You’ve made your gift list and checked it twice. But does your generosity include gifting the plane with trash, carbon emissions, and pollution? In the scramble to take care of last minute holiday shopping and load up on stocking stuffers or Hanukkah gifts, many of us lose sight of the fact that our holiday gift giving doesn’t have to sacrifice the environment. With a little forethought, green giving can be simple, fun and creative.

When you’re looking for a way to satisfy your green side as well as your generous spirit, consider buying fair trade certified items to give. For hand crafted gifts, look for the Fair Trade Federation endorsement. By looking for certified fair trade gifts for the holidays, you not only give someone a unique and special item,  you can be certain that its creators are being compensated for their work with a living wage and safer working conditions.

Green minded gift baskets brimming with healthy, local and organic goodies also make a welcome treat. Check your green grocery, natural foods store or better yet the farmer’s market for gift baskets made with local, organic produce, cheese, meats and spreads. If you can’t find what you’re looking for locally, you can still purchase gift baskets from nonprofit organizations online, such as the Women’s Bean Project (www.womensbeanproject.com), which helps low income women develop work skills, or the Global Exchange (www.globalexchange.org), which supports fair trade.

Or better yet, why not bring out your creative side and support local farmers and markets by assembling your own gift baskets? Instead of heading to the mall, shop your local farmer’s market for apples, pears, preserves and cheeses. By shopping locally, you can support your own community and family owned, homegrown stores. And since winter celebrations are a time of sugary indulgence, consider creating some sweet homemade memories by adding some eco friendly treats like organic and fair trade chocolate.

Rather than spend far too much on shipping gifts wrapped in packaging that will only be tossed in a landfill, consider long distance giving by making a donation in the name of your loved one to those truly in need. Most nonprofit organizations can be supported through gift memberships, adoptions, or purchases in the name of your family member or friend. Further personalize your gift donation by choosing a cause that is near and dear to their heart. If your loved one is devoted to their pet, consider paying the adoption fee for a pet needing a home at the local animal shelter. Snap a picture of the sweet face of the cat or dog you’ve chosen, and include it in a card explaining your gift.

By making more thoughtful choices about the gifts that you give this holiday season, you can make a difference for both your loved ones and those of others. When your gift benefits the earth or those in need, you are giving twice. Something simple and thoughtful will be appreciated much more than a pile of shrink wrapped, mass produced gifts.