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GREEN HOMES

Think Green This Wedding Season: 35 Eco-Chic Gifts for Newlyweds

Whether you're buying for the eco-conscious couple or looking for green alternatives to traditional wedding presents, these gifts make for a happy marriage and a happy planet. Also see our Green Wedding Tips.

By Amelia Harnish
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Sustainable Bedding from Under the Canopy

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Give the gift of sleep and more. Duvets and matching pillows by \r\n Under the Canopy are\r\nstylish and responsible, made from certified organic and sustainable fibers, so the happy couple can sleep soundly knowing they\'re helping\r\nthe planet while they snooze. Duvets start at $325 and decorative pillows start at $75.

Luxurious Bamboo Towels from Nandina

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The unique blend of bamboo and organic cotton fibers makes Nandina towels absorbent and\r\nfast-drying. And they\'re sustainable: spun from hand-harvested bamboo and organic cotton, \r\nwoven in a wind-powered factory and colored with natural dyes. Nandina towels are also anti-microbial \r\nand hypoallergenic, so you won\'t sacrifice luxury for responsibility. Bath towels are $50 each from \r\n Satara Inc., \r\nor for your local retailer visit Nandina\'s \r\n Website.

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Bamboo Box Knife Holders from VivaTerra

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Bamboo, an easily renewable resource, is known for being a hard yet light wood, making these chic knife holders an eco-lover\'s dream wedding gift. The bamboo\r\nboxes, handcrafted in Europe and sold by \r\n VivaTerra, protect and store cutlery with the hundreds of bamboo skewers that fill them. They come in two sizes, $49 for small and $89 for large, and two colors,\r\nred and white.

Unique Spotted-Shell Napkin Rings from Green with Glamour

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Once wave-strewn on Indonesian beaches, these seashell napkin rings from \r\n Green with Glamour\r\nare fair-trade as well as elegant. Because of their polished yet organic look, they look great with any table setting for $33.

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3-Bin Recycling Center from Green and More

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This Stainless Steel recycling center from\r\n Green and More \r\nis divided into three four-gallon bins for easy sorting of recyclables. Because of the clean design and step-on lids, the newlyweds can keep it in the \r\nkitchen without mess or fuss, and even better, each bin comes with a handle-equipped plastic insert for when it\'s time for emptying -- so no arguing over\r\nwhose turn it is to take out the recycling. Priced at $139.99.

Energy-Saving Slow Cooker from All-Clad

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Instead of giving the usual toaster or blender, give a slow cooker, also known as the energy-conscious Crock-pot. Encourage the newlyweds to use their oven less and save money with one of The Green Cheapskate\'s favorite appliances. The 6.5-quart model by All-Clad MetalCrafters from \r\nMacy\'s \r\nhas a sleek ceramic insert and only uses 320 watts of electricity, compared to an electric oven which guzzles 4,400 watts. At $179.99, All-Clad\'s Crock-pot is not the cheapest model, but its rave reviews and extra settings make it worth\r\nit for the happy couple.

Green Gourmet Cookware Set from Cuisinart

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Sold at gift registry hot spot \r\nBed, Bath & Beyond, the Greenware nonstick cookware set from Cuisinart is a green alternative to your everyday set of pots and pans at a decent price -- $149.99. \r\nThe aluminum pan construction offers excellent heat conduction for saving energy, and the set is petroleum free thanks to ceramic-based nonstick technology.\r\nBecause of the PTFOA and PTFE-free coating, the pots and pans make cooking healthier. Oh, and the handles, which stay cool on the stove top, are made from \r\n70 percent recycled steel.

Beautiful Entertaining Dishes from Terrestera

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Dishes by Riverside Designs from \r\n Terrestera \r\nare made from post-industrial recycled glass, but the newlyweds\' guests will never be able to guess due to their luxurious design. Handcrafted by experienced \r\nartisans, these dishes, starting at $26 a piece, are perfect for dinner parties and special occasions. Also check out Riverside\'s\r\n Plates with Purpose \r\ncollections, which benefit charities such as the National Autism Association and Court Appointed Special Advocates and start at $36.

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Artistic Grill from John T. Unger Designs

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When the average person sees a pile of discarded propane tanks, he or she sees trash, but artist John T. Unger sees potential for functional art. Unger said\r\nin an interview about his craft with \r\nLateral Action, \"creative re-use has the potential to spark new ways of looking at the world ... if one thing can be turned in to another, what else can we change?\" This \r\nrecycled, hand-cut grill made from scrap metal is suitable for wood or charcoal fires and perfect for intimate backyard barbecues. Because every grill is \r\nhandmade, each order is unique, so you\'ll be sure to be giving the the most memorable gift. Order from \r\nJohn T. Unger Studio \r\nfor $129.

Colorful Serving Trays from Branch Home

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Made of bamboo, water-based adhesive, natural lacquer and food-safe polyurethane, these colorful serving trays from \r\n Branch Home \r\nare certified safe for you and the environment. Because they are hand-manufactured by \r\n Bambu, they also come with a Co-Op America Seal of Approval for the company\'s commitment to fair working conditions. Their slender design makes them perfect for\r\nserving hors d\'oeuvres or margaritas, and they come in five fun colors: kiwi, cayenne, sunflower, hazelnut and spice. Each tray is $24.

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Recreational Cooking Classes

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Local culinary schools often offer recreational cooking classes in a variety of categories like wine studies, ethnic foods or even cooking basics. Cooking\r\n\r\nclasses can be a fun activity for the newlywed couple to do together, and it will expand their recipe repertoire, reducing the amount they eat out. You may \r\n\r\nhave to sign up at the beginning of class terms, so look up the school nearest them in advance. Cost usually varies by school and length of class.

Plush Organic Cotton Pillows from the Company Store

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The newlyweds will rest easy on these plush organic cotton pillows that are pesticide- and fertilizer-free.\r\nFine imported goose down covered in 230-thread count, unbleached organic cotton, makes pillows from \r\nthe Company Store\r\na heavenly wedding gift. Price range is from $79 to $99, \r\ndepending on size and firmness.

Handmade Glass Carafe and Cups from Branch Home

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Handmade from recycled glass stock in an electric furnace powered by wind, every piece in this set from\r\n Branch Home \r\nis one-of-a-kind. The carafe and matching cups are wrapped in sustainable jute rope, which provides a built-in cushion and coaster. \r\nPriced at $350 for the set.

Comprehensive Organic Gardening Book from Barnes & Noble

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Organic gardening is a great way for your newlywed friends to build a healthier life together, but it does take some skill. Tanya Denckla\'s The Gardener\'s \r\nA-Z Guide to Growing Organic Food is one of the most popular gardening companions, with directions for care of 765 different types of herbs, vegetables, \r\nfruit and nuts. Order it from \r\n Barnes & Noble\r\nfor $22.95, and help get their garden started.

Organic Herb Window Gardening Kit from Clean Air Gardening

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With the help of this window gardening kit from \r\nClean Air Gardening, the newlyweds can get started growing their own organic herbs, even if they don\'t have the yard space for a\r\n garden. Each kit comes with four garden cans with\r\nyour choice of tomato, basil, herb mix or dill seeds (get one of each or any combination of four), as well as \r\nenriched growing mix and nutrients for $24.99.

Recycled Glassware Collection from Target

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Made from 100 percent recycled glass, Luigi Bormioli\'s glassware collection from\r\n Target \r\nis both beautiful and affordable. All of the newlywed\'s glassware needs will be met with just one set for $22.49, including a pitcher, goblets, tumblers, \r\ndivided dish, and chip and dip serving set.

Reusable Produce Bags from Structured Green

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These crafty muslin produce bags will come in handy over and over at the grocery store. They\'re weightless, just like the plastic ones in the \r\nproduce section, and they are hand-screen-printed by the talented Love Lane, an artist from Savannah, Ga. The set of four -- artichoke, red pepper, corn and\r\ncarrot -- costs $27 from\r\n Structured Green.

Pastel Boatwood Clock from VivaTerra

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VivaTerra\'s\r\nboatwood clock is anything but drab, fashioned from dismantled Thai fishing boats. The pastel panels are artfully combined to create cool, marine hues and a calming feel. \r\nFor $69, spruce up their home and support eco-living.

Modern Wine Rack from Structured Green

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Make sure the couple stores their wine in style with this nine-bottle wine rack from \r\n Structured Green. Made from sustainable wood and HDPE recycled plastic, one of the most popular types of plastic that often ends up in landfills, this modern piece is an\r\nearth-friendly alternative to the conventional consumer product. And at 16.5 inches wide and 17 inches tall, it fits in most kitchen cabinets. Priced at $200.\r\n

Basic Ivory Blanket and Sheets from Loop

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On every couple\'s wish list are basics such as sheet sets and blankets, but cotton is one of the most heavily sprayed crops. \r\nFor a great alternative to traditional cotton products, check out these organic cotton woven blankets and basic sheet sets \r\nfrom \r\n Loop. \r\nThe Ivory blankets run $95-$155, and sheet prices vary by color and size.

Organic Gardening Kit from Organic and Nature

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There is nothing better than walking out to your garden, picking fresh fruits and veggies, and eating them that evening without worrying about pesticides, recalls \r\nor where your food came from. This gardening starter kit from \r\n Organic and Nature\r\nhas everything the newlyweds will need to begin home-growing herbs, fruits or vegetables, including a canvas tote, five tools, gloves and all natural plant \r\nfood and soil booster for $19.95.

Solar-Powered Birdbath Fountain from Green and More

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Birdbaths are a great way to decorate your garden and invite wildlife to your backyard. With this solar-powered birdbath, the newlyweds can add a \r\ncalming atmosphere to their new home without using electricity, and because this fountain from\r\n Green and More\r\nkeeps the water circulating, they won\'t have to worry about attracting disease-carrying mosquitoes. Priced at $139.99.

Natural Grain Acacia Serving Bowl from Bambeco

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Straight out of a still life, this wood serving bowl from \r\n Bambeco\r\nhas natural beauty. For $64, it\'s made from the ever-sturdy (and sustainable) acacia wood, so it will provide years of holding fresh fruit or serving salads.

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Community Supported Agriculture Subscription

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Community Supported Agriculture, known as\r\n CSA, is one of the best ways to experience locally grown, seasonal produce and to get to know the farmers in \r\nyour area. Give the gift of ultra-fresh food. \r\nHow it works: The local CSA farms sell \"shares,\" which are like memberships or subscriptions, to people in their area, and then provide a weekly box or \r\nbag of freshly harvested food during the growing season. The shares normally cost a few hundred dollars, but vary by farm. You can also check out the \r\n\"Get Local Info\" tool on \r\nTheDailyGreen.com\r\n homepage.

Wine of the Month Club from the Organic Wine Company

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The newlyweds will have much to celebrate for months after their nuptials. Toast them with an earth-friendly\r\nalternative to a classic gift: a membership to the\r\n Organic Wine Company\'s\r\nWine of the Month Club. For $49.99 per month, three bottles of the company’s best wine will be shipped to the couple’s\r\nhome.

Odorless Stainless Steel Compost Pail from Clean Air Gardening

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With a carbon filter to contain the smell of dinner scraps, this stainless steel compost pail from \r\n Clean Air Gardening\r\n makes collecting for the compost pile easy. The clean and durable design, and ability to hold up to \r\na gallon of compostable waste, is the perfect accessory for sustainable living. This item may not be in their \r\nregistry, but for $39.99, you can pair it with something else on their kitchen wish list and get them thinking \r\nabout an eco-friendly future together.

Savvy Electric Scooter from eGO Vehicles

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Whether your newlywed friends are city-dwellers or suburban commuters, this electric scooter from \r\neGO vehicles\r\ncan help them spend less on gas and more on each other. The company offers three rechargeable models priced from $1,549 to $2,149 that meet different needs,\r\nfrom running casual errands to navigating heavy traffic.

Rustic Glass Pitchers from Branch Home

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Each of these \"off\" pitchers from \r\n Branch Home\r\nare made to order by Esque Studio, which was named one of Time Magazine\'s Style & Design 100. These pitchers were originally designed for Clark Lewis \r\nrestaurant in Portland, Oregon, and their purposeful off-center shape evokes a rustic, handmade feel. Esque designers Andi Kovel and Justin Parker use only\r\nrecycled glass and wind-powered electric furnaces, making this gift even more special for just $168.

Funky Slumped Vases from Branch Home

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Also from the talented designers at \r\n Esque Studio\r\n, these slumped vases come in three funky colors -- fuschia, extra light blue or orange -- and are handmade from recycled glass in Esque\'s wind-powered \r\nfurnace. Because every vase is one of a kind, you\'ll want to order from \r\n Branch Home\r\nfour to six weeks in advance. They come in three sizes starting at $314.

National Parks Annual Pass

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Each of the 58 national parks and 74 national monuments sprinkled across the country is accessible with The National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands \r\nAnnual Pass sold in the \r\nUSGS online store \r\nfor $80. Give the newlyweds the gift of enjoying the natural wonders their home state has to offer. The pass covers the holder and up to three accompanying \r\nadults (no entry fee for those 15 and under), so one pass will cover the couple plus two friends, perfect for double dates!

Recycled Newspaper Vases from Target

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\r\n Target\r\nproves you can go green on any budget by offering products such as these vases made from recycled newspaper. The newlyweds will enjoy putting fresh flowers into these contemporary home \r\naccents, which come in three different shapes and start at $29.99.

Acacia Wood Storage Cubes from Gaiam

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The newlyweds will find many uses for these matrix storage cubes made from sustainable Acacia wood. The cubes come in four styles that serve different \r\nstorage needs: open cube, wine rack cube, storage bin cube or tray set cube. Sold separately for $119.99 from \r\n Gaiam\r\nso you can customize for specific needs, these cubes are suitable for a media center or room divider or just for fun shelving.

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His and Hers Organic Cotton Robes from Under the Canopy

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Give a pair of these comfy organic cotton robes and the newlyweds can relax in spa-style luxury at home. \r\n Under the Canopy\r\nuses only certified organic cotton fibers and low-impact, eco-friendly dyes to create their hooded terry-velour robes, which have two patch pockets and a \r\nbelt, for $88 a piece.

Natural Rush Ottomans from Gaiam

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This set of three ottomans is sustainable and versatile. Made from renewable plant fibers and without any chemical additives or finishes, the ottomans come\r\nin small, medium and large and can stack within each other for easy storage. They\'ve got a little cushion on top, making them great for extra seating or foot\r\nrests, but the sturdy wood frame allows them to act as tables or simple accent pieces as well. Order from \r\nGaiam \r\nfor $89.

Charitable Ideas for Weddings Without Registries

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When your presence is the only present requested, giving to a charity in the couple\'s name can be an eco-friendly gesture that makes you and the couple \r\nfeel good. We suggest supporting conservation efforts by sponsoring an animal at the local zoo or adopting a polar bear with \r\n The World Wildlife Fund\'s\r\nadoption program. Or you can consult\r\n Charity Navigator, a watchdog\'s list of financially responsible environmental organizations, before donating to the cause of your choice.

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