Gold and silver mining is notoriously unethical and destructive to the planet.  Mining precious metals has caused both environmental and social problems galore.  According to the watchdog website No Dirty Gold, the following are some of the tragic impacts that mining gold (and other metals and gems) can have:

Environmental Impacts:
Poisoned Waters
Solid Waste
Polluted Air
Threatened Natural Areas

Community Impacts:
Endangered Communities
Disadvantaged Women
Violated Human Rights
Toll on Indigenous Peoples

Worker Impacts:
A Dangerous Profession
Undermined Workers’ Rights

Economic Impacts:
Economic and Financial Toll

But many people love jewelry and are eager to find ways that they can still enjoy the glamour of gold and silver without sacrificing their ethics.  One way is to buy jewelry made of recycled gold and silver.  That is, rather than buying newly mined metals, jewlery makers and taking existing jewelry and recreating it into something new.

This ultra modern Pebble Ring from Gretchen & Grace is a great example.  Made from silver and overlayed in recycled 14 karat gold, it is adjustable for sizes 6-8.  Its 1960′s inspired design is perfect for any lady who wants to show off her green moxie.  At just $42 it is an affordable and beautiful gift idea.

Everyone is frantically looking for sustainable, alternative forms of transportation.  Even people who aren’t necessarily concerned about the environment are trying to save money.  Petroleum prices continue to rise, city streets become more congested, and it doesn’t look like things are going to get any better for a while.

This GoPed self-powered folding scooter that is suitable for adults as they travel short distances.  It can fold up flat for easy transport on the bus or train and storing in the office.  It comes in five colors: Blue, Pink, Red, Yellow and Green.

Unlike most other scooters, it is made in the U.S. with the finest quality materials:

Patmont Motor Werks is the world leader in personal transportation and proudly produces the world’s finest portable transportation devices out of it’s 70,000 sq ft production facility in Minden Nevada USA.

The Patmont family has kept PMW strong by constantly innovating new and improved products. In addition to an excellent selection of scooters and carts, the introduction of the ESR750 pure electric GoPed scooter line in 2003 now provides the world with a zero emission, environmentally friendly transportation device for those wishing to reduce climate change, their carbon footprint, beat the rising prices of fossil fuel, and foreign oil dependence.

You can buy the scooter in different sizes, including the adult version pictured here for just $164 from GreenAndMore.com.  You’ll save at least that much in gas within the first two months of using it!

One of the best things about the green movement is that it is inspiring people to think in different ways and innovate.  Take, for example, this eco plastic belt made in India.  The company that makes them has patented a process for converted those nasty polythene plastic bags into handmade recycled plastic that can be used in the construction of all kinds of things.  It is water-resistant, stain-resistant, and attractive.

Even better is that the eco plastic belt is made in an ethical factory which provides gainful, fair-wage employement to impoverished individuals in India.  You look far more fashionable when your outfits are comprised of items that are not made from other people’s misery.

Buy this adorable eco plastic belt online at Karma Market for $25.00.

If you’re anything like me, coffee is not just a luxury. It is an absolute necessity that you must have before you can actually function each day. Coffee has grown in popularity in the past decade. Even the Average Joe has developed a sophisticated coffee palette and the corner coffee shop usually has several blends to please their customers.

But without a doubt, the best coffee is organically grown. What is “organic coffee?” According to the Organic Trade Association:

Organic coffee is grown using methods and materials that have a low impact on the environment. Organic production systems replenish and maintain soil fertility, reduce the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers, and build biologically diverse agriculture. Third-party certification organizations verify that organic farmers abide by the law.

In order for coffee to be certified and sold as organic in the United States, it must be produced in accordance with U.S. standards for organic production and certified by an agency accredited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. U.S. requirements for organic coffee production include farming without synthetic pesticides or other prohibited substances for three years and a sustainable crop rotation plan to prevent erosion, the depletion of soil nutrients, and control for pests.

So the value of organic coffee lies in much more than just its rich, delicious taste.  It is also an important step toward keeping the environment and the communities in which it is grown healthy.

For an excellent sampling of high-quality organic coffee, give Organic Gorilla a try.  This delicious, mellow blend is 100% organic and naturally decaffeinated using the Swiss water process.  This particular coffee comes in the whole bean form so that you can grind it yourself and experience the freshly released flavor that is unlike anything else.

Treat yourself to a pound of Organic Gorilla Coffee from Kate’s Caring Gifts for just $9.99.

Have you had a chance to wear Bamboo yet?  Soft as silk and made from one of the most sustainable fibers on earth, bamboo is now being made into everything from hand towels to haute couture.  This EcoSkin dress is an excellent use of bamboo for a spring/summer ensemble.  Perfect for an afternoon event it combines sumptuous fabric with beautiful blue and white hues.  It is made in the U.S., which means high-quality, ethical workmanship and careful design.  You can purchase the EcoSkin Sassafrass dress in a range of sizes from Gretchen & Grace for $172.

The oak barrels from wine making are often only used once or twice, which means hundreds of them each year are discarded.  Innovative green folk have been finding ways to upcycle the wood and use it to make all kinds of wonderful products, including these handsome cuff links.

The rich, wine-stained wood is inset in genuine sterling silver for a classic look.  Whether the man in your life is a greenie or wine lover–or both–this is a perfect gift suitable for any special occasion. Available from Eco-Artware.com for $130.

I have many, many fond memories of playing Monopoly with my family as a child.  An interactive board game where no matter how old you are, you have your own money and control your own destiny!  It was both educational and fun–and something I have carried on with my own family now.

My family, however, has a new board game to integrate into game night:  Earthopoly!

Based on the same principle as Monopoly, the board is divided into different sections of  planet earth which players attempt –not to own– but to care for and maintain.

The board, all the pieces and even the shrinkwrap are made from earth-friendly materials including recycled pulp and vegetable-based inks.  Kids will learn about valuable recycling and environmental protection tips as they earn the chances to protect their own section of the planet.

Available online from ecozenboutique.com for $24.99.

Home decor is a reflection of the times, so its no wonder that the latest styles are environmentally friendly and organically inspired.  The “Cove” Pillows by Amenity L.A. are gorgeous accent cushions made from a blend of organic cotton and hemp; non-toxic, water-based inks; and an interior fiber made from recycled bottles.

The design features a modern reed print available in four colors:

Cream + Sienna
Cocoa + Silver
Gray + Espresso
Cream + Moss

These pillows are available in two sizes on the sustainable design website, Branch.com:

18″ x 18″: $89
26″ x 26″: $125

Everything in your home should be a work of art — even your nightlight!  This beautiful, recycled glass nightlight is made from green Perrier and cobalt blue Skyy Vodka bottles.  As the light shines through, it casts shadows and gentle, colored light to the room. This is a great gift idea for any new homeowner!

Each unique nightlight is packaged in an individually stamped box with recycled shredded paper and an original poem by the artist.  You can purchase the Water and Sky nightlight on SweetOrganicsandNaturals.com for $38.

What could be better than a pot of organic grown fair trade tea?  How about serving it in this non-stick ceramic teapot from CleanAirGardning.com?  The pot is glazed with a patented coating which makes it non-reactive and able to retain heat longer.  The tea will remain piping hot and the flavor will remain unaltered.

The Xtrema Teapot is 1.5 quarts, bacteria-resistant and easy to clean; and it is also fireproof–which means if you accidentally leave it on the stove, it will remain intact.  It also comes with a 50-year warranty!

Buy online for $59.99.