Life Fit with Laura Lewis: Green Gift Guide

Being Life Fit is about your total health, including the health of all of your relationships. Life Fit is a journey, not a destination. It is a process of continuous growth: physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Check in each Tuesday to Life Fit with Laura Lewis, author of "52 Ways To A Healthy You," as we explore our total life fitness. Then, weigh in with your own thoughts over at Laura's "Life Fit Chat" each Wednesday and Thursday for further discussion on the week's topic. For more information visit Laura at www.LauraLewis.com.

Living a Fit Life extends far beyond emotional, physical and spiritual fitness. A Fit Life also includes making conscious consumer choices. So, this year, my friends and family are receiving eco-friendly gifts to tuck under their holiday tree. Check out this great list compiled by Gaiam.

And, speaking of holiday trees, if you have not yet put yours up ... how about planting one instead of cutting one down? Planting a tree honors the earth and is a lovely gesture to demonstrate your commitment to the planet. Don't worry, Santa will still know to leave gifts behind!

The babies in my life are all receiving the gDiaper starter kit. gDiapers are the coolest alternative to traditional disposable diapers. Many of my friends are concerned about the environmental impact of disposables but intimidated buy the "cloth diaper lifestyle." gDiapers are not only not bad for the environment, they are actually good for the environment. gDiapers consist of a washable, cotton outer pant and a plastic-free, flushable re-fill. These groovy britches are made of a breathable material just like sports clothing ... so baby can get ready for a fit life from the get-go! If you are slightly terrified of the thought of flushing something down the potty, you can actually toss these diapers in the garbage or garden-compost the "wet-only" ones. gDiapers decompose completely in 50-150 days! And did I mention they are adorable?

My girlie girlfriends will find PlantLove™ Botanical Lipstick in their stockings this year. Remember the kissing potion of the eighties and nineties? Well, consider PlanetLove the eco-friendly kissing potion! Kiss with conscious with this yummy satiny lipstick created without petroleum. PlanLove is made from simple, natural ingredients such as meadow foam seed, jojoba, shea butter and other all natural goodies. And, even the actual tube is created from a corn-based, petroleum free casing, but the best part is the packaging is made from real seeds ... just put the whole flower-paper outer carton in the ground, water and grow!

If my boyfriend has been paying attention to any one of my ever-so subtle hints the past several days, I will find this super groovy, eco-chic gym bag on my merry Christmas morning! This great bag comes in black and green (remember honey, I like the green!) and is made of 100% recycled polyester. The bag's roomy interior features a zippered pocket, an elastic pocket and a key tether. A vented outside compartment can hold shoes, wet clothes or towel. It also includes an easy-reach outside pocket for your water bottle, inside and outside holsters for your cell phone and MP3 player, and bottom adjustable straps for your yoga your yoga mat. I love it!

My fellow yogis will receive this ever so cute and eco-fabulous Mary Jane by Patagonia. This cute slip-on is designed for environmentally smart, glue-free assembly. The all natural latex outer with a footbed and frame made from recycled materials makes this pre- and post-yoga shoe the perfect eco-fit gift!


We all need several sets of these reusable shopping bags. These bags compactly fold into their own tiny sewn-in pouch (about the size of a cell phone) so they are easily kept on-hand and ready for use. The reusable wonders are easily stored in purses, packs or pockets or on keychains. Made of featherweight nylon fabric each holds an impressive 20 lbs. This is a must-have that my friends simply must have!

Happy eco-shopping ... save gas and shop online!