Top 10 green holiday trends

With the end-of-the-year holidays upon us, we’ve noticed some interesting trends happening in favor of the sustainably minded which is becoming a larger segment of our population. Whether pale green or confirmed environmentalist, more people are aware of the greener side of buying and are changing their habits in ways large and small.

In talking with green-leaning consumers and business owners, these are the top ten trends we’ve spotted.

1. Desperate for deals. This one may seem like a great big “duh,” but in truth, up until recently, the deals on green goods were few and far between. This year eco-gifts galore are available not only from green daily deal sites like Care 2, Pure Citizen and Green Deals, but from every green retailer we’ve seen. Tip: Check your favorite online store’s Facebook page daily if you’re not subscribing to their updates.

2. Shopping locally. Just yesterday our local NPR station had an interview with some local toy store owners. One of them sounded almost teary as she recounted how customers have lately been thanking her the service she’s providing the community. She talked about how the idea of “buy local” really is taking hold. She also said that many of her customers today care much more about where toys are made, so she attempts to stock items made locally as well.

Tip: Check the websites of local shops before setting out to shop to save time and gas.

3. Getting rid of wrapping paper. It’s exciting to watch as more and more people are dumping wrapping paper made from virgin trees and coming up with all sorts of creative wraps. Our favorites always have been fabric wraps we make ourselves from scarves or other material, but we’re also fans of beautiful wraps you can purchase from companies like Bob0wrap and Furochic. Also there is a lot more choice in 100% recycled papers available.

Tip: See these instructions for wrapping beautifully with fabric.

4. More sustainable items available. I was happily surprised the other day to see the weekend newspaper insert for a local chain drugstore showing it is selling several lines of green children’s toys. It’s now unusual to go into a store, national chain or local, without finding at least a few better-for-people, better-for-planet choices. This is particularly true in grocery stores, but also in clothing, gift and kids stores too. This is a huge change from only a few years ago.

Tip: If you don’t see what you want in your local store, ask. The more of us that do, the more likely our local favorites will start carrying.

5. New moms are leading the charge. Not surprisingly, every mom we’ve talked to who has moved to healthier-for-family and -planet choices has done so out of concern for her children. And for first-time moms, waking up to the facts about the impact of non-organic cotton, foods and household cleaning products often marks a huge change point in their lives. From BPA in bottles to insecticides in bed sheets to VOCs in the painted toys, their concerns are turning into making decisions towards organic and natural and away from plastic and chemical.

Tip: If you’re attending a baby shower, choose green gifts and decor like these.

6. Giving gifts of experience or making donations in place of other presents. The idea of making a donation or taking someone to a sporting or arts event, has been around for decades. But this year, we’ve seen a rise in parents wanting to, as we like to say, “put the meaning in the greening,” and give their children and friends gifts with more lasting value. In addition several companies, like Shift My Gift, have come online to make donating easier.

On the “gifts of experience” side, again, in talking with parents, we’ve noticed a real interest in trading at least some of the presents for mutually enjoyable experiences. Some of this may be driven by the economy, but a lot is about people wanting to use special occasions to forge deeper connections.

For instance, mom Caitilin Walsh said, “We (um, Santa) gifts tickets on a steam train. It’s a tradition now, a family outing that includes lunch in the diner and a great photo op.” And Paige Wolf, author of Spit That Out!: The Overly Informed Parent’s Guide to Raising Children in the Age of Environmental Guilt told her husband “to only get me “experiences” this year - no material gifts!”

7. Swapping. Whether it’s toys in advance of the holiday or decor, people have caught the swapping bug. As long as it’s “new-to-you,” what difference does it make whether is really new, is the thinking. Whether it’s done online through a site like ToySwap.com or in person with neighbors, swapping is hot!

Tip: Include children in decision making when it comes to donations. Helping them learn about giving is another gift.

8. DIY instead of buy. When I (Lynn) was growing up, giving handmade, unless it was created by a noted artist, was frowned upon. I remember my mom deriding something she saw in a local shop as “being made by happy hands at home.” In the last few years, DIY has launched thousands of businesses, most notably via the sales site, Etsy and every craft show I’ve been to has been packed.

And an increasing number of crafters are using items most people would discard, turning dismantled barn beams into furniture, record album covers into purses, hardware into lawn sculptures and a myriad of other creative reuses.

Tip: Use sites like Etsy not only as store, but as a source of inspiration. Look up “recycled jewelry,” for instance, and you’ll find lots of pieces that will inspire your own crafting efforts.

9. High-end green. When companies started offering more sustainable products, they always seemed to be expensive regardless of the quality. In 2011 it appears we’ve settled into a more comfortable place, with an increasing number of reasonably priced “green” products available and deals making more of them within reach of even more consumers.

At the luxury end of the spectrum, there is also more of a choice, especially in skincare, recycled gold and silver jewelry and clothing. Brands like Om Aroma and Monica Hall Spa are drawing in women who can afford the best and want it green.

Nau and AJNA are just two of many clothing lines committed to using the use of organic, sustainable and/or indigenous materials, and whose pricier offerings are attracting a following.

Tip: Luxury brands may have sample sizes available and they can have terrific sales too. Ask about both if you’re interested in trying a product but it’s out of reach of your wallet.

10. Green’s gone mobile. Just like everyone else, greenies are moving to mobile—whether we’re talking books, apps or coupons, this holiday season, eco-minded folks are flocking to mobile devices to find out what fish to buy for their Christmas eve dinner (Seafood Watch), locate local green coupons to help cut the cost of gifts (Chinook Book) and scan products of all kinds to see whether they live up to green standards (Good Guide).

Tip: If you’re interested in shopping more sustainably, visit the website of brands and see what mobile apps they have available or sign up for their mailing lists so you’ll know when they launch. Also, I’ve suggested apps I’d like to see to several companies and non-profits. The ideas always have been welcomed.