• Eco-friendly gifts will satisfy, educate and inspire.black box image by Wiktor Osiecki from Fotolia.com
  
  Shopping for men can be tricky, and when you're looking for something environmentally friendly it can be even tougher. Fortunately, there are many eco-friendly products on the market specifically geared toward men. Whether you're shopping for an outdoor type or a couch potato, these gifts will satisfy, educate and inspire.
  
  

Voltaic Converter Backpack

• For the athletic man in your life, voltaic converter backpacks generate up to four watts of solar power that can be used to charge up electronic devices in the wilderness. Some varieties are made from recycled soda bottles and work well for hiking, biking, mountain climbing and everyday adventuring. There are more streamlined models for runners that include a water bladder for on-the-go hydration.
  
  

Global Warming Mug

• Several companies offer variations on the educational global warming mug. The global warming mug is painted with heat-sensitive, color-changing paint. When the mug is cold, you see a globe with green continents and blue oceans. Pour in a hot beverage and the picture changes, illustrating the areas on the earth with the highest carbon emissions.
  
  

Solar-Powered Remote Control Vehicles

• Bring out his inner boy with a remote control car, boat or helicopter powered by solar panels. Many models need only the light from a lamp to recharge. Some are made of wood, with solar panels for a roof or helicopter blades. These toys, which illustrate how powerful solar cells have become, are educational conversation pieces.
  
  

Eco-Friendly Clothing

• Eco-friendly clothing has come a long way from the beige hemp leggings of 2000. You can find free-trade, natural fiber clothing made using renewable energy in a wide variety of styles and colors. Outdoor eco-friendly clothing, such as snow pants, hiking boots and windbreakers, offer a responsible alternative to their non-eco-friendly counterparts and are thoughtful gifts for environmentally conscious men.