Liquid Treat

We won't lie. Soap nuts aren't the most attractive things you could use to clean your laundry. They're little shriveled-up pieces of fruit, and they look like something you might find in the washer after forgetting to empty your pockets. But they're also a chemical-free alternative to traditional laundry detergent. Soap nuts, the fruit of a tree found mostly in Asia, contain a natural substance called saponin that's the enemy of smelly socks everywhere. Just toss them in a little cotton bag, and into the wash they go with your duds. Skeptical? A sample only sets you back $1.99.

by Michelle Taute

Everyone loves FSC certification … well, everyone who knows what it means. The folks over at Design 21 believe more people would buy FSC products if they understood the materials come from sustainable forestry practices. How can you help spread the green word? Enter the Wood, Paper, Checkmark competition. It challenges designers to create a comprehensive campaign (read: play creative director) to raise FSC awareness. And with a Jan. 13 deadline, you'd better get cracking right now.

by Michelle Taute

Young people aren't the only ones trying to change the world, but they approach the task with a riveting brand of passion. Students at the Art Center College of Design created 25 striking posters for a show called Human Rights: Student Voices. There's an image of a newspaper page with the simple headline, "This is my blanket," and a poster featuring a collectible doll called Sweatshop Sally. They're on display at the Pasadena Central Library through Jan. 4, or you can see all the posters online.

by Michelle Taute

If you start thinking about how all the stuff at the mall gets made, you'll be paralyzed with guilt before you find a parking spot. But Touch lets you cast aside your consumerist baggage and give awesome gifts. They work with emerging designers around the world on handmade products that are friendly to the environment and the people who make them. The selection ranges from whimsical, winged porcelain teacups to a stunning plastic-spoon-and-metal chandelier. Touch has a new Los Angeles showroom, or you can peruse the goods online.

by Michelle Taute

You don't have enough elves on the payroll to make your own holiday cards, but the cheesy snowmen and Santas at the store make your stomach turn. Enter Anvil Modern Paperie. They've designed a line of customizable cards with a modern sensibility—think cheeky, colorful patterns paired with elegant typography. Just add your own image and words to a photo card, or put your greeting on a holiday party invitation or basic holiday card. Cardstore will even do the printing and sending.

by Michelle Taute

Do you still think it's the thought that counts? We hate to break it to you, but it's really the gift tag. Just imagine adorning grandma's present with this little gem: "No elves were harmed in the making of this gift." Or for a sarcastic friend, consider: "I made this myself. In China." These pithy phrases inhabit the gift tags in the Gift Givers Ready Booklet from Shinebox Print. It's a compact gift-tag booklet with 20 sayings funny enough to make you spit out your eggnog. A steal at $6.95.

by Michelle Taute