By Jeremy Lehrer

You know the type—perpetually suspicious of consumerism in its many forms, and skeptical of the gift-giving season, worried over all the waste that is produced, what with shopping bags, gift wrapping, discarded packaging, etc. But nevertheless, there’s a side of this person that appreciates a thoughtful, creative present—especially one that fits green gift-giving rules.

On With The Show!
Since Mr. or Ms. “Too Green” resists the tangible—because it doesn’t fit the green ethos, among other reasons—go for the intangible. A dance performance, a concert (indie rock, avant-garde jazz, world music), or a play doesn’t require any packaging, and it won’t create clutter in the home. It’s a clever end-run around the prohibition against “product,” and while the performance or venue might not be carbon neutral, there is something fundamentally green about supporting artists: As Picasso observed, they “wash away from the soul the dust of everyday life,” awakening us to the pleasures of the world within and without. And even those who are strictly “eco orthodox” love to be entertained.

Gift: Concert, dance performance, or theater tickets

Cost: $10 to $100 and possibly more, depending on the event and how much you’re willing to dole out

Where to Buy It: Ticket Master, Ticket Web, or your local concert hall, performing arts venue, or theater

(Terra)Pass Go, Get Green Back:
Your beloved is no doubt keenly conscious of his/her impact on the environment, and takes care to keep track of it by counting food miles, worrying about GHG emissions, and wondering if the tires on the Zipcar are properly inflated. A good gift to salve these eco-anxieties is a Terrapass credit: You can buy enough to offset that time she took the rental car for a jaunt to grandma’s, or he flew to Vermont for some much-needed R&R. The TerraPasses are invested into renewable energy projects, so consider it a gift that keeps the green-growing going.

Gift: TerraPass credits

Cost: As much as you want to give, or as much as you calculate

Where to Buy It: TerraPass.com

The Ability to Change
No one is too green to learn what they can do better. WorldChanging, a new book by leading sustainability experts, is packed with great ideas on how to make a difference in every day life. With this book, everyone can find useful tips on where to begin, or where to keep going further.

Gift: WorldChanging by Alex Steffen
Cost: $40.00
Buy It At LIME

Let Them Have Worms
Perhaps with the greenest of aspirations, your friend or loved one hasn’t been able to install that composter. Buy them a vermicomposter—the Original Vermi-Composter Mini would be a good choice. They’ll be able to cut down on landfill waste, produce plant-loving compost, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and learn the joys of caring for worms—all with a container where food scraps go to be transformed into worm castings. Burp.

Gift: The Original Vermi-Composter Mini

Cost: $40 for the bin; $20 for a pound of worms
Where to Buy It: composters.com