This is probably the most difficult time of the year to be green. There are so many tempting products advertised that we have to buy for someone special. With that in mind and knowing that all of you will be buying, let me offer 12 ways of green gifting.

On the First Day of Giving: Time. This will be your most expensive green gift but spending time with a family member or friend will be more fulfilling than a gift that will soon be put on a shelf and forgotten.

On the Second Day of Giving: Re-gifting. We all have presents or toys that are really nice but we have never used. If you don't have someone to give them to, donate them to a local charity or toy drive. You can also go online to www.freecycle.org or www.craigslist.com to find a new home for unwanted gifts before the holidays.

On the Third Day of Giving: Shop local. Small businesses have made the commitment to our local economy. Antique and consignment stores are the ultimate in reuse and our city benefits in tax revenues and a cleaner environment as we will drive a shorter distance.

On the Fourth of Giving: Energy. Save energy by installing programmable thermostats, motion sensors for your lights, energy efficient lighting and solar garden lamps. Use a timer for your tree lights to avoid keeping lights on all night. For more ideas, go to www.realgoods.com.
On the Fifth Day of Giving: Warmth. Whether energy costs soar or not, a gift of a feather or wool comforter to replace the electric blanket would be a treat. Sweaters, [recycled] fleece clothing, and lap robes keep us warm around the house.

On the Sixth Day of Giving: Homemade goodies. Present cookies and candy in reusable boxes or containers inside a cloth shopping bag that will be used year-round.

On the Seventh Day of Giving: Batteries. Not the disposable kind, the rechargeable Ni-MH (Nickel metal Hydride) or Alkaline ones. Look at the type of battery in new electronics that you buy. I chose a digital camera with Ni-MH batteries because of the ease of recharging. Remember that Americans throw away more than 2.5 billion batteries each year. You can recycle used batteries at VALCORE Recycling.

On the Eighth Day of Giving: Ferry Tickets. Spend a day in the city with your family and friends. It's a lovely ride and an energizing walk to shops and restaurants.

On the Ninth Day of Giving: Recycled gifts. Not a lot is available locally so check out the Buy Recycled page on VALCORE's web site which includes www.recyclestore.com, www.bottlesandcans.com, or www.ecomall.com. You are supporting green companies and shipping charges may be a wash when you consider the cost of gasoline and your time. Besides, those UPS and Postal Service drivers are already on the road making deliveries.

On the Tenth Day of Giving: Organic Gifts. Check out local Farmers' Markets and the health food sections of your favorite grocery store. Better yet, plan ahead for next year and plant a fruit tree or vegetable garden, then share food year-round with your friends. Just a note; local food banks and shelters will usually accept your excess fruit and vegetables. Check out Solano County listings on www.recycle-guide.com.

On the Eleventh Day of Giving: Landscape gifts. Give living Christmas trees, California native plants, a compost bin and book. Books are available at the Vallejo Naval Museum book store. Give an older friend a day of your skills as a pruner or weeder. (Didn't know you were an expert at weeding did you?)

On the Twelfth Day of Giving: Giving. Make a charitable donation in someone's name to a local museum or nonprofit organization. Give an environmental membership. That's the gift of education that will last the entire year.

Wrapping things up can be fun. For a list of creative wrapping ideas, check out my 2004 column, Last Minute Green Christmas Advice, on our website or call VALCORE for a copy.