The Atrium

This holiday season I decided to put a cap on all my spending and, in return, I've asked my family and friends not get me anything. I realize that this is a hard concept for most to comprehend. My brother isn't having any of it and being that he lives on the other side of the country, has already shipped my presents with notes on them to not open till Christmas.

In return I purchased him a subscription to Green Dimes. Green Dimes stops junk mail coming to your house and saves tree. I signed up about 6 months ago and have seen a significant decrease in the amount of junk mail to my house. When you spend $15, they do all the work to get you off the largest mailing lists in the country. You can also report who you're getting junk mail from and they will take care of it for you. It really works! Not only do they reduce your junk mail by 90%, but they also plant 10 trees in your name! Right now they are running a special for the service for only $12.

Another great sight that is working hard to help consumers choose products wisely is Story of Stuff. The Story of Stuff exposes the connections between a huge number of environmental and social issues, and calls us together to create a more sustainable and just world.

There is also a great green gift giving guide on Grist.

So as you think about what to buy for your friends and family, remember that everything we buy has an impact on our lives and the environment.