Shop greener, locally this season

White Christmases are always worth singing about, but it’s also a nice treat to celebrate a Green Christmas! It’s easy to spread sustainable cheer by patronizing local businesses. The Spokane area has dozens of retailers and service providers that focus on sustainable-oriented products, from Main Market to Sun People Dry Goods, from Huckleberry’s to EcoDepot, from Kizuri to Wrapsacks (see related story). Here are some creative and affordable suggestions. Pedals2People. 1527 E. 16th Ave, Spokane (509) 842-6597, www.Pedals2People.org Opened in 2002, this local non-profit bike shop was founded to empower people and promote healthy communities. Regularly donating to charities such as Crosswalk and The Village Bicycle Project, P2P also provides free bicycle tune-ups, rents workbench space/tools to the public at $5/hour, and refurbishes and sells bicycles and bicycle parts. Recommended gift: An All-You-Can-Wrench Annual Membership for 15 percent off (reg. $50)! Also, drop by for today’s grand opening of P2P’s new location and enjoy food, drink, and fun, 2–6 p.m. Zaki Organics. 3309 N. Argonne Rd. (509) 220.7271, www.ZakiOrganics.com Owner Amber Doyle created Zaki Organics in 2010 after personal health issues led her to pursue healthy personal care products. Now her growing line of products that use only certified organic and/or “wildharvested” ingredients will soon be available at her new location and online. Recommended gift: The Heavenly Duo, 4 oz. Body Oil & 9 oz. Salt Scrub in Sweet Orange or Lavender & Ylang Ylang — the perfect remedy for a loved one’s skin, adding bliss to even the dreariest of days. $24 (reg. $30). Pilgrim’s Market. 1316 N. 4th St., Coeur d’Alene (208) 676-9730, www.PilgrimsMarket.com In 1999, before “organic” was hip, Joe and Sarah Hamilton opened Pilgrim’s Market and offered local and organic foods, beer and wine, natural beauty care and supplements. Since then, Pilgrim’s has grown 20 times larger than the original 1,200 square foot location, thanks to smart business, a supportive community, and values that remain focused on the win-win-win relationship of customers, the community and employees. Recommended gifts: Juniper soaps infused with real plants from the Pacific Northwest and California. Scents include Big Sur & Red Rock Canyon, among others, for $7.99. Or be like the Three Wise Men and come bearing fragrances of frankincense, myrrh, and…cinnamon. Maroma Incenses, at $3.79, let you smell rich & intoxicating! Rings and Things. 304 E. 2nd Ave. (509) 252-2900, www.Rings-Things.com In 1966, Russ Nobbs started a bead business called Rings & Things. Now an international provider of jewelry supplies and tools, and one of the first businesses to be certified sustainable by the City of Spokane’s SMART (Sustainable Mgmt. of Assets, Resources & Technology) Business Recognition Program in 2008, R&T is thriving and thriving responsibly. Recommend Gifts: This year, choose not to give a loved one a matching sweater and sock set, and show that you care by giving them a Rings & Things Gift Certificate, which are available for $50 and up. Or give them the tools they need to someday make you a creative gift, like a R&T jewelry kit, which sell for $50-$100. Huckleberries Natural Market. 926 S. Monroe St., (509) 624-1349, www.HuckleberriesNaturalMarket.com In 1996, Huckleberry’s Natural Market became Spokane’s first grocer to offer a full line of natural and organic foods. Now home to the 9th Street Bistro—a popular meet-up for lunch and coffee — as well as the Spokane Wine Company, Huckleberries also provides services such as massages and aromatherapy. Recommended gifts: A selection of area wines & cheeses – 20-30 percent off at today’s Annual Cheese Extravaganza. Tastings of dozens of cheese are available from 9 a.m. to 3p.m. Wine experts are also on hand to offer recommendations on good pairings.