Furniture is one area that has an over flowing abundance of eco-friendly shopping choices.  Check out bar stools, for example.  You can choose from stools made from sustainable resources such as bamboo.  Or ones made from recycled aluminum like those pictured here.  Or stools made from environmentally responsible companies who take care to reduce processing waste.  How about locally made stools to reduce their carbon footprint and support local products?  Maybe eco-friendly finishes such as low VOC paints or natural stains?  All of these, and many many more, are all available to shoppers who are eco-savvy.

It amazes me everyday just how many environmentally friendly shopping choices there are as green slowly becomes the "new black".  It seems as though there are literally hundreds and hundreds of options available to consumers as they look to green up every purchase.

The key is not to become overwhelmed by choice.  Simply shop with a conscience.  Remember the planet before you open your wallet.  It's easy to live a green-er life each small and simple step at a time.  Even the smallest choice before purchasing something once a week can really add up over the course of a year.  Multiply that by everyone making simple, eco-friendly choices and you've really made a difference!!

Why is it that girls are soooo much easier to shop for?  Maybe it's just because I'm a girl and I "get" it.  Girls like things that are soft, pretty, smell good, sound good or taste good.  Yup, it's pretty much that simple!  I've been trying to come up with some good Valentine's Day ideas for men that are not only things they would like but things the planet would like too!  Here's a few ideas of what I came up with...try not to laugh at me (and my poor hubby!).

How about a nice pair of manties -- you know panties for men?  These ones are made by Etsy seller Ruffeo Hearts Lil Snotty with the waistband being salvaged from an abandoned belt factory.  Yeah, I don't know where the would have found such a thing either but I think it's pretty cool!  The designer claims that he wore these all summer by the pool and that the ladies loved it.  The crafter says these are: " all season clutch pair of fighting shorts. Box, kick, dance, crump, move -do the jerk".  I'm sure my hubby would love these, right?  He's always busting out sick moves like the guy in the photo!!  Okay, maybe not for my guy but definitely somebody's would love these.

Perhaps tools, my hubby is always tinkering in his workshop with something or another.  Check out these vintage wrenches turned into hooks!  This is definitely more my hubby's speed.  Would be great to help to organize that workshop of his too!

These are made by Etsy seller Freak of Metal who's name is deftly fitting!  This artisan has a ton of very, very cool pieces made from (you guessed it!) metal.  There's belt buckles, a dinner triangle or two and even some roses made of iron.  Pretty amazing stuff.

Okay, what else do guys like....manties, tools and well, dudes love beer right?  Check out these handmade vegan beer soaps by Etsy seller Ethically Engineered.  The listing makes it sound super manly: "This soap brings you the sensations of a stroll through the pubs of Northern Ireland in all their majesty. Using organic and vegan stout beers this bar fits squarely in the working man's calloused hand. At the dawn of the Industrial revolution, and throughout, hearty stouts were the liquid bread and energy of the factory. Mill Workers to steelworkers clamored out of the factory doors and into their cherished pub to recharge."  This would definitely be a hit!!