Previously on Ecollo, we offered gift suggestions that will keep your child active. As it turns out, kids aren’t the only ones who will benefit from this type of present. The latest trend in Christmas gifts are those that reduce stress, or increase exercise and nutrition.

Some of the suggestions in the CNN article are great ideas; others may require tip-toeing around to ensure you won’t offend or send the wrong message. For example, if you send a woman to a dietician or give a weight loss cookbook to someone who hasn’t requested it, expect to be frozen out (no matter how much you reassure her you don’t think she’s fat). Instead try sessions with a “nutritional consultant” if one has expressed the interest in healthy eating or a healthy living cookbook rather than one focused on weight loss.

Additional gift suggestions to promote a healthy lifestyle:

☆ Yoga DVD with yoga mat, water bottle and a headband

☆ Any other type of fitness equipment or clothing for an activity that an individual has shown interest in. In-line skates, athletic shoes, a new swimsuit, fitness clothing, etc.

☆ Nike + iPod Sport Kit – A device for runners that can slipped in Nike shoes and works with your iPod to keep real-time spoken feedback, track running distance, calories burned, time and pace.

☆ Enrolment in an activity or class an individual has expressed a desire to learn

☆ Hot stone facial

☆ Couples massage. Not only do you de-stress, you give a person the gift of time with someone they love.

Note that if you aren’t completely sure, a fitness-related gift may sit in a closet, unused if the person on the receiving end has never expressed the interest in participating in the related activity. Fitness requires effort and therefore, an interest in the activity in question. Gifts such as spa treatments may be more well-received in some cases because they invite luxury and relaxation.

Things you never give your significant other unless she asks for it

I don’t care how much she whines about feeling fat, wanting to get in shape or start eating better. No man should ever assume he’s being helpful and give his wife/girlfriend/life partner the following unless specifically directed to:

☆ Membership to a gym

☆ Exercise equipment (An exercise ball for “stretching” is fine. A treadmill is not.)

☆ Bathroom scale

☆ Weight Watchers or any other diet cookbook

☆ While we’re on the topic, membership to Weight Watchers or any other weight loss program

» CNN Health

At Ecollo we always try to tell a tale from both sides and in the past we've given you a whole list of reasons that vacation cruises were destroying the earth one midnight buffet and cheesy lounge singer at a time. We're going to be narcissistic for a moment and let ourselves believe representatives from various cruise lines read Ecollo and took our information to heart.

Regardless of the source, it seems these companies are well aware of the negative impact cruising has on the environment and are taking steps to reduce their massive footprints. Royal Caribbean has spent a whole lot of money (think millions and millions of dollars) to conserve energy and re-think the way they dump waste and they aren't the only ones: Holland America, Princess and Celebrity have all introduced initiatives meant to bring about positive eco-change.

In the meantime, if you're determined to take a winter recess via a cruise ship, there are a few things you can do to make your impending journey a bit greener.

There's no place like home - At least for your place of departure. If you can't leave from a port in the place you currently reside, choose the one that is closest to you rather than traveling a far distance to depart. By avoiding setting foot on an airplane, you'll reduce the carbon emissions associated with your travel plans. There is even a residential ship called the World that will allow you to board in alternative cities such as Charleston or Fort Lauderdale so long as you agree to spend a minimum of six nights aboard the ship (what a hardship!)

Five-star water treatment - Where does all of that nasty waste waster end up? If you ask that question before you book, you may actually be able to use a cruise line that has eco-friendlier waster disposal initiatives in place. In fact, Royal Caribbean just spent $100 million to retro-fit their ships with a new treatment system, a move Norwegian and Celebrity have already implemented. Some cruise lines have also added gas turbine engines to their new ships to reduce their nitrous oxide emissions by 80 per cent and and sulfur oxide by a whopping 98 per cent, while others are using methods including using seawater to scrub smokestack emissions and turning off the engines while docked and using onshore hydroelectric-power transformers instead.

What's on the agenda? - Choose a cruise line that offers eco-friendly itinerary options and work to offset the carbon emissions of your traveling. Some cruise lines even work with on local conservation initiatives and make donations to environmental causes they support.

Size doesn't matter - Smaller cruise ships with 150 passengers or less often forego some of the traditional luxuries such as laundry and entertainment, but in return, burn much less in the way of fuel. Maybe your sacrificing some of the conveniences, but chances are you're still sailing to (and through!) a beautiful location, which you'll get to experience regardless of whether there in ping-pong and round-the-clock spa services available. In the end, those just prove to be a distraction from the main event.

» CNN Travel

Giving someone a gift you know they'll love is definitely one of the most aspects of the season - yes, even more so than actually receiving a gift yourself. Unfortunately the wrapping portion can not only be a pain for you, often times it's pretty bad for the earth as well. Think about it: sure the paper looks so pretty when the gift is wrapped and adds to the anticipation of trying to guess what's inside. However on the day of your gift-opening, in a matter of mere seconds, the paper is ripped off and discarded in a bit pile on the floor. Not to mention any special additions, such as ribbons or bows. And then where does it go? Probably into a big plastic garbage bag destined for a landfill.

Traditional wrapping paper - as in the kind you buy in a long tube from the store - isn't the most eco-friendly tradition in the world, even if you recycle it. Fortunately there are some other earth-friendly ways to package your gifts that will not only look just as aesthetically pleasing, but will have less of an impact on the environment.

Reusable containers
Starfrit's eco-friendly cookware comes packaged in a reusable plastic bin rather than a cardboard box, thus severely reducing the chance it will be tossed as soon as the item inside comes out. Most people have something they can use one of these for and you can find them ranging in size from relatively small to behemoth. Therefore, whether it's for storage of Christmas decorations or a handy unit to keep on the nightstand to prevent clutter, find another purpose for one is almost a given.

Reusable bags
Reusable gift bags are a better option than wrapping paper, because providing one stays in good condition, there's a good chance the recipient will keep it and use it again when it's their turn to get a gift. However an even better option is a reusable bag similar to the ones you might buy at a grocery store or a cute tote bag. If it's a bag that's made of cloth, the first instinct of the recipient won't automatically be to dispose of it. Most people will agree these bags are handy to have, whether you use them at the supermarket each week, to take papers to and from work or to use as a library bag - or really, any other purpose you can find for it.

Decorative boxes
Not just any cardboard box, these boxes generally are a little more robust in design and usually have a nice pattern or color on the exterior. They may be square boxes or even a hatbox, but regardless which type you choose, something that pretty isn't likely to be thrown away. Case in point: as a wedding gift, Mr. Pinky Bean and I received two hatboxes filled with china. Those boxes are currently in my closet, being used to hold some of my personal effects. They were so functional and attractive, it never even occurred to me to toss them, which is the goal you're aiming for.

Newspaper or magazines
Grandpa Bean always - always - wrapped his Christmas gifts in newspaper. It wasn't so much an eco-friendly move as it was his frugality, however it became such a tradition that Brother Bean now wraps all of his gifts the same way in memory of his elder. If you have old newspapers that haven't made their way to recycling yet, use some of these. Alternatively magazines are more colorful and can actually add a funky, retro feel to a gift, especially if you find pages with images or products that might appeal to the person the gift is intended for. Additionally you could use it to drop discreet hints about the contents of the package. Either way, just make sure to recycle them in the end.

Anything else your mind can think up
Be as creative as you want and can be here. Another wedding gift of ours featured kitchen utensils that came wrapped in dish towels and had reusable dish scrubbers as decorations rather than bows. Not just eco-conscious, but extremely practical s well. Use your imagination and find something that will likely be used and appreciated. Even better, you typically get credited for thinking outside the (disposable) box!

» Wikipedia

As the world's economic woes continue to discourage us, even the biggest proponents of organic food may have to think twice about how - and more importantly - what to prepare for Christmas dinner. Typically organic fare is more expensive than the non-organic versions, but just how much more will going organic cost you this season? Much like we broke down the cost of turkey vs. tofu in November, it made sense to do the same for an average Christmas meal, for both organic and non-organic food items.

Obviously the cost will vary depending where you shop, weekly sales and specials and of course, the exact ingredients you use (ie. canned vs. fresh) and how many people you are cooking dinner for. In this case, Safeway was the primary resource for prices (any ingredients found elsewhere contain a link) and we used the most cost-efficent ingredients in each category. Rather than include very individual ingredient this time, we'll just include the prices for the main ingredients since many households already have a good number of the spices required to season their food.

Regular Turkey Dinner
Turkey: Butterball Turkey Breast Boneless (48 oz) - $3.23/pound
Green Bean Casserole: Safeway French Style Green Beans (16 oz) - $1.50
Baby carrots: Eating Right Baby Peeled Carrots Prepacked (1 lb) - $1.99
Yams: Garnet Yams - $1.00/each
Stuffing (bread): Safeway 100% Whole Wheat Bread (22 oz) -$1.50
Organic Eggnog: Safeway Lucerne Holiday Egg Nog (Quart, 32 fl. oz) - $1.79

Total: $60.23 (Based on a 15 pound turkey, or five of the Butterball Turkey Breasts, five yams and one package of each other food)

Organic Turkey Dinner
Organic Turkey (frozen): Organic Prairie Organic Whole Young Turkey with Giblets - $5-$6.15/pound
Organic Green Bean Casserole: O Organics French Cut Green Beans Prepacked (16 oz) - $3.49
Organic baby carrots: O Organics Baby Peeled Carrots (1 1b) - $2.39
Organic yams: Organic garnet Yams - $1.79/each
Organic stuffing (bread): O Organics Organic Whole Wheat Bread (24 oz) - $2.99
Organic Eggnog: Vitasoy Organic Holly Nog Soy Drink - $4.39 (32 fl. oz)

Total: $97.21  (Based on a 15 pound turkey, five yams and one package of each other food)

Again, while these numbers won't reflect the exact costs since the variables of your meal will differ, there's no doubt if you choose to go organic, you'll likely being paying more for your dinner.  And if recent information is any indication, consumers are becoming less willing to go organic as the financial situation worsens.

For those looking to still remain earth-friendly, but who aren't wanting to shell out for the more expensive organic food, remember that shopping local can offer the best of both worlds. If you still have a local farmer's market open this time of year, look there for your produce. Find a local bakery that offers a good deal on bread if you buy multiple loaves, and freeze a couple for use at a later time. Reducing the food miles of your Christmas dinner will still allow you to feel good about what you're eating, hopefully minus the anxiety of what it cost to put that meal on the table.

» Safeway

There are a number of things you can do to get your garage from basic to energy-efficient – an idea that sparked my interest when I read about what late night talk show host Jay Leno was doing to get his garage greener.

As a writer desperately in need of some quiet space for all my scribbling, I had long since decided to convert my garage into a writing studio.  This generally works out great but proved to be a real challenge during winters.  Despite additional insulation and adding stacks and stacks of rugs to create a warm cozy feel, my writer’s corner is left completely exposed to the cold as soon as the temperature drops around this time of year.

After a little research and a lot of persistent question asking this past week, I was able to sort out what I needed, which apparently was an electric heater.  However looking around my neighborhood, there are tons of families who use their garage as an extension of their home.  These days, garages double as laundry rooms, workshops, play areas and even as niches for pets.  The garage has become an extension of the family's living space, as well as our own personal space.

If you’re like me, either a profuse hermit barely visible behind stacks of books, or a car enthusiast eternally pilfering through some engine, or if you just enjoy congregating with fellow man over a cold one, hopefully my notes here will help you keep your garage sanctuary a comfortable green niche throughout winter.

The Green Heat Solution
What type of garage heater you get depends on what you use your garage for and there are tons of recommended garage heaters.   Personally, I prefer the green appeal of electric heaters.

If you plan on doing any type of body work on cars where bare metal will be exposed, you may want to go with an electric heater as opposed to a heater that burns propane or natural gas. Burning any type of fuel can create moisture in the air which may cause problems when doing body work on cars. With electric heaters, you don't have to worry about producing moisture since these types of heaters use an electric coil as opposed to a burner.

Portable electric heaters also require very little maintenance.  And while electric heaters used to be expensive, newer models on the market are competitively priced.  A higher efficiency rating, contrasted against the extreme cost of natural gas, has made electric heating far more popular than the alternative models that still use natural gas.

A personal  favorite is the Lasko ceramic heater, which heats up in seconds and feels like you’re working alongside a roasting fire. In my quest for a new work space heater this week, I tried out Lasko, Vornado and Soleus, and while they were all great, I felt the Lasko was not only rated at a lower cost but also the one that was far more effective. If you plan on being in your garage space for longer periods of time, it’s probably best to get a larger unit, and then a smaller space heater.

Overall electric heaters have a number of benefits, such as an automatic shut off feature. Most electrical heater units will also automatically turn off if the unit has tilted off its base and/or fallen over. This safety measure prevents hazards and fires - which is critical feature if you're using flammables or have pets or children nearby.

An additional safety benefit includes protection against carbon dioxide poisoning.  Unlike natural gas furnaces, with electric heaters you don't have to worry about lethal gas leaks (which are often undetectable to humans). And since electric heaters don't produce emissions, they're definitely the green choice for any eco-minded home. 

A cost benefit in by electric heaters is that many cities and states offer incentive programs to home owners who switched out traditional heating for electric furnaces.  Additionally, many utility companies offer similar perks to those who heat their space with electricity rather than natural gases.

Just knowing what heater is right for your needs, paired with quick insulation techniques, can go along way in making it easier for your to shift from a warm toasty summer to chilled winters.

Green Garage is brought to you by Shireen Qudosi of Heater Home. Follow Heater-Home on Twitter @HeaterHome.

Images: Apartment Therapy

» Heater Home

Made in China.  Oh, how those three words break my heart sometimes.  If you're a tool lover they might put a little dent in yours too.  Cheap knockoff tools having been slowly taking over the displays of (manly) toy stores from coast to coast.  Chinese knockoff tools might be easy on your pocketbook, but they're not so great for the planet.  They're shipped from halfway around the world, they're often made of second-rate materials, and in many cases they simply don't last very long.

So if you're planning a home improvement or renovation project, don't fill your tool box with shoddy no-name tools.  Here are a few alternatives:

1. Borrow tools from a handy friend!  I've done this before and a one-time payment of beer and pizza seems to be a standard fee.

2. Rent!  You can search for "tool rental" in your local yellow pages or just go to Home Depot!  They rent all sorts of excellent quality tools suitable for fancy home improvement jobs.

3. Look for estate sales.  There are a lot of old dudes out there with great tool collections and they croak every day!  (Too morbid?  Sorry, sorry...)  Seriously though, estate sales are a great way to kit yourself out with a full set of tools for a fraction of their retail cost.

4. Buy used online.  Good ol' eBay is a great place to hunt for previously loved tools but beware: tools are heavy and the shipping can be a nightmare.

5. Buy used from friends.  If you have any friends involved with trades or who just have a jam-packed garage, put the word out that you're looking to buy some used tools.  It's a win-win situation: you'll likely get a good deal from your friend and your friend has an excuse to buy new tools without his wife getting angry and taking his credit card away! (hehe)  Another bonus is that if your pal does construction work or is really into carpentry then chances are that his castoffs are of a much better quality than you would've bought yourself.

6. Be a tool MacGuyver and improvise!  Not having ther perfect tool on hand shouldn't prevent you from getting the job done.  With a little ingenuity you might be surprised at how few tools you need. 

7. Make your own equipment.  Do you really need four shiny plastic and aluminum folding sawhorses to complete your project?  A few two-by-fours and a handful of nails are all you need to throw together a simple workbench.

8. Remember that elbow grease is a renewable resource.  Hand tools are reliable.  They last.  They require skills.  It might be more fun (and dangerous!) to cut wood on a table saw, but for small home improvement jobs you really only need a hand saw in most cases.  Besides, if you can't swing a hammer you might as well get out of the toolshed.

9. Read the ingredients and test it out before buying.  Is it made of steel or titanium?  Does the plastic and rubber handle feel cheap?  Are the mechanisms solid or delicate?  Where were they made?  Don't let fancy metal finishes and gimmicky features distract you.  Read the fine print and see what you're really buying.  That way you'll know if it was build to last.

10. Wearing gloves does not make you a sissy.  If your handyman (or handygirl) duties consiste largely of unclogging toilets and changin lightbulbs then chances are the palms of your hands are like delicate rose petals and you'll be tempted to buy hand tools is big, chunky, soft rubbery grips to protect your delicate palms.  Don't!  All of the extra plastic junk on your tools will be the first thing to wear out.  Just buy regular tools with solid handles and pick up a good dpair of workgloves to protect your hands.  Replacing one pair of gloves is better than replacing a whole set of hand tools with ridiculous grips!

I know "ten" is the golden number when it comes to giving tips, but I have one more:

11. The common screwdriver is the best friend in your toolbox... and the most abused.  The common or "flat head" screwdriver can do so much more than turn screws.  They can serve as chisels, pry-bars, scrapers, knives... you name it.  They can be used for so many things that they tend to get damaged, beaten-up and lost more than any other tool you'll ever own.  So if you have a screwdriver set, put aside you best common screwdrivers on reserve for, you know, when you actually need them to turn a screw.  Keep a collection of old, rusty, battered, twisted common screwdrivers aside for your miscellaneous uses.  You'll get use out of otherwise useless tools, plus you'll be extending the life of your good tools.

Alright!  All this talk about tools makes me want to finish that project I started last week.  Now where is my screwdriver?

» Search for Craftsman on eBay