You're a green one, Mr. Grinch

Take after the grinch this year in a good way: go green! Below are some environmentally friendly and sustainable gift ideas that you'll feel good about giving.

• Get a compost bin for only $35 from Metro.
• Purchase reusable shopping bags from Fred Meyer, Trader Joe's or WinCo and use them to wrap or transport gifts.
• Stuff stockings with TriMet passes or compact fluorescent light bulbs.
• Inspire the gardeners you know with a house plant or gift card for native plants.
• Buy a Chinook Book with coupons for local businesses.
• Give memberships to Jackson Bottom Wetlands, The Wetlands Conservancy, the Oregon Zoo or Friends of Trees.
• Pick up tickets to a sporting event, concert or the movies.
• Give a copy of Wake Up and Smell the Planet a guide to daily green living.
• Make homemade gifts like jam, soap or knit a scarf.
• Get practical, energy efficient household items like power strips, glass food containers and light timers.
• Plant a commemorative tree with Friends of Trees.

The local stores below feature products that are made from recycled-content or are environmentally friendly. From calendars to cat-nip, sweaters to sleeping bags, you'll find something for everyone on your list.

Who'll stop the rain

The beginning of December saw some of the wettest days in more than a decade. According to rain gauge data, 3.65 inches of rain fell in just 24 hours from December 2 to December 3 in Washington County. During the three day storm, 5.68 inches of rain drenched our county. Heavy, sustained rain strains the community's sanitary sewers and storm drainage systems. You can help ease the problem in your home or neighborhood with a few simple actions:

• Keep storm drain grates clear of debris. Storm drains lead to the nearest stream or wetland and can cause flooding if they are clogged.
• Sweep up leaves, twigs and pine needles and put into your yard debris bin.
• Limit your water usage by taking shorter showers and delaying wash loads during heavy rain to relieve the wastewater system.
• If you have a sump pump, make sure it drains to the storm sewer, not the sanitary sewer.

Even with our best efforts to manage flooding, rising water may occur. Sand and sandbags are available through Washington County. Call ahead to confirm hours of operation and supply.