Exchange Gift Duds for Green Alternatives

We know that when it comes to gift giving, it's the thought that counts. But we also know that sometimes it's all too easy to wonder, "What was she thinking?" So as you look over the gifts that your friends and family have handed over this holiday season, it's nearly inevitable that there will be one (or more) that you can't bring yourself to keep. And hey, that's ok. Don't keep something you'll never use-that's a waste of resources and the gift-giver's money. Exchange it for something you'll get more joy out of-or, even better, exchange it for an eco-friendly counterpart that's more your style. Many stores now stock environmentally-friendly products for men, women, kids, pets, and homes, so swapping your gift disaster for a green replacement may be easier than you think.

If you really didn't need that food processor from Target, swap it for recycled metal jewelry, like earrings, necklaces, and bracelets in silver or gold. If you opened a box from Sephora (and metallic blue eyeshadow is so not your color), choose from the store's lineup of natural beauty products from Josie Maran, L'Occitane, Tarte, and others. Or if you wouldn't be caught dead in the Nordstrom sweater, exchange it for dress, shirt, or cardigan in organic cotton. You'll make yourself—and the environment—just that much merrier.

Love green gadgets, fashion, and news? Get the latest from Planet Green's dynamic duo Suchin Pak and Daniel Sieberg on the G Word.