Before you make your next gift purchase, think about all aspects of the item: where it came from, how it was made, who made it, and its impact on the environment and human health.

The shops listed here, offering items such as toys, candles, crafts, jewelry, fashion accessories, picture frames, baby products, and much more, do take these considerations into account. Greenopia has determined a score based on the percentage of items that are made from or use:

• organic materials,

• natural, renewable, or recycled materials,

• nontoxic or less-toxic glues, paints, and finishes (where applicable),

• and/or fair trade or conflict-free criteria and be certified as such.

Although it's a bonus if the items are also made by local artisans, this was not part of Greenopia's criteria. As Greenopia did with all product retailers, they also looked at whether or not the products the establishment carried were unpackaged or packaged with eco-friendly materials, and whether or not the store's own carry-out bags, boxes, or other packaging was biodegradable, compostable, and/or made with recycled or recyclable material, vegetable-based inks, and/or chlorine-free paper.

To learn more about the Greenopia and their ratings, visit www.greenopia.com.