It's once again the season of capacious consumption, conspicuous consumerism — and another opportunity for environmentally conscious folk to find another way.

According to a 2004 survey by the Center for a New American Dream (www.new dream.org), 81 percent of Americans say the country is overly focused on spending and shopping, and 87 percent say our consumer culture makes it hard to teach children proper values.

What better time to address those issues than in the season of giving.

I was visiting friends with year-old twins and noticed that the youngsters were having more fun with a plain cardboard box than with the toys scattered around.

Adults can be the same way. Something simple can often be much more prized than something shrink-wrapped.

A framed favorite photo will remain in the recipient's consciousness much longer than an anonymous store-bought item. New Dream suggests a collection of favorite recipes can be a really appreciated present.

The Green Guide (www .thegreenguide.com) suggests using a dish towel or napkin as a wrapper, to avoid adding to the holiday trash. A couple of other online resources: Some tips on handmade gifts, among other things, at www.greensense .com/solstice.htm; or for other ideas, visit eartheasy .com/give_tips_for_susgivg .htm.

Green Guide also suggests that if you're going to give bought gifts, make them gifts that spread the word about conservation — perhaps a basket of energy-saving devices, like compact fluorescent lightbulbs.

The latest in lighting is LEDs — light emitting diodes — which when they first appeared were pretty dim but are now often brighter than incandescents, much more durable, and they use so little power that batteries can last years.

Said one friend: "You can take the batteries out of a near-dead regular flashlight, and they'll still run your LED light."

Another suggestion is to give a card saying you've made a charitable contribution in place of a traditional gift. Perhaps a donation to a favorite nonprofit. Maybe a donation to one of the Hurricane Katrina charities.

One place to look is Alternative Gifts International (www.altgifts.org), which provides a list of global humanitarian causes.

If you have a question or concern about the Hawaiian environment, drop a note to Jan TenBruggencate at P.O. Box 524, Lihu'e, HI 96766 or jant@honoluluadvertiser.com. Or call him at (808) 245-3074.