It's not easy being green, as Kermit himself attested. Seems like there are all sorts of things we have to worry about, now that we're trying to be eco-conscious: are we conserving energy? How many miles did our food travel to reach us? Are our products produced responsibly? Should we buy organic kibble for Fido?

During the holidays, many Americans are encouraged to spend, spend, spend--and we often end up spending irresponsibly, racking up debt and damaging the planet. "We generate about 25% more waste during the holidays than we do any other time for the year," says Jen Boulden, co-founder of eco-tip website idealbite.com.

At this time of year we could all benefit from thinking green--not only will we do right by Mother Earth, but reducing consumption and waste will ease the strain on our pocketbook throughout the year.

So what are the best ways to be eco-conscious this holiday season?

"Give experiential gifts, like spa treatments and concert tickets," advises Jessica Ridenour, the editor of Whole Life Times, a magazine about green lifestyles. These sorts of gifts--a certificate for a day of horseback-riding, or tickets for a play, or even sessions with a personal trainer--can be purchased online and delivered via email, which means no fuel spent to transport them through the mail, and less paper waste.

And when it comes to giving, "think WWGG (what would grandma give?)," says Ridenour. "You're going to see more vintage clothes and homewares, homemade baked goods, cozy hand knit accessories and the like being gifted this year." Giving like Grandma is better for the environment AND your bank account.

What about the little ones, who probably don't care how green a gift is? "Most of what you give your baby will somehow end up in their mouth, so it’s important that you give them toys that don’t contain harmful toxins like PVC, which can be ingested through teething," explains Boulden.

"Our Ideal Bite editors love plush teething toys made from organic material as a safer alternative.  Our favorite is Under the Nile’s Veggies in a Crate (http://www.ecotoytown.com/dolls/babytoys.html).  They are super cute and are made with 100% organic cotton."