If you’re worried about what to buy your “green” friend or family member this holiday season, look no further than on-line! eBay makes shopping green easy on its Discover your green lifestyle on eBay page. Plus, you’ll reduce your carbon footprint by cutting out the travel to the stores! From Occasion items, Home decor and Fashion to Gadgets, the eBay Green Team has put together a collection of merchandise to delight anyone on your holiday list.How are eBay’s items green? According to its website it used the following guidelines in choosing all of the items consumers find on its Discover your green lifestyle on eBay page:
1. Look for pre-owned products. Reusing an item doesn’t ask the planet to come up with the raw materials required to make a new one. Extending the useful life of an item is one of the most sustainable choices you can make. In most cases, the greenest product is the one that already exists.
2. Check whether an item is sustainably made. Products that are made from sustainable materials – organic fibers, renewable materials like bamboo, or “upcycled” from found or salvage items – are also a great choice for the planet. Also, selecting items that support micro-entrepreneurs and help develop local communities can really make a difference. Labels like “organic”, “natural”, and “Fair Trade” are helpful here in identifying products that generate a positive impact.
3. Choose products that save energy and other resources. Whether you’re selecting an Energy Star rated appliance or something reusable that replaces a disposable – water bottle anyone? – resource-saving products leave a lighter footprint on the planet.
This week’s green gift spotlight, eBook Readers, which start around $160.00. You can also look through affordable used iPhones, iPods, Nintendo Wiis or MP3s!
If you’re having trouble coming up with ideas, visit the Green Team’s Buy Green guide.
Image Credit: rmfphoto.net/ via Flickr under CC license.
