Portsmouth, NH – Looking for a green gift for the gardener or tree hugger in your life? The New Hampshire Coastal Protection Partnership is offering a $75 holiday gift package that includes an eco-friendly rain barrel and a one-year membership in the local nonprofit organization. The rain barrels are made locally by NH Coast’s staff and volunteers using recycled plastic food grade drums.

If you haven't heard of the New Hampshire Carbon Challenge, it's worth checking out:

The program's goal is to "educate, inspire and support sustained reductions in residential energy consumption."

One of the best things about the website, http://carbonchallenge.sr.unh.edu, is its New England Carbon Estimator: http://carbonchallenge.sr.unh.edu/calculator.jsp.

It takes only 10 to 15 minutes to use the Carbon Estimator and take the challenge, but according to the site, the people who do save an average of $751 per household per year. That seems like reason enough!

Celebrate Earth Day by bringing the family to Discover WILD New Hampshire Day -- Saturday, April 18, 2009, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the grounds of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department on Hazen Drive in Concord. Admission is free. This festival is fun for all ages - kids can try archery, cast with the "Let's Go Fishing" program or do wildlife craft projects. See retriever dogs in action, big trout and salmon in a real stocking truck, trained falcons and battling bull moose. Check out gas-saving hybrid vehicles and ideas for conserving energy and protecting our environment. Throughout the day, enjoy ongoing exhibits, presentations, walks and demonstrations. (Full schedule and details: www.wildlife.com/Newsroom/News_2009/News_2009_Q1/DWNH_Day_2009.html)