I was having a conversation with an artist friend of mine the other night who was lamenting that products that were “green” were either ugly or priced at a premium, making them out of reach for the average consumer. She also said it was difficult to buy these items at a premium price when the benefits, in terms of global warming, would not be felt in her lifetime but more likely by future generations. I had a certain sympathy for that point of view. However, I countered with, that from my perspective, everyone is concerned with the price of energy and one of our growing product categories is focused on energy conservation. Everyone likes to save money and personally I have found that by judiciously lowering consumption and using energy saving products, I have slashed my energy bill by at least a third to nearly a half over the previous year. I have only managed to achieve that in the condo where I live during the work week because I have control over the total usage. My husband and I live in another house at weekends and since energy conservation requires the cooperation from all family members, and my electricity guzzling husband likes to keep all lights blazing on all floors, the energy consumption at this home is more difficult to control. But I did manage to sneak in a couple of things that he would not notice including turning up the thermostat in summer because I know he hates to tamper with the controls! 

http://www.greenandmore.com/energy-efficient-products.html

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We have just launched a line of eco friendly household cleaners from Eco Discoveries and the initial feedback we are getting from testers is very positive. This line of household cleaners is both non-toxic and fragrance free, as well as being not too expensive. We will let you know more as our testers give us more specific evaluations.

Starting at $6.49.

http://www.greenandmore.com/non-toxic-natural-household-cleaners.html

These backpacks and lunch bags for the juniors in your family are oh-so-cute. Sufficiently so, that they are on my husband’s gift list for his grandchildren. Besides being cute, they are manufactured out of eco friendly materials.

Starting at $38.99.

http://www.greenandmore.com/dabbawalla-kids-back-packs-lunch-bags.html

If there is a baby in your family that is in line for a gift this holiday season, these organic towels with an animal head are totally adorable and very unusual. You will definitely score a hit with these with the baby’s mother.

Just $54.99.

http://www.greenandmore.com/bamboo-hugs-organic-baby-kids-bath-towels.html

If you are a grandparent looking for an unusual gift for the grandkids or simply a doting parent you need look no further. These little chairs and table sets will delight the young child in your family- especially little girls. These sets are quite the work of art but are designed to please the younger generation who need a little special chair of their own.

Heirloom Quality Just $794.99.

http://www.greenandmore.com/whimsical-hand-painted-childrens-tables-and-chairs.html

When I first heard about these coasters, I thought they sounded weird, but they are actually really rather striking, and quite the conversation piece when you are entertaining. I would have never thought recycled street signs could make such good looking coasters! They make a great gift for a person who appreciates the funky or something different.

Just $69.99 for Set of 4.

http://www.greenandmore.com/boris-bally-recycled-street-sign-coasters-trivets.html

This year I am giving both my sister and 16 year old niece cart blanche to choose a new handbag from our handbag department. I am told they are deep in thought as to which one they are going to choose. When I first heard about handbags made from inner tubes of tractors, I imagined something dirty, clumsy and cheap looking. Well was I in for a surprise! These handbags are high styled and just ultra chic. You would never guess they were made from rubber and the styling brought cries of admiration from our staff who offered to model them when they went out with their friends socially!
The handbags made from recycled car parts and license plates are just a hoot, and what I expect my niece to choose to flaunt around her friends in London. They are definitely trendy and for the younger generation who is looking to make a statement. I am always at a loss as to what to give as a gift to a teenager but this year I think I have picked a winner.In the end my sister chose a poppy string bag in black boiled wool. But my 17 year old niece chose a fender designer purse complete with love birds and a heart. I will be seeing them both soon and they are both looking forward to their new bag accessory.

Starting at $54.99.

http://www.greenandmore.com/handbags.html
 

When I first touched our soy based bathrobes I was astonished at how soft and also how inexpensive they were. It was not long before each member of my immediate family had the same bathrobe. You can feel virtuous because you have an eco friendly bathrobe, but let’s be truthful, it will be its softness will have you become a fan of these soy based bathrobes. This is an absolutely cannot miss gift for any time of the year.

Just $118.00.

http://www.greenandmore.com/natural-soybean-cotton-robes.html

Kitchen towels are a necessity but often dreary, soiled objects hanging around our kitchens. So I was pleased to come across what I really thought were some particularly pleasing designs in organic kitchen towels and like them so much have started to give them as house gifts when going to a party. Always welcome as a house gift and different than coming to the party with the same old bottle of wine, which I have done all too often.

Just $26.99 for a set of 3.

http://www.greenandmore.com/under-the-canopy-organic-cotton-kitchen-towel-sets.html
 

Being an allergy sufferer I am not in favor of clutter with bric a brac and have learned over the last 10 years that less is more. However a well chosen piece can enhance your décor even when you do not have flowers and can look wonderful when filled with those flowers that you receive unexpectedly on a special occasion. I have always found it difficult to find a vase that I like but these are simply beautiful vases and are made from recycled copper- not that you would ever know it.

Starting at $47.99.

http://www.greenandmore.com/hand-crafted-copper-vases.html