Tips for Shopping Green this Holiday Season

As the holiday shopping season swings into full gear, keep the spirit of good-will alive by shopping green. You’ll save money, find unique gifts, and feel good about yourself. You can also avoid crowded shopping malls and fighting people for deals by shopping green. Here are two of my favorite ways to shop green:

1. Shop second-hand. Most second-hand stores are clean, inviting, and have some really great finds. You don’t have to be a hippie to shop second-hand; Second-hand stores appeal to everyone. There are stores that specialize in trendy apparel, professional attire, vintage clothing or furniture. There are also second-hand stores for video games and equipment. You may have to do a little hunting to find what you are looking for, but trust me; it will be worth it. (You can’t go wrong with a $3 sweater.) Wash your clothing before you wear it, and you will be in business. Also, make sure to donate your old clothing to second-hand stores instead of throwing it away. If anything, make sure you buy your ugly holiday sweater from a thrift store instead of Wal-Mart.

2. Shop fair trade. If you just can’t get behind the idea of second-hand stores, shop fair trade. All fair trade products are made sustainably, and the products support artisans in developing nations by paying them livable wages and offering them clean, safe working conditions. Fair trade stores are a personal favorite of mine for finding unique gifts. Fair trade stores feature everything from jewelry and accessories to coffee and chocolate. Many fair trade stores feature pictures or stories about the artisans who made them. Personally, there is nothing better than knowing that my actions are benefiting someone else.

There are many great places to shop green in St. Louis. For thrift stores, visit your nearest Goodwill, Salvation Army, or head down to The Loop for some great vintage finds. There are several fair trade stores in the St. Louis area, as well. Check out Plowsharing Crafts http://www.plowsharing.org/, Macrosun http://www.macrosun.com/, or Partners for Just Trade http://www.partnersforjusttrade.org/ for unique gifts.

By Lauren O’Brien