Season's greening Green Scene: Giving Earth-friendly gifts By Trine Gallegos Contra Costa Times correspondent Posted: 12/13/2008

Ah, the joy and fun of holiday gift giving. There are ideas galore out there, but here at eco-central, we'll stroll down the green aisle and see how to give Earth-friendly this season. For the home Candles: I love Whitehall Candle Company. Handmade with natural oils by Antioch's Shawn Jimenez, the soy-based candles are better than paraffin (a by-product of petroleum) and delightfully fragrant. Shawn's been mixing these yummy-smelling goods for nearly 10 years. Even the simple-yet-classic packaging is Earth-friendly. And, when you return your empty glass container, you get a credit. At only $17, these are a major steal. (Shhhhh, don't tell Shawn!) Whitehall Candle Co., 1601 Main St., Walnut Creek, 925-256-7109; www.whitehallcandleco.com