This handmade ornament made from recycled pop cans is one of several holiday items available at Fair and Square Imports in McKinney.

All images courtesy of retailers.

Dec. 10, 2013

By Rita Cook  

Wondering what the perfect gift is this season as you peruse the list for friends and family? Think green and consider shopping locally for sustainable gifts in 2013. Dallas-Fort Worth has a myriad of green retailers selling environmentally friendly items that you can feel good about. 

For example, Green Living in the Dallas Design District is stocked with eco-friendly housewares, including linens and pillows.

Right, Tumbler made from a wine bottle from Green Living.

Green office supplier Dolphin Blue now also sells home and garden items, pet supplies and children's toys. And Fair and Square Imports in McKinney offers unique handmade fair trade wares, including jewelry, accessories, ornaments and musical instruments.

Above, Bird whistle from Fair & Square Imports.

Also White Rock Local Market is hosting its annual Holiday Market Dec. 14 at The Green Spot, where vendors will be selling gift items in addition to the market's regular offerings.

Here are some more green shopping tips from local eco-preneurs:

Green Goods

Andrea Ridout, co-owner of the eco-friendly Gecko Hardware, says among her favorite green gift ideas this year is the Eucalyptus and Wicker Rocking Chair. While rocking in this new porch rocker, made from sustainable-forested eucalyptus with weather-resistant wicker, home lovers can also enjoy a gift of Noble Coyote Coffee, locally roasted, fair trade certified beans. 

“We brew ours with Crazy Water from Mineral Wells, which makes it even more yummy. Paired with some cookies from Wackym's and you've got a terrific gift,” says Ridout.

Eucalyptus and Wicker Rocking Chair from Gecko Hardware.

For the avid gardener, Ridout suggests an Eco-Composter, which tumbles on its own base or can be rolled in the yard. The black color attracts sunlight to develop compost faster.

Gecko Hardware also carries Brazos Walking Sticks, which are handcrafted near the Brazos River from sassafras, hickory, sweet gum, iron bamboo and a variety of other exotic and native trees.

Brazos Walking Sticks from Gecko Hardware.

Green Luxury

For the pleasure junky, Sean Allen, manager at Green Lotus Spa & Retreat, suggests the Organic Lavender Eye Pillows or the Organic Lavender Neck Wrap. 

“This is perfect gift for healing and soothing muscle aches and are also enriched with lavender as well,” said Allen.

Right, Bamboo robes from Green Living.
Below, Lavender eye pillows from Green Lotus Spa & Retreat. 

Also for women on the list, the Organic Bath Steeping Bag is the perfect gift for the person that enjoys a nice soothing soak in the tub. The lavender buds provide aromatic fragrance, infusing the atmosphere with comfort. 

Allen says a variety of gem stones are offered at Green Lotus Spa & Retreat.

“Each stone has within it unique earthen elements that provide balancing and energy to the body and soul.”

Eco Pets

Christmas is not the time to forget your favorite four-legged friends either.

Leslie McKay of Green Pet in Dallas operates an independently owned pet supply shop that specializes in all-natural food, treats, chews and eco-friendly toys, beds and supplies.

Right, Pet beds from Dolphin Blue made from recycled soda bottles. 

“Some fun safe toys for the holiday this year include the Hide-A-Bee and Hide-A-Squirrel toys for dogs,” said McKay. “These are interactive plush toys for dogs who like to burrow or bury toys. A few small plush 'bees' or 'squirrels' are stuffed into a larger toy and dogs are encouraged to pull them out of spaces or holes in the larger toy.”

McKay says the store also sells many catnip toys for the kitties, which come in various shapes and sizes and are completely stuffed with large volumes of catnip. 

“Since they are larger in size ranging from three to six inches, cats are able to really enjoy the catnip and we have catnip fish, apples, bananas and even cigars.” 

Left, customers sample dog chews at Green Pet.

 Don't see your favorite green retailer? Tell us about 'em. Email Julie@GreenSourceDFW.org.

Rita Cook is an award-winning journalist who writes or has written for the Dallas Morning News, Focus Daily News, Waxahachie Daily Light, Dreamscapes Travel Magazine, Porthole, Core Media, Fort Worth Star Telegram and many other publications in Los Angeles, Dallas and Chicago. With five books published, her latest release is “A Brief History of Fort Worth” published by History Press. Contact her at rcook13@earthlink.net.

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