It’s possible to stay true to your eco-beliefs this holiday season by giving gifts that aren’t actually things. Instead of buying clothes or books or electronics for your loved ones, consider investing in non-profit organizations that are working to preserve, conserve, and protect open spaces, watersheds, parks and wildlife habitats across America. By giving gift memberships, having trees planted in honor of your friends, or buying from merchants who give a percentage of their profits to environmental organizations, you positively impact the environment and stand up to consumerism and excess.

There are all kinds of organizations that are committed to protecting, preserving and restoring the wildlife, forests, open spaces and bodies of water in this country. Before buying your friends and family more stuff that they may or may not need, consider giving your money to one of these organizations and using your consumer power to do good now and throughout the coming year.

For Hikers: With a mission to the preservation and management of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail’s natural, scenic, historic, and cultural resources, a gift membership to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy helps provide primitive outdoor-recreation and educational opportunities for Trail visitors. Membership includes a subscription to A.T. Journeys: The Magazine of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, as well as discounts at the organization’s Trail Store and an Appalachian Trail Conservancy decal and patch.

For Bird Lovers: If you have loved ones who spend their weekends trekking through wetlands in search of elusive birds, a Gift Membership to the National Audubon Society might be the perfect gift this year. Having advocated for the preservation of natural habitats and wildlife for over a century, Audubon lobbies Congress to preserve and protect wildlife habitats, and restore already damaged ecosystems by building parks and wildlife preserves. Members receive a subscription to Audubon, the organization’s bi-monthly magazine, as well as access to Audubon sanctuaries and preserves around the country.

For Outdoor Enthusiasts: Founded in 1922 to save outdoor America for future generations, the Izaak Walton League is dedicated to restoring watersheds, reducing air pollution, protecting open spaces, and instilling conservation ethics in outdoor enthusiasts. Your gift of a Membership will help further clean air and energy campaigns, wilderness and public land protection programs, and efforts to save vulnerable watersheds and streams. The Izaak Walton League offers members discounts on publications and merchandise, and provides subscriptions to their quarterly publication, Outdoor America, to thank members for supporting the organization.

For Urban Adventurers: The Central Park Conservancy works to restore, preserve, and maintain Central Park as a beautiful place for leisure, recreation, and the appreciation of nature. If you’re looking for a unique way to support the organization’s objectives and beautify the city, you can purchase daffodil and tulip bulbs and have them planted in honor of those special people in your life.

For Boaters:The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is the only independent non-profit that is dedicated to saving and restoring the Bay and its tributaries, and has worked non-stop to “Save the Bay” for over 40 years. You can honor a loved one this holiday season by having a tree planted in the Bay’s watershed by donating $25 to the organization.

For Arborists: You can help protect the forests and ecosystems of America when you donate money to American Forests as this holiday season. The organization plants trees “in the right place, for the right reason,” and one tree is planted for every dollar you give. American Forests is a world leader in planting trees for environmental restoration, a pioneer in the science and practice of urban forestry, and a primary communicator of the benefits of trees and forests.

Happy Holidays!

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When you live in New England, winter starts once Halloween ends, and you have to be prepared for snow, sleet, ice or rain until you think that it will never be warm again (a time most commonly referred to as “May”). And since you’ll be wearing it for so very long, it’s critical to outfit yourself with winter gear that’s warm, well-made and hip enough to wear ALL the time.? With such long winters it’s easy to get sick of your boots - so I’ve compiled a list of companies that are designing eco-friendly boots that will keep your toes toasty and look cool as you slog through the snow.

Beyond Skin is a British shoe company that hand-makes shoes using ethical labor and trade practices,? eco-friendly synthetic materials (non of the company’s products are made with animal products), and sustainable manufacturing processes. Beyond Skin products are are crafted out synthetic fabrics (thereby reducing the waste generated by the overall production of the products), and are suitable for vegetarians and vegans who are looking for cruelty-free footwear.? Beyond Skin boots are made with Polyurethane (PU) - a synthetic material that looks like PVC leatherette, but doesn’t contain dioxin - an environmentally damaging chemical.

While Beyond Skin doesn’t offer a huge selection of boots, their slouchy Celeste boots (shown above) are stylish and ethical. Made from faux suede, these mid-calf boots come in brown or black, and will set you back a few bucks (about $374). If you’re looking for ankle boots, Beyond Skin also makes funky black hemp Nadia boots which retail for about $690.

If you want eco-boots and don’t mind wearing leather, you might like the boots offered by California designer Calleen Cordero. Hand-made in a small California factory, these boots are crafted out of beautiful Italian leathers, hand-sculpted wood bottoms, and molded orthopedic foam insoles. Quantities of each product are limited (as each boot is hand produced by artisans), and expensive - though it looks like each pair is well worth its price. If you have the budget to splurge this season, consider outfitting yourself with a pair of Calleen Cordero’s truly unique boots.

If I could pick just one pair of Calleen Cordero boots for my feet, I think I’d go for these sexy Topa Boots (above & to the right).? Hand-stitching on the boot uppers adds a flirty finish that would look great over jeans, and the funky heel makes the boots all the hipper. The $670 Topa Boot is only made in limited sizes - 8 and 8.5 (which just happens to be my size!), and can be purchased online or from boutiques in North America, Europe and Japan. Calleen Cordero offers ankle boots too, including the Adrianna Half Boot (to the left). With 4 1/2 inch heels, these short boots will help you stand out in a crowd and feel confident that your $620 was well spent on eco-friendly footwear.? For further insight into the production of these boots, make sure you check out the company’s online Factory Tour.

Founded in 2005 out of the idea to create a “luxurious, socially-conscious fashion label,” Charmone incorporates the founders’ eco-ideas into the design and production of their high-end shoes and boots. By using microfibers (instead of leather) in their footwear, Charmone products are crafted with the philosophy of “compassionate design,” and product less waste than do leather boots.? In an effort to bring compassion to every part of their business, Charmone shoes and boots are manufactured in sweat-shop free factories where quality craftmanship is encouraged.

If you want something really different this winter, consider Charmone’s moss green Darjeeling ankle boots. Crafted out of microfiber faux suede and faux leather, these $250 vegan boots will look cool peeping out from under your jeans. Darjeeling boots also come in black, but I think the mossy color is what really makes these boots! Charmone also makes a knee-high boot called the Dragonwell - I like the how they look,? but the boot heels don’t really suite my pragmatic winter needs.

Form & Fauna is another eco-shoe company that makes hip and funky footwear using sustainable materials and practices. Using non-traditional and renewable materials to manufacture their boots, Flora & Fauna is committed to reducing their environmental impact on the Earth. Fabrics and materials included in the production process include Italian synthetics, organic hemp, bamboo and regenerative wood (for the heels), rubber outsoles, recycled fibers and breathable eco-liners for inside the shoes. These Cocca Hot Rod thigh-high boots (to the left) have Anil Kid uppers and rubber outsoles that keep the eco-conscious in stylish attire.

Terra Planet makes sustainable footwear that fits into three primary categories: 21st century artisan (shoes made using classical designs with modern technologies), Recycled (shoes made from recycled materials), and Barefoot (shoes that are as close to the principle of going barefoot as possible). While Terra Planet does manufacture their shoes in China, they work hard to develop life cycle metrics for all of their products and to minimize their negative environmental impacts through better sourcing, the use of sustainable and recyclable materials, and a professional code of conduct for all of their factories.

The Terra Planet Janis boot (shown at right) is made from vegetable tanned leather and is adorned? with a recycled quilt panel (made from recycled Pakistani and Bangladeshi quilts) in the shape of a flower on the boot’s back. These $295 boots eco-boots are held together with minimal glues (to reduce their environmental impact), and built with recycled materials when possible. Finally, if you’re looking for some really different boots this winter, make sure you check out these quilted ankle Lauren boots. These high-heeled short boots are also made from recycled quilts, are vegetable tanned and locally sourced.

The boots and companies listed here are just a sampling of the eco-comitted businesses out there who are dedicated to designing, crating and selling environmentally friendly goods. If you have an eco-business, or know of eco-companies that you’d like to see promoted, let me know! I am always looking for new sites to visit and new products to share with the eco-aware.

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Seeing as this is the Green Buy Guide, I’ve been compiling a list of green companies, products, blogs, resources and organizations as the foundation for our upcoming buying guide. In doing so, I’ve discovered scores of (mostly small) companies that are dedicated to making environmentally-friendly products using sustainable production and manufacturing practices, Fair Trade standards and other earth- (and people) friendly initiatives.

Since discovering so many eco-friendly companies, I’ve decided to write several posts that highlight the supply-side of green consumerism. And while it’s difficult for me to think of any consumerism as being green, it’s gotten to the point where I have to admit that we all need to buy all kinds of things (clothes, furniture, linens, shampoo), so I might as well embrace consumerism as a necessary fact of life, and promote green goods as much as possible.

So, without further ado, check out these eco-tees, and drop me a line if you know of other t-shirt companies who should be on my radar.

Mission Playground is a California-based company that uses progressive visual designs, “…to make environmental awareness exciting, appealing and (to) breathe new life into environmentalism.” Made from 100% organic cotton, the company designs long and short sleeved t-shirts for men, women and children. If you’re looking to offer express your feelings about the nature of this planet, you may like the short-sleeved Intelligen t-shirt. Available in green and stone (for men), or white (for men & women), this organically made shirt retails for $27.

Both funny and poignant, Mission Playground’s “Daddy, what did forests smell like?” t-shirt is a witty way to express the consequences of ignoring the human impact on the environment. Made from 100% organic cotton, this t-shirt comes in chocolate and white and can be purchased for $24 on the company website.

If you’re looking for a radical eco-message, you might like the tees from Ban T-Shirts. With a range of political, environmental and peaceful messages, the company’s eco-line of? t-shirts are manufactured in sweatshop-free conditions out of 100% organic cotton.

The Think Green shirt fits both men and women, is 100% organic and produced in a sweatshop-free environment. Printed on American Apparel t-shirts, the Eco Terrorist design is also a sweatshop free product and comes in men’s and (limited) women’s sizes. You can pick up Think Green for $17.95 and Eco Terrorist for $16.95

If you’re looking for cool clothes for your kids, you might like Wire&Twine’s new Play Station design. While also available in adult sizes, this shirt conveys a great message that’s easily lost in our plugged-in world. With so many kids attached to their devices, it’s easy to forget that some kids still love to play in trees. Grown ups can get advocate for the environment too with the 50 Ways to Help the Planet cotton tee. Manufactured under sweatshop-free conditions in this country, this shirt is a conversation starter and is covered with tips for those looking to go green.

Headquartered in the UK, Tonic is described as an “ethical clothing company..created for people who want high quality cotton clothing with sound ethical sourcing and great designs.” Most tees from Tonic are ethically sourced (meaning they’re made by highly skilled laborers who are paid above the UK minimum wage), fairly traded and made from 100% organic cotton. Personally, I’m partial to this Egg Bacon shirt, because even though it doesn’t express any deep environmental messages or eco-friendly tips, it does have a picture of bacon on the front, and well, everything goes better with bacon…

Other companies making eco-friendly t-shirts include:

Turk & Taylor

Positivitee

Clothing of the American Mind

D.T.’signs

Green Label Organics

Tees for Change

Cleanslate

Since adopting the practice of carrying reusable shopping bags with me wherever I go, I’ve only ever bought plain totes for pragmatic purposes. Of the 7-8 totes I own, most were purchased for under $5 a piece at my local grocery stores, and none could be considered stylish.

Recently though, I’ve been researching eco-products, and in doing so, have found all kinds of cool companies that are making reusable totes. So if you’re in the market for cool reusable bags, look no further - I’ve found them for you!

Bring Your Own Bag (B.Y.O.B) makes reusable totes that are both stylish and ethical. Headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, B.Y.O.B. believes that “living an eco-friendly life is essential,” and strives to design bags that are fun to carry while still being produced in a sustainable manner. With a selection of chic totes made from natural, recycled and certified organic cotton, switching from plastic shopping bags to these sustainably made, reusable bags will help to limit your impact on the environment.

The Bold Tote organic cotton tote (above) is 17” tall X 16” wide X 4” with a bottom gusset for added strength. With double reinforced 2 inch straps, you can comfortably carry heavy loads. An added pocket inside provides a convenient home for phones, keys, or wallets - and if the bag gets dirty it’s machine washable. This, and other bags from B.Y.O.B, are ethically made in Vancouver British Columbia and range in price from $25-$40 each. B.Y.O.B. is also running a “Buy 1-Get 1Free” sale on their Natural line of bags, which includes the Tweet tote (to the left).

Lightweight, waterproof and easily portable, bags from Envirosax can carry the equivalent of two supermarket plastic bags full of food. Envirosax is committed to, “…helping create a better future for our planet by spreading the environmental message through color and script using the Envirosax eco-friendly reusable bag as the vehicle, and donates a percentage of their proceeds to several environmentally-based charities.

This funky orange bag is one of the 30 designs available in the Graphic Series of totes - the bags can be purchased in sets of 5, or individually. At $8.50 a piece, these lightweight polyester bags aren’t much more expensive than the reusable bags available at grocery store checkouts, but they are more stylish and will probably last longer too. If you’d rather buy a reusable bag made from all natural materials, Envirosax also carries an Organic Series of totes that come in linen, bamboo and hemp.

Personally, I like the bags from Pretty Green. Made out of 100% cotton sateen with a heavyweight cotton canvas lining, these bags look like they’d be perfect for taking to the Farmer’s Market and filling with flowers and produce. Based in Orange Country, California, Pretty Green believes in making products that help people live more sustainable lives, and the company works within their community to cultivate new ideas and affect environmental change. The Zeko Bag (to the right) is 11″ x 14″ x 6,” with a 8.5″ loop handle, machine washable and a funky find at $19.99.

GreenOne is another small company that makes fun-to-carry bags using organic cotton canvas, twill, hemp silk. Each bag is 15L x 14H x 7D, replaces 2-3 plastic grocery shopping bags and comes with an inside pocket for keys and wallets or other small items. With large handles that can be swung over your handlebars, these bags offer functionality for both men and women. Check out the Follow Your Bliss bag, the design on the front is cool, and it’s a steal at $16.99.

Happy Shopping!

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Let me start by saying that I love lingerie. When I have some extra cash, I like to buy all kinds of different panties, bras, camisoles and other underthings. I’ve never really seen any “green” lingerie (other than organic panties), so I took it upon myself to do a little digging and see what’s out there in terms of sustainable and sexy underwear.

Made from 100% natural Indian silk, these French Knickers and Sheer Camisole are produced by a small group of Indian women using traditional silk production methods. With a commitment to creating luxurious lingerie using sustainable practices, Eco-Boudoir products are made without pesticides, Methodene, bleach or bonded child labor. And according to their website, Eco-Boudoir “conforms to uncompromising ethical standards” in business and production processes, and strives to use renewable fabrics that do not bring pollution to people or to the environment.

Enamore is an environmentally sustainable lingerie company that makes beautiful undergarments out of? organic hemp, soya, cotton, and silk. Many of Enamore’s pieces are handmade from recycled fabrics and vintage fabrics, and are soft, lovely and certainly sexy.? This Mon Bijoux Lingerie Set is a mix of fine silk and organic hemp, and, for true luxury, can be? paired with a? matching eye? mask.

I also like these Boy Shorts from Ciel, a British company that applies sustainable and ethical practices in the production of their clothing. With an eco-attention toward the small (labels, bags and trim) to the large (fabrics, factories and farms), Ciel is the winner of The Observer’s 2007 Ethical Award, and details their sustainable practices on their website.

Perfectly Imperfect is committed to making organic cotton clothing without using pesticides or harmful chemicals in their production. While their collection of organic lingerie is relatively small, a few items - such as this Lace Babydoll Nightie is “sustainable sleepwear” that is made from fabrics grown under eco-friendly conditions and produced with low-impact manufacturing techniques.

Belabumbum, a favorite of celebrities looking for unique intimate apparel, uses recycled materials and bamboo in the production of their pretty lingerie line. With operations in Brazil, Belabumbum employs 70 people in an environmentally and socially sustainable factory. I like the Dori Lace Cami which comes in black, blue and champagne.

Lingerie from the French company g=9.8 is attractive, sexy and made from cultivated pine (a recycled material), with a touch of spandex for fit. Deemed an “Oekotex Standard 100 Certified” company, g=9.8 doesn’t use harmful substances at any point in the production or manufacture of their lingerie. As their online shopping site is currently under construction, you can find g=9.8 lingerie on Noblivity.

Other eco-conscious lingerie companies include:

Skin Lingerie - luxurious cotton bras, panties, robes and gowns

LuvaHuva - handmade organic cotton and silk panties

GreenKnickers - organic panties made from recycled materials

Stella McCarthy - the British designer is committed to creating clothes in a sustainable manner, runs a carbon neutral operation, and has just introduced a line of organic underthings.

bgreen - organic lifestyle apparel including camisoles, pajama pants and panties

Hanky Panky - attractive, functional underwear made from organic fabrics

Urban Fox - funky, environmentally-friendly panties, camisoles and stockings

I will admit that it was more difficult than I anticipated finding sexy, eco-friendly lingerie. Much of what I found was organic cotton panties, that while perfectly comfortable and functional, aren’t quiet as sexy as I like for underwear. Let me know if I’m missing any top-notch ecologically astute lingerie designers here and I will be sure to check them out.

When it comes to using my consumer dollars to make purchases, I actually don’t buy all that much stuff. For years I’ve been too poor to buy much more than I really need, so most of what I own is limited to the essentials - books (yes, books are essentials), plants, clothes & shoes, and household goods like dishes, and towels. I inherited most of my furniture from family and friends, and I go without things (like wine glasses) that most people just wouldn’t live without.

Part of why I live so minimally is poverty - I was in school and unemployed for years, and just couldn’t afford to buy anything. And since I started making real money, I’ve had to apply most of it to paying off bills accrued while in school and unemployed. Another part of why I don’t buy much stuff however, is the environmental impact of personal consumption. By living low on the consumer chain, I feel that I’m taking part in the 1st “R” of conservation - Reduce. When I don’t upgrade my hand-me-down couches or replace my overwhelmed bookcases with sturdier models, I don’t contribute to the manufacture of these goods and I keep my own carbon footprint low.

It’s not as if limiting my purchases is difficult - I am fiscally frugal, I don’t like clutter, and my apartment is small and lacking in storage space. At the same time, there are items I would really like to own and just can’t bring myself to buy - because they’re expensive, impractical or just not enough of a priority to justify the purchase. Topping the list of stuff I wish I owned are all kinds of green furniture that would work well in my home and replace the well-worn items I already own.

For my living room…

I really like the looks of the Babylon Sofa by RC Green. Founded by designer Robert Craymer, RC Green designs, manufactures and retails eco-furniture, bedding, clothing, shoes and accessories. With an eye toward minimalist design and a sense of responsibility towards the environment, Craymer is working toward an all green, all natural, sustainable and organic way of living. Furniture crafted by RC Green is made with Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) wood, recycled steel (for springs and screws), non-toxic and formaldehyde free glues, and a range of eco-fabrics including cotton, linen, bamboo, and hemp. Additionally, all RC Green products are made in the US and built out of local resources.

I also like the clean lines of the Hect Chair by Greener Lifestyles, a Seattle-based design and manufacturing company that specializes in creating sustainable furniture . Constructed out of FSC wood, the Hect Chair is finished with organic hemp, cotton and wool fabrics, and held together with eco-friendly adhesives.

To show off my new couch and chair, I could always light my living room up with a few of these Bleu Nature Tropique Lamps. Offered by environmental retailer Eco-Terric, these lamps are hand crafted in Northern France,? and made from all natural products.

For my ever-growing expanding book collection, I like this Tetrad Shelving unit from Brave Space Designs. Consisting of 4 interlocking squares, this modular shelving unit is constructed from either ash or wood and built using paints, stains, adhesives, and sealants with low or zero VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Brave Space Designs also finishes all of their products with either hand-applied organic-herbal oil or water-based spray finishes.

To finish off my room, I would add this hand-knotted Jardin rug offered by Cotswold Furniture Makers. Headquartered in Stowe, Vermont, Cotswold is committed to producing environmentally sustainable furniture, and ensures that their products are never constructed by children or with abusive labor practices. Hand-tied in Tibet, the Jardin rug is crafted from 100% wool.

If you are in the market for eco-friendly, sustainable furniture, check out some of the companies listed above. These designers and manufacturers have all committed to producing products that use local resources, non-toxic chemicals and organic fabrics. Change happens one person at a time, so next time you’re in the market for new furniture, consider buying green.

I’ve always wanted to be one of those people who knows how to give the perfect gift - something that is both practical and beautiful, well-designed, environmentally friendly and affordable. And while I have always given generally thoughtful presents (interesting books being my specialty), I lack that special knack for finding gifts that light up people’s eyes when they’re opened.

In an effort to help others out there who have trouble finding great gifts, I’ve compiled a list of beautiful and practical presents that are well-designed, affordable, and most of all, environmentally friendly.

Baby Shower
New babies need everything, so finding gifts for these tiny creatures isn’t difficult. I like to buy things that will last (strollers, savings bonds), but also understand that most new parents need baby staples like onesies, crib sheets and cold weather gear. Kate Quinn Organics, offers an Organic Sherba Baby Bunting that looks warm, comfy and large enough to fit an infant for 6 months. The site also has a selection of organic bodysuits and infant sacques that make good gifts. Babies-R-Us has even gone green and offers a line of natural and organic products on their site. I found a set of 3 organic receiving blankets (by Tadpoles) and an Organic Cotton Sleepsack (by Halo Innovations) that are lower-cost alternatives than the organic baby boutiques. I also love this bib by Peaceful Company - when it’s not your baby, it’s not as outrageous to pay $12 for a bib!

Father’s Day
Dads can be tough to buy for - mine already has everything he wants or needs and is rarely forthcoming with gift requests. One thing he might like however are these Vintage Record Coasters. Handmade by Elsewheres, these coasters are old 45s, and basically just really cool. Elsewheres also makes a Snack Tray, Bowl and Clock out of old records. If your dad is a cyclist, he might like the Bike Chain Bottle Opener or the Recycled Bicycle Chain Bowl. The Elsewheres gifts are edgy - but if your dad is as cool as mine he might just like them.

Graduation
The end of college is prime time for upgrading your graduate’s clothing, outerwear and accessories. Laptop bags are a necessity - especially during job searches - and can complete any outfit. While it was difficult to find many eco-friendly bags, I managed to track down a few. Hip & Zen sells a Recycled Plastic Laptop Bag made out of plastic shopping bags that use no dyes. Each bag’s color is produced during the manufacturing process when plastic bags of different colors are layered to create a unique design. If a laptop sleeve is a viable alternative, you can find laptop cases made from recycled Columbian tires from the UK company TREAD. Handmade from salvaged tires, these cases are designed for Macs.

Housewarming
For some reason I’ve always thought that stationary makes for lovely housewarming gifts - especially if you’re giving it to someone new to the area. Paporganics is an organic paper goods company that makes stationary and gift wrap. Their cards are printed on 100% recycled paper; the Cultivated Card series is adorned with illustrations of fruits and vegetables and finished with witty quotations, while their Organic Cards are made from 100% organic cotton paper and contain real flower petals.

If your friend or family’s new home has room for a garden, consider bringing the Sunflower Garden or Shirley Poppy Garden gift boxes from VivaTerra. These pretty boxes are decorated with their respective flowers and filled with flower seeds. If you want your gift to mean even more, help your friend plant the seeds than sit back and wait until the flowers bloom!

Mother’s Day
If your mom deserves to be pampered on Mother’s Day, consider giving her this 100% Organic Cotton Spa Robe from VivaTerra. This waffle-pattern robe is chemical-free and can be paired with a set of Organic Cotton Spa Towels for true luxury. I also found an organic chocolate company called Vere that hand makes their treats using sustainably-grown, pesticide-free, organic cocoa beans. You can get Vere truffles, caramels, bars, brownies, wafers and even vegan treats. If your mom is anything like mine, she’ll love the gift and possibly even share.

Weddings
I know that wedding registries have made gift giving a no-brainer for a lot of people, but I still like to find more personal gifts for new brides and grooms. If you have similar sentiments, check out Pangaya, an eco-chic online retailer that sells tableware made from 100% recycled products. The Seaglass line of tableware on the Pangaya site is designed and manufactured by the Riverside Design Group and constructed from post-industrial/pre-consumer recycled glass.
VivaTerra is another eco-friendly store that has plenty of items that fit my gift criteria - I like their Thatched Bowls (hand crafted with recycled metal twigs), Root of the Earth Bowls constructed from reclaimed Chinese Fir trees, and River Stone Placemats and Runners made from hand gathered stones.

I hope this little guide has given you some great gift ideas - let me know what you buy and as always, feel free to send me ideas, suggestions and comments on what you’ve read.