solar paper lanterns

November 14, 2007 by SolarInfo
Filed under solar power energy

Reduce Environmental Impact with Unique Gift Ideas for the Backyard

If you or someone you love is conscious about caring for the environment, then gift giving occasions can sometimes feel less than joyful. Packaging materials, ribbons, wrapping papers, and even the gift itself often show how wasteful we tend to be when it comes to giving gifts. Being more environmentally considerate about what we give as gifts and how we present those gifts can accomplish a great deal in showing our loved ones that we care about them as well as about the environment. Here are a few unique gift ideas that are, in themselves environmentally friendly, but that would also appeal to anyone who loves spending time outdoors.

Decorative Solar Lanterns

Affordable and practical, decorative solar lanterns add a beautiful touch to an outdoor dining table or sitting area. Powered by the day's sunlight, most high quality solar lanterns will illuminate the surrounding area with an energy-saving LED bulb for up to 8 hours once the sun has set. No operating costs means no impact on the environment, and that is beautiful, indeed.

For small gifts such as solar lanterns, consider replacing traditional wrapping papers with cloth wrapping. Fasten the cloth wrapping to the gift with colorful fabric ribbons. Whether you buy a pre-made cloth bag, or make your own with leftover fabric from your closet, cloth wrapping is durable and can be used over and over again. Your friend will appreciate this additional gift.

Solar Fountains

Solar fountains for the garden, deck, or patio are another unique gift idea for your environment-loving outdoor enthusiast. The gentle sound of running water is soothing to the mind and spirit, and it can help your friend relax and unwind after stressful days. Also, a solar fountain can become the central focal point in a garden or patio without requiring a nearby electrical outlet to power the water pump.

Depending on the size of the solar fountain you plan to give as a gift, you may wish to consider no wrapping whatsoever. As an alternative, add value to the gift by assembling it beforehand, choosing a site for it outdoors, and presenting it to your loved one so that it can be enjoyed immediately. Because there are no electrical cords to fuss over, the solar fountain can be placed somewhere else if desired.

Recycled Rope Hammock Swing

A hammock swing is not a commonly considered gift idea, but it's one that many people would love to receive. Unlike a traditional hammock, a hammock swing allows you to sit up comfortably and enjoy having a conversation, reading a book, or just taking in the surroundings. Hammock swings can be constructed from weather-resistant outdoor fabrics or woven with rope materials, but the most environmentally-friendly hammock swing is one whose ropes are made from 100% recycled polyester fibers. These ropes are extremely durable and resistant to harsh weather, but they are also soft to the touch like cotton.

While you may not want to install a hammock swing gift before presenting it to your loved one, you can add value to the gift by installing it yourself once a location is chosen, or you can hire an installer to do the work. No wrapping is necessary for a hammock swing, but tying a decorative fabric bow around the gift before you present it can add a festive touch.

Gift giving doesn't have to be as wasteful now as it has always been in the past. Creative wrappings that are reusable, or no wrappings, and gift choices that are sustainable as well as attractive and useful are some of the simple ways we can positively affect the impact we have on the environment. By paying a little more attention to what we give and how we give it, we can make a big difference. Environmentally considerate gifts add value and satisfaction to the giving, and to the receiving.

About the Author

Trey Collier is owner of BackyardCity.com - Where North America shops for Outdoor Living essentials, including high quality Environmentally Friendly Products for home and business.

EcoFabulous Construction - Green Sustainable Eco-Friendly Modular Home in Canada