Dear Co-op America Member,
Real Money brings you the ideas and inspiration you need to live well and live green all year round. We've pulled together some of the best articles from Real Money and resources from across Co-op America's programs to help you celebrate what's working in the green economy this holiday season. We hope you'll share this with friends and family.

Thanks for everything you do to help create a more just and sustainable society. Best wishes to you and your family this Thanksgiving.

For the future,

Alisa Gravitz
Executive Director

10 Reasons to Be Thankful

1. Fair Trade Chocolate. Yes, it's good for farmers and communities. And Fair Trade chocolate is a great option if you are concerned about the business practices of Nestlé, Hershey, Mars, and Cadbury. But the real reason to be thankful is that it tastes so good! Also, learn how you can get your supermarket to carry Fair Trade chocolate.

2. Solar Gadgets. Here's a great way to deliver geeky gadget-lover joy while promoting green energy and green businesses. Let the sunshine in!

3. Used Books, Book Swaps, and More Used Books. If the the thought of used books stacked high and a winter afternoon with nowhere to go is your idea of bliss, then this article is for you. Check out great sources for getting used books in your community and online. Plus, our friends at BooksWeLike.net have created a way for you to shop for books, including used book sources, while also generating donations for organizations you support, like Co-op America. Go to www.bookswelike.net and choose Co-op America as the beneficiary.

4. Ethical Gems. Not all diamonds are a girl's best friend. But it's possible to find beautiful jewelry that looks fabulous and feel good about it.

5. Safe, Organic Cosmetics. Beauty is more than skin deep. But if you choose to use cosmetics or give perfumes or other body care items as gifts, you can find products from green businesses that are safe and ecological.

6. Organic Flowers. If you're concerned about the social and environmental impact of buying cut flowers, but you really can't think of something else to give as a house gift over the holiday (or for your mom on Mother's Day), never fear! Organic flowers are here -- and you can order online.

7. Co-op America Gift Memberships. Give a gift that gives all year round -- and helps grow the green economy movement. With membership, your loved one will get the National Green Pages™, the Co-op America Quarterly, a subscription to Real Money, and great green living ideas all year long. Buy in bulk and save money!

8. Safe, Sustainable Seafood. If the thought of facing multiple turkey dinners over the coming weeks is dampening your holiday spirit, check out some healthy seafood items. We help you find safe seafood options that your whole family can enjoy.

9. Green Gift Discounts. For the holidays, you can shop green and save when you shop through Co-op America's Green Gift Catalog (and we won't tell if you buy a little gift for yourself, too.)

10. Enjoying the Simple Pleasures. Spend time with your family. Go for a walk. Volunteer to help in your community. Celebrate the blessings of community this holiday season and all year round.