Gifts That Get Around

It's okay to unglue the kids (and yourself) from the computer and television. Really. But make sure that when you go outdoors you don't leave behind a trail of toxic residue from petroleum-based ski or surfboard waxes or rely on unsustainably harvested woods for your fun. Here's a few ways to storm the outdoors without exacting a mighty toll on Mother Nature.

Snowboards

Without compromising performance, Venture's boards use Forest Stewardship Council-certified wood products, and their top sheets are silk-screened with water-based ink, reducing plastics and solvents. Prices on three models range from $455 to $475.

Top sheets also come in organic cotton and hemp (www.venturesnowboards.com, 888-865-3410).

Ski and Snowboard Wax

Bio-Glide Ski and Snowboard Wax

Petrochemical wax rubbed from your skis and snowboards can wind up in groundwater. 100 percent soy-based biodegradable Bio-Glide wax won't mess with the environment and smells like peppermint ($5.50/bar, $20 for five, www.welovesoy.com/onlinestore.htm).

Recycled Skis and Snowboards

Vermont Ski Recyclers

If you can't get enough skiing and snowboarding outside, check out Vermont Ski recyclers benches, coatracks and bookcases made from skis and snowboards (bench, $260; www.store.yahoo.com/snowshack/furniture.html, 877-669-7422).

Surfboards

Light, fast and durable, bamboo boards are also easier on the environment than conventional VOC-emitting fiberglass and polyurethane. Instead, they use a polystyrene cell foam core that's been approved by www.Greenbuilding.com, and the golden bamboo deck makes these sticks look boffo on the beach ($420-$600, www.bamboosurfboards.com.au/welcome.htm). Also, as reported in the Christian Science Monitor, epoxy boards use a resin that emits two-thirds less VOCs than polyester resins, and they're more durable, hence last longer (another environmental plus).

Terra Wax Surfboard Wax

Biodegradable Terra Wax comes in a tree-free wrapper and is biodegradable, but it's a bit hard to get. Ask your local surf shop to carry it; in the meantime, you can order from Germany: www.haiq.com. And next time you clean the wax scabs off your board, avoid harsh petrochemical solvents with this citrus-based product made from delimonene ($4 for 8 oz., www.sexwax.com).

Scooters

No need to waste gas in the car on a quick trip for the paper or milk. Leg-powered kick scooters are perfect for getting around the neighborhood and have changed with the times. New models have stronger frames designed to corner quickly and maneuver through sidewalk traffic. There's even a Downhill Kick Scooter beefy enough to brave the mountains with ($149-$649; store.nycewheels.com/kick-scooters.html, 800-692-3943).

Bamboo Skateboards

A fast-growing grass, bamboo is a more sustainable option than slow-to-mature hardwoods. Stronger than oak or maple, these bamboo skateboard decks are also lighter and more flexible than conventional boards usually made of wood veneers ($55, www.bambooskateboards.com).

Bicycles

Riding a bike instead of motoring would save most American car owners, who drive on average 40 miles per day, 2 gallons of gas per day. Now it's getting easier to store them in tight places, pack them on your back or stow them in a car. Montague, the world's largest maker of high-performance folding bikes, offers various collapsible bikes with aluminum tubing frames. Their Paratrooper, which was designed for the military, folds faster than others and can bear more weight ($395-$1,995; www.montagueco.com, 800-736-5348).

Also check out Pedro's eco-friendly bike supplies, such as recycled handgrips (Blackwalls, $8.99), and their all-purpose "Bio-Cleaner" (www.Pedros.com).

Re-Cycled Used Bikes

Buying a used bicycle is a good place to start, especially if you live in New York City. Models and prices vary (usedbikes4fun@yahoo.com, www.Greatusedbikes.com).

Recycled Bikes

Save bicycles from the landfill by picking up clocks, tables and other items built from bike parts at Resource Revival (Cog Desk Clock, $29.95; www.resourcerevival.com, 800-866-8823).

Solar Radios

Solar Mini Radio

This compact solar-powered AM and FM radio comes with headphones and, if you get in a deep shadow, a compartment for AAA batteries ($22.95, www.1stsolarproducts.com).

Solar and Dynamo World Band Radio

A step up, this model includes 11 bands with AM and FM, the National Weather Service, police and taxi traffic and foreign radio. Three hours of sunlight will charge the radio for four to six hours of playing time; it also comes comes with a hand-crank generator ($70, www.greenhome.com).

Solar Ovens

Global Sun Ovens

Excellent for cabins without electricity, road trips, RV users and ice fishing, the 21-pound solar-powered Global Sun Oven cooks anything a conventional oven can. Soaking up the solar radiation regardless of outside temperatures, the oven reaches 360 to 400 degrees in approximately 45 minutes; temperature will be maintained throughout cooking time even in below-zero weather, barring changes like cloud cover. In an effort to limit deforestation, the company is working with the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) and the DOE to bring alternative cooking technology to Uganda ($189, www.Sunoven.com).