The old adage says, "It's better to give than to receive." When you choose a gift that's environmentally conscious, you can do both. When you give a gift that respects the environment, one that's made with non-toxic materials, that's made with fair trade and fair labor practices, everyone in the long chain from gift designer to gift maker, from gift giver to gift getter, gets something better. And we're all better off for it.

According to Penny Schafer of Taraluna (www.Taraluna.com), a retailer and e-tailer of fair trade, organic and environmental gifts, "The notion of fair trade, which has become a buzz word in the coffee industry, is equally as important in the gift business. It's not that people didn't care before; it's that they weren't aware of the dark side of the gift industry. It doesn't have to be that way. When you combine your buying power, you can change the way business is done and actually change the world one purchase at a time. Looking for and purchasing environmental gifts lets manufacturers know that you're watching what you're buying. That means they'll be watching what they're making."

Penny's belief in the rights of workers and the ecological needs of the planet led her to found her woman-owned company, Taraluna, and dedicate her store and her site to environmental gifts and toys that do it beautifully, ecologically and morally.

What are environmental gifts and what does fair trade mean?

It means that the workers receive a fair wage for their labor. It means that the workers have an opportunity to advance and that no child labor was employed. It means that the materials used in the manufacturing process were not toxic to the workers or the planet. It means that no endangered species or materials were used. It means that the factory was safe for all. It means that the manufacturer adheres to the rigorous standards of the Fair Trade Federation (www.FairTradeFederation.org). In short, it means that your gift selection was a gift to everyone involved. Now that's a gift worth giving!

For those who think that selecting fair trade or environmental gifts means the selection is limited or unexciting, check out www.Taraluna.com. Scroll down the many fun, fashionable, thoughtful and ecological selections and you'll see how much good there is to choose from.

There's artist-quality fair trade jewelry including earrings, bracelets, necklaces and pendants.

Purses, handbags, totes, scarves and shawls any fashionista would love. For beauty that's beyond skin deep, check out "Peace Keeper Cause-Metics" cosmetics that donate 100% of their profits to women's causes. And oh baby, wait till you see their precious and conscious baby gifts like bamboo booties and "Plant A Seed" tees. " Many people don't realize the toxic chemicals children's wear can be laden with," says Penny.

Natural hedonists can head for the Natural Spa Products and smear themselves with the therapeutic benefits of Body Coffee, a brew of coffee, olive and hemp seed oils, shea butter, sea salt and herbal extracts that diminish the effects of sunlight, pollution and oxidation. To turn high tea into fine art, there are artisan teapots and delicious organic and fair trade teas to go with them. Watch Rover roll over for the fresh-baked holistic dog treats on Taraluna's menu. And to spread beauty on your bed, there's a wide selection of Guatemalan Patchwork Quilts.

Penny's rigorous criteria are why Taraluna purchases much of their gifts from non-profits and co-ops. According to Penny, "When you give a gift and someone says ‘How thoughtful of you,' that thoughtfulness should include the countless beings that made your purchase possible."

Irv Weinberg is a nationally known Marketing & Advertising Executive and writer with more than 30 years experience at the highest echelons of America's best known advertising agencies. Since relocating to Santa Fe, NM, he has combined his green, socially responsible and organic lifestyle with his marketing skills and now devotes his energies to helping green companies emerge and prosper. His company, Mind Over Markets (www.MindOverMarkets.com), helps clients both large and small achieve success, recognition and sustained growth. Irv is also a well-published writer and blogger on green issues.