eco-friendly products

Yellowstone National Park, of which I’m a huge fan, recently launched a really exciting venture. Its Mammoth Hot Springs General Store has been re-created as an interpretive center to educate the public about climate change and the implications of consumer purchases, recycling, conservation and more. The store’s products are identified accordingly as fair trade, organic, renewable, locally-made and so on. Consumers can then make their choice based on a true understanding of the product’s value.

Although green is the new black and the stereotype of environmentalists as the socks-and-sandals crowd is fading, many of us still don’t identify ourselves as environmentalists. We’re not going to abandon our style, and we don’t believe hip equals green for the average Jane.

But if you think about it, being a virtuous consumer can actually make you more beautiful — and not just on the inside.

It was 80 degrees last weekend (don’t shoot the messenger; it’s one of the perks of living in the South) and I spent some time relaxing on the patio. Cold glass of water in hand, I surveyed my surroundings: worn furniture and barren pots as far as the eye could see. Time for a patio makeover … and since I wrote a book about making green choices all year long I have no real excuses not to do it green. I’ve learned a lot about how to choose products that are green yet also practical and affordable.

It’s mid-December, and you’re still not sure what to get your sweetie? Try one of these green tech goodies.

Solar Gorilla, $250