And even when the holidays are over, you can still share beautiful art and support a great cause by hosting a bead party. Bead for Life provides the host with a party box of about 300 beaded jewelry items and Shea butter products, along with informational DVDs and pamphlets to share with guests.

These tips provided by EcoCycle. For more tips and information, visit www.ecocycle.org.

Bring your own bag and pass on the tissue paper, ribbons and stickers that so often accompany even the smallest holiday purchases. Forego complimentary gift wrapping and wrap gifts creatively in environmentally friendly ways

Here’s the dilemma when it comes to electronics: they rock — sometimes, quite literally — but they often leave a large carbon footprint. Whether they suck power (ahem, Mr. Xbox 360 hooked up to a 60-inch television, I’m talking to you), or are simply made of products that are harmful to the environment, there can be a guilt factor associated with those tech toys you own.

Buy! Buy! Buy! It’s the holidays, and the ads are calling out with their siren songs (or are they cattle calls?), and the overwhelming sense of obligation to hurry up and get shoppin’ begins.

A recurring theme emerges when asking local nurseries and garden-supply stores about their hottest gifts of the holiday season. Several mention hydroponic growing systems. Hmm.

If the material you’re looking for is not on this list, call us at 303-444-6634 or visit our website at www.ecocycle.org. Check our online Guide to Hard-to-Recycle Materials for other unusual recycling items you may accumulate over the holidays or year-round.

Save money and give something unique this holiday season by hitting up local thrift and consignment shops. Not only are you getting a bargain, but you’re helping the environment through recycling. Also, if you shop at a nonprofit thrift shop, like the Salvation Army Thrift Store or Boulder Humane Society Thrift, you are also funding a local organization.