lots. Either way, they'll be put to good use. And either is always an environmentally friendly alternative.

You can drop large branches, etc. off at a business that makes mulch. Vegetable scraps that you've generated while packing and getting ready can go to someone who does composting, if you really want to go all green with the move.

What about the actual trash? If you really want to dispose of it in a green manner, make sure that it's all just trash. Sort out the recyclables. Fold and tie the cardboard for pick-up. If there's any lawn trash involved, bundle it according to city specification.

Try not to create future trash while moving.

Wrap fragile items in towels to cut down on paper use. You have to bring the towels anyway. Might as well put them to good use.

Leave clothes in dresser drawers for the move instead of using additional boxes. Remove the drawers for carrying, then slide them back into the dresser and secure them for the move.

You can do the same with bookshelves. Just lay them on the floor and fill them with the books that go on them. Other items can be stacked on top of them and it saves boxes.

If you think green with all of your moving activities, you can likely come up with other ways to be conserve resources while moving. Just ask yourself, “How can I do this greener?” Chances are, you'll come up with more green moving solutions on your own.

Green drawing solutions for kids – Cutting paper waste

Got a little artist in the family? Worried about the enormous usage of paper? If you're one of those parents with boxes and boxes filled with nothing but drawings, paintings and such, you have good reason to be concerned. Child artists often go through 25 or more sheets of drawing paper a day. It's not exactly a green hobby, is it? Plus, where do you store all that stuff? Is there anything you can do to get kids to green up their art?

Captain obvious says, get a white board or a chalk board.

It'll cut down on paper use in a big way. While you don't like to think of your kids' drawings as wasteful, you have to admit, this solution certainly makes them less so. If your kids still want to save their drawings, you can always take a picture and save it on the computer for posterity, right? Then, just wipe the slate clean and start over.

You don't want to limit creativity.

How about some different creative outlets? For instance, you could get them their own camera or cell phone so they can take up photography. The nice thing about this hobby is that they only print out the very nicest of their pictures. The rest may take up space on their computer, but at least they don't waste paper.

Digital sharing

Kids can easily e-mail photos or photos of their art to relatives. They can post them on Facebook if they're old enough to have an account. That way, the whole family gets to see their work without making tons of copies and wasting more paper. Friends and relatives can pull up the art anytime on their computer so there's no need for them to use paper to print them unless they choose to.

Getting more creative

While your kids are on the computer, why not download some applications that will help them as artists? There are plenty of instructional videos they can watch. Plus, they can learn to edit their work, make collages and calendars and more. Even though this is likely to encourage more drawing, painting and such, they still have the option of only printing their best work.

Green floral substitutes for party balloons

Daffodils really brighten up parties!

 Why would you want to find substitutes for party balloons? No birthday party is complete without colorful balloons, right? The problem is, balloons are far from ecofriendly. Those cute little orbs are made with hazardous chemicals. Discarded or runaway balloons are ingested by animals. They're a choking hazard. Plus they waste precious helium. What can you use instead?

Why not brighten up your party with simple floral arrangements?

Here in Denver, you can buy seasonal flowers quite inexpensively at King Soopers or other grocery stores. Plus, if you keep an eye out, you can even find day old, discounted, pre-made supermarket bouquets for as little as 2.00. I'm sure it's the same where you live. They come in a wide variety of colors. They're certainly a renewable resource and they're as green as it gets.

Tulips are another colorful flower that grows easily.

Simply plant bulbs as directed for a crop that will have all your spring birthday decor covered. For variety, throw in some sunny daffodils or day lilies.

Got a fall birthday?

Why not celebrate with the lovely fall colors of marigolds and zinnias? Both bloom well into fall. Plus, they grow like weeds in sunny areas that some flowers wilt in. Those orange and yellow marigold blossoms bring a cheerful environmentally friendly touch to any celebration.

Wildflowers are naturally prolific.

The seed for these is inexpensive and plentiful. Imagine a beautiful wildflower bouquet gracing the table of your next celebration. Who needs balloons when you can have lovely, naturally beautiful flowers instead?

Whatever happened to old fashioned glass bottle cutters?

Seriously, you guys. I go thought a lot of these glass bottles. Sure, they can be recycled. But guess what? I also go through a lot of drinking glasses. And it's not always the grand-kids that break them. I sure would love to have one of those simple bottle cutters they used to sell in craft stores. You know the ones where you place the bottle on it's side, turn and voila! Instant drinking glass, ready to be sanded for safety.

Drinking glasses aren't the only thing simple bottle cutters are good for either. You can also use them to make garden plant watering devises by just cutting off the bottom of the glass. Who needs those fancy globes? Plus, they're so darn expensive.

And yes, you can recycle the glass bottle itself. In fact, you should. But me, I'd rather make useful items, then recycle the leftovers. After all, you can still recycle your homemade drinking glasses after they shatter. That way, you get double usage. No waste!

Now, I've seen a few more elaborate glass cutters for sale online and such. But that's just not what I'm looking for. And scoring tools don't always cut a straight line, especially with shaky arthritic hands. So if anyone knows what I'm talking about and knows where they can be found, please leave a link in the comments. I'd be very grateful.