Upcycle something as mundane as an old newspaper into something as elegant as a rose petaled chandelier – now that’s magic.

Natureaccessories gives birth to a variety of items made from recycled materials like this lovely chandelier. Add different lights for different occasions or holidays. (comes without lights…keep those ornamental lights minimal – this is made of newspaper…)

(above, L to R) By Sprig, you’ll find a whole series of worthy, bio-composite games and toys for kids of all ages – Secret Stories Castle ($32.99) and Eco Dino Bank ($14.99) @ amazon.com

Be sustainable and build a Magic Tree of Life, made of recycled cardboard and eco-friendly paint; includes birds, birdhouse and mushrooms; ages 6 & up; $34 US / $25 euro @ matteriashop.com

(above, L to R)

• From US-based, Fair Trade Sports – eco-certified Fair Trade and vegan quality sports balls – soccer, football and basketball – ranging from $27 to $35 @ UltimateGreenStore.com.
• For the tots – teach time centered around daily activities with the Activity Clock ($33), made with ecofriendly wood, glue and color dyes by PlanToys…also at UltimateGreenStore.com. Free ground shipping on qualified orders over $75 to contiguous 48 states, code: HOLIDAY2010 at checkout through 12/31/10.

The Green Game – up to 6 players – learn all about how to save the planet while having fun; entire game made in an eco-friendly manner; now only $12.99 @ discovery.com

This morning as I stopped to gas up at the corner station, I hopped from one foot to the other, trying to keep warm as snow stuck to the ground for the first time this year. Of course, I was late to the office, while my fellow commuting Michiganders meandered through the fresh flakes, which, need I remind, are a very normal, ordinary occurrence this time of year.

In truth, it’s a bit of a magical moment for everyone, and I’m not a scrooge type when it comes to nature. But c’mon… it was freezing outside and the fuel pump is not a place where I want to be hanging out any longer than I absolutely have to. To the automakers building electric cars, this negative connotation (one that many Americans share), is rising to the surface as a critical factor.

Truth is, fueling up a gasoline vehicle only takes a matter of minutes now. Electric car drivers simply won’t have that in-and-out convenience on longer hauls. For that reason, Audi has spent some time dreaming up the ultimate electric charging station – recently unveiled at the Design Miami global forum for design. Named “e-den,” the EV charging station concept offers amenities not unlike you’d find in a swank hotel. Outfitted with wooden furniture and fresh potted herbs, organic nibbles, magazines and coffee-table books, the station is more spa than blah. Audi’s on-the-go oasis uses fair-trade products and sustainable materials and in a nod to the past, features a 1950s gasoline pump encased in glass.

If this is what the future of fueling looks like, sign me up please. What are your thoughts? In your future life, will you scrap the library to spend a few extra minutes flipping pages at the pump?

• I believe some Republican members of Congress will process this data and come to the opposite conclusion…Global Weather: 2010 in Running to be Warmest Year on Record – cs monitor
• Several of these creatures will be asked to appear on next season’s edition of Dancing With the Stars…Pictures: 14 Rarest and Weirdest Mammal Species Named – natgeo
• Turnabout is fair play…3 Oregon Deer Attack and Injure Barking Dog – myway
• Northern Wildfires Threaten Runaway Climate Change: Study Reveals – sciencedaily
• Title of the day…Giant, Carnivorous, Fossil Bird Found on ‘Hobbit’ Island – bbc
• Protected Seals Clubbed to Death at Sanctuary – msnbc

Let’s face it, nobody deserves a greater holiday gift than mom. Here, we’ve dug up some gifting options that are both environment- and wallet-friendly.

Won’t make it home in time? Send something sweet, like this organic California Bay Laurel bay leaf wreath from Organic Bouquet (pictured above), paired with fresh chili peppers and a bow. When she’s cooking, mom can tug off a leaf for seasoning, for up to one year after she receives it. A gift that keeps giving, no doubt. ($32)

During the winter months, there’s nothing more comforting than a hot mug of soup. Give mom something to warm her up with these Buddha bowls from eco-conscious retailer VivaTerra, perfect for cradling fireside. Choose from white, blue or green. ($28 each.)

Etsy seller Pacific Drift creates lovely driftwood frames like this one, made to house a 4” by 6” photo of you or your family. Slightly rugged – but perfectly pretty – it’s sure to add a bit of west coast charm wherever it sits. ($25)

Prep for spring with these pocket-sized garden sets, gifted in reclaimed tin, and complete with seeds, garden stakes, directions and harvesting tips. Choose whichever your mama most fancies – herbal tea garden, gourmet salad garden, or wine lovers garden, with herbs that complement food and wine pairings. ($15 each.)

The vibrancy of this tote suits any style – and is the ideal carry-all for weekend errands. Handcrafted with a zigzag appliqué, the bag is made by the Kala Raksha nonprofit organization in Gujarat and provides fair-trade pricing to female crafters and sold by Novica. ($40)

This is the first in a series of quick tips on How to Reduce and Reuse as you prepare for Christmas by Guest Contributor, Kate Conlan.

Have you noticed how expensive big gift bows are today? I’ve seen them range in price anywhere from fifteen to twenty-six dollars apiece! So when I uncovered my box of Christmas ribbon from last year and discovered a couple of big bows all crushed and rumpled, I was pretty disappointed. Rather than toss those non-biodegradable items, I found an easy way to revive them.

I happened to have some pump hair spray, I placed it on the fabric and it worked like magic; (I used Pantene Touchable Volume 1 Flexible Hold Pro V for fine hair). These two bows came back to life in a jiffy, they’re now good as new. Reduce your credit card bill, and impact on the landfill…reuse stuff you already have.

Stay in your yoga zone with Mantra organic sox from Maggie’s Organics. Today only, buy 2 pair of these knee-highs for $15; a set of 5 different mantras for $30. Size 9-11 fits women’s shoe sizes 5.5-9 & men’s 4-7. Made in the USA; 66.4% Certified Organic Cotton, 29.2% Nylon, 2.5% Spandex, 1.9% Polyester (for stretchability and comfort). “I Am Calm,” “Simplify,” “On Earth Peace,” “Be Present,” and “…Just Breathe… (I feel better already)

There can be great beauty in simplicity. This highly utilitarian wall-mounted pot rack designed by Brooklyn’s Produce Design is made from a tree-saving antique beam. It’s great for apartment dwellers who may have limited kitchen cabinet storage space.

Produce Design specializes in interior architectural design and custom furniture.

Today and Sunday only – Use code HAPPY and receive 20% off Gaiam (includes already reduced items, too) plus free shipping on orders over $100. Take cover – check out the sale on organic flannel bedding, also.

Bamboo race cars with water-based paint – safe and ecofriendly. Regularly $20/each; now $16.25…find these and many more toys for kids of all ages @ theUltimateGreenStore.com.