The Importance of Recycled Gifts

Elephant Poo Paper... I know, right?!

This is the COOLEST chair EVER- made of a crosswalk sign!

Recyled Flip Flop Baskets

Spinnaker Sail Shower curtain

Recycled billboard dopp kit

Recycled Newspaper Wine Bag
Recycled Billboard Shower Curtain
"Smencils"... that's what I said.
It is amazing to see how many people run out and buy brand new things as gifts for their friends and family, when there is such a wealth of recycled gifts available to us online and in our favorite boutiques.
We have a responsibility to fix what we broke, and if we're going to be capitalists then what a great place to start our unenviable task. One of my favorite places to go for recycled gifts is Uncommon Goods. I stopped getting the catalog because I didn't want to waste paper (also why I went to paperless billing on my credit cards and utilities). But they have a fantastic website, and if you click on "collections" and then go to "recyled", you will be overwhelmed by the vast number of items to pick from.
The variety is astounding, from recycled wine bottle jewelry, to a step stool made out of yard sticks. Here are some of my favorites:

(by the way, I got this desk set for my dad last year- he already has so much stuff, but loves tools. Perfect gift for this guy!!)

And lastly, a recycled wine bottle platter, and a vessel made of recycled car windshields.

I'm not saying that this is the only answer to our global problem. Reduction is a huge step for us, one that only some of us have been able to take. But face it, shopping is enjoyable for many of us, and for someone like me, giving gifts is truly a joy. Many of these items were given last year as gifts to my family members, and they were so happy that I was able to find such unique and socially responsible gifts. And no, I have not purchased the crosswalk chair, because frankly, I don't have four grand!!