Giving can be better than receiving, especially when your gift has the environment in mind. Here are 10 ways to green your gift-giving habits.

1. Use newspaper instead of gift-wrap. Put those old newspapers to good use, and try to match photographs or graphics that are printed on the newsprint to the gift you're giving. Try wrapping a book in the crossword puzzle page, or a board game in the comics section.
2. Re-gift-it's the right thing to do. If you receive your third cappuccino machine in three years, give the gift to someone else instead of throwing away your perfectly good, older model. You'll keep hard-to-recycle garbage out of the waste stream and save money on your next gift.
3. Shop secondhand or vintage-you may be surprised what you'll find in clothing, accessories, furniture and books. You'll give some of these objects a second life, and prevent them from needlessly ending up in the landfill.
4. Order gifts online instead of driving to store. Almost every store has an online counterpart, and it can be easier to browse for just what you're looking for on the Internet. By staying at home or at the office while you shop, you'll save on gas and reduce your carbon emissions. Additionally, you won't have to worry about the hassle of shopping crowds and long lines at the register.
5. Donate to charity. Give a donation on behalf of a friend and make a direct contribution to the environment. At websites like www.globalgiving.com and changingthepresent.org, you can contribute to causes like funding organic farming, rescuing a chimp, and reforesting areas in South America.
6. Buy organic or fair trade flowers, either at the farmers market, or online at sites like organicbouquet.com. This way, you can make sure your flowers were sustainably harvested, and that they're not covered in the nasty pesticides associated with flower farming.
   
7. Buy energy-efficient appliances for your friends. You don't have to be a gadget geek to know that energy-efficient appliances will save you money and be a great centerpiece for kitchen conversation!
8. Bring your host a bottle of organic wine. Many wineries are distinguishing themselves with lines of fine, organic wine. You can find such labels at your local wine store or online, and your host will appreciate the quality and thought.
9. Pack favors in glass mason jars instead of cellophane bags. If you're giving away party favors or gifts, try packaging baked goods, candies or teas in glass jars, instead of cellophane bags. They'll be able to reuse the jars, and you'll be keeping plastic out of the waste stream and landfills.
10. Write electronic thank you cards. You'll save on paper and envelopes, as well as postage (and the air/car miles your card will travel!). If you prefer the traditional way of sending cards, be sure to choose recycled paper products.

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