The Button Soup Jewelry shop on Etsy features this bright bauble of a necklace, the Garden Vintage Button “Big Statement” Necklace, which I adore for its yellowy, pink hues and piled-on design. The recycled vintage buttons that are used show a hint of wear – just enough to add a bit more character. For the eclectic elementary school teacher on your list, this is the perfect pick-me-up. ($35)

Who said street style couldn’t be sexy chic too? These DOT coasters by Boris Bally are sold at Eco-Artware and made from re-used metal traffic signs that have been hand-pressed, formed and finished. They’re a pretty penny, with a four-coaster set running $85, but they make up in conversation what they take out of pocket. For the décor-obsessed, they’re sure to impress.

This clever iPad case with carry strap is crafted from a repurposed pair of cargo pants whose style didn’t stand the test of time, until now, that is. The handy shoulder strap makes it easy to grab-and-go with technology in stow. Pick it up for the tech-savvy tween on your list. By MyGreenMonkeyDesigns at Etsy. ($29)

Handmade, cozy and most definitely warm, this upcycled wool bomber hat from Uncommon Goods takes the prize for rugged recycling. Made using 100 percent wool sweaters, the one-of-a-kind cap has a buckle in back so that the snow-lover on your list is treated to the perfect fit. ($34)

I have a recycled wine-cork bulletin board like this hanging in my kitchen (handmade by me, naturally) that always gets compliments. If you don’t have the time to whip up something similar, why not buy one pre-made for the vino junkie on your list? For photos, recipes, and favorite wine labels, it’s sure to liven a dark corner. ($80)

For total comfort, whether exercising or dashing around town, it just doesn’t get much better than eco fashion line, RESTORE. Receive 40% OFF plus FREE SHIPPING through Thursday, December 16. Enter code RESOLUTION at checkout. Hurry, limited quantities, sizes and colors. find @ Restore Clothing.

We’ve posted about Philadelphia-based Deckstool’s recycled skateboard stools in the past. We thought we’d give them another shout-out after we noticed that they’ve added these great benches to their product line-up.

The new ‘deckbench’ is crafted from 100% reclaimed and recycled broken skateboards. The deckbench’s legs are attached to the sixty-inch, pill-shaped seat using skateboard trucks. Two steel support beams run the bench’s length making it sturdy enough to support 2 or 3 athletic individuals.

Different recycled decks are used in the construction of every bench making each one unique and one-of-a-kind.

Eco babies’ first green steps…from Swedish designer Pia Wallen, felt baby clogs (which look more like booties); they come in 4 striking colors: red, black, pink or grey, ($56 ) @ aplusrstore.com.

Nature’s Path was kind enough to send us a few of their ECO PAC organic cereals for a taste test.

First off — these are not your typical “healthy” cereals that make the grade nutritionally but fail the taste test by packing all the flavor of organic cardboard. The ECO PAC cereals are eminently eatable – packing both great flavor and maximum sustained crunchiness; and they come packaged in a soft-pack that uses 66% less packaging than a cardboard box. The cereals feature organic ingredients and are low fat, low sodium and contain zero trans fats, preservatives or additives. Grains are grown organically which meas less soil erosion and ground water pollution and more farm biodiversity – important stuff.

My particular favorite was the Heritage O’s a circular cereal (think Cheerio’s) made with ancient grains including: organic Kamut, spelt and quinoa and organic honey. I have to say this cereal really tasted great – I didn’t miss all the sugar and processed foods goodness of your typical big name cereal. Added bonus, these O’s resist sogginess like no other and maintain their tasty crunchiness even during the most leisurely breakfast schedule.

As for the packaging – the recyclable, resealable, stand-up bags aren’t quite up to snuff. The little yellow sticker used to reseal the bag doesn’t have enough adhesive to really form a tight seal. Some sort of zip-lock design would be a vast improvement. Though you might have to retrofit a bag sealing system – I used a couple of pieces of Scotch tape – the packaging is a vast ecological improvement over the typical cardboard box.  Just pour these healthy, earth-friendly cereals into some re-usable food storage containers and you’ll be good to go…breakfast-wise.

When most people think about gardening, they think about planting vegetables in the spring and early summer. But in many areas, it is possible to have fresh produce all year long. The following guide will help you get started on your first winter vegetable garden.

Choosing Vegetables to Plant
There are many different vegetables that do well in cooler growing climates. In fact, some tend to taste better when they are hit with a bit of frost. Winter vegetables may include root vegetables, such as radishes, carrots, parsnips, beets, turnips, and some types of onions, or head-type vegetables, such as cauliflower, cabbages, and Brussels sprouts. Other planting options include spinach, winter lettuces, Swiss chard, leeks, and peas.

You should try to choose vegetables that have proven themselves hardy in your region. This free regional gardening guide from Better Homes and Gardens can help you learn more about frost and hardiness zones. You may also be able to get information about winter vegetables from your local gardening center.

Choosing a Location
Although you can plant winter vegetables in the same space you planted spring and summer vegetables, it is almost never a good idea. It is much better to plant in a new area that has not been stripped of nutrients. You will have stronger plants and a better harvest. Planting in a new area can also help prevent the spread of disease and insects.

If you would like to lengthen the growing season and protect your winter vegetables from cold and harsh winds, you may want to consider taking advantage of windbreaks and walls. Doing so could help you add 10 to 15 degrees of warmth to the space. Cloches (a transparent plant cover), greenhouses, and cold frames can also offer some level of protection for winter vegetables.

A more frugal option may be permanently edged raised beds that can hold large quantities of vegetables. The soil in raised beds is usually 10 degrees warmer than ground-level soil. You could also try making raised beds for single plants by laying an old tire on its side, laying another tire on top of it, and filling the hole created by the stacked tires with dirt. The tires will absorb the sunshine and keep the soil even warmer than traditional raised beds.

Planting and Protecting Your Garden
Most winter vegetables are pretty flexible. You can plant them at almost any time. However, your harvest may be better if your vegetables are established before the first killing frost in your area. If you missed the recommended time table, don’t be afraid to plant anyway. The rewards may be worth the risk.

You can garden late and provide your winter vegetables with an extra layer of protection by covering your garden soil with a two-inch thick layer of mulch after planting. Covering leafy vegetables with cheesecloth or clear agricultural cloth can also provide your plants with additional warmth.

This guest post was contributed by Bailey Harris.  Bailey writes on home insurance, finance, and home improvement topics for http://www.homeownersinsurance.org.

• Climate Talks End with Modest Steps, no Kyoto Deal (photo above) – reuters
• The Russian Disneyworld? Ukraine to Open Chernobyl Area to Tourists in 2011 – myway
• Good title…bad storm…Snowstorm Heads East after Deflating Dome – cnn
• We can never have enough lemurs…New Species of Lemur Discovered in Madagascar (video) – bbc
• Giant corporate lobbies (and their political lapdogs) are trying to destroy the EPA…Court Denies Attempt to Block EPA Climate Rules – msnbc
• Research: Pomegranate Juice Components Could Stop Cancer From Spreading – sciencedaily
• (photos) Ten Weirdest New Animals of 2010: Editor’s Picks – natgeo

Challenged for space? Behind schedule and need a quick fix? Or you just don’t want to bother putting up a full-size Christmas tree? Here’s a roundup of alternatives that are decor worthy and achievable with minimal toil and trouble…

(above) A natural alternative to a live or artificial Christmas tree, this 2-foot birch is designed by an architect and made in Minnesota, ($160) @ possibiliTree.com.

(above) Add a warm glow with a Woodland Candelabra tree. This one is made of iron and has a bronze finish, measures 15 inches wide by 32 inches high.  Perfect for a sideboard or cocktail table; ($69.95) @ crate & barrel.

(upper left) Designer Robert Sabuda’s Pop up Table Holiday Tree unfolds for all the festivities then refolds for easy storing or passing along to a friend. ($15.95 @ moma.org)

(upper right) One of a kind, needle felted and handmade (by a tree lover), Christmas Tree with Fine Feathered Friend ($30) @ etsy.com

(photo credit above, MacKenzie-Childs) Taking over-the-top decadence to new heights is the Grand Shard Tree which stands nine feet tall at Mackenzie-Childs and goes for 50,000 bucks. Hand made of ceramic and pottery “shards,” it’s topped with a teapot finial. There’s also a tabletop version available for a mere ($750). Needless to say, neither of these is my cup of tea. MacK-Childs also offers felt tabletop Christmas trees in either white or evergreen in small or large for under $100 – they’re more my speed.

(above) Clean and modern elegance – the Scalloped Tree from West Elm, these Seagrass Trees range from $39-$79, depending on size.

This reusable tree pictured above may be my favorite. Created by Lovi, it’s made in Finland from sustainably harvested FSC-certified birch wood, and it comes with good karma – the manufacturer plants one new tree for each small tree sold. (66 EUR) @ matteriashop.com

If I start pining for real pine, I’ll just admire my fresh wreath and boughs.

What are your plans? Feel free to send us a snap of your Christmas tree, and we’ll show it off.

The Buster vintage water ski Adirondack chair (pictured above) is constructed of beautiful wooden, Cypress Garden water skis, bindings, and fins. Boat House Chair Company makes a variety of these classically designed chairs from various makes of upcycled water skies. Each chair is made from 7-8 classic, vintage water skis, and is a one-of-a-kind work of art. They are designed and custom built in a workshop suspended over the waters of Horseshoe Lake in Arkansas.