It’s December 16th and I’m finished with my holiday shopping! No, it’s not a bunch of gift cards, smarty pants.
I took the METRO light rail to the Central/McDowell station and went to Ecocentricity, the best little urban store for unique, locally made, green holiday gifts that also happen to be affordable. In fact, now through Dec 31, you get an additional 10 percent off your purchases if you bus, walk or light rail your way there.  Who knew helping people and buying local could be so easy?
The owners promote local artists who use environmentally friendly products and they also sell furniture on consignment.
Their mission statement: Reuse, Repurpose and Reinvent.
Some fun stocking stuffers include reusable bags from b.happybags, Grow-a-Notes, holiday cards from recycled blue jeans with wild flower seeds embedded in the cards, to “Sin” cookies from www.ArizonasDelights.com . Yes, I ate my first box, so now I have to go back for more.
 Ecocentricity has whimsical hair accessories from Alli Reau Veau, all natural skin care products from Naturoli, homemade soaps pressed with natural olive oil and candles made of 100 percent soy wax. 
I saw the most amazing jewelry crocheted with reused wire. You’ll be the hit of your family with these unique gifts and the great news is Ecocentricity uses their proceeds to help the homeless with local resources to take them off the streets and back into society. There’s even a wall of pictures of people that have been helped and are now getting their GED’s, learning life skills and in their first apartment because of Ecocentricity.
The owners say it’s all about one person at a time.  They can’t cure everything, but they can help provide resources that put people back on track.
If you want to use your gift budget wisely, I highly recommend you make Ecocentricity your first stop! Tell them Daisy sent you.
Visit www.facebook.com/Ecocentricity for more info.
Happy Holidays to you and yours!