Earth Alley

3602 Elm Ave., Hampden

410-366-2110

Hours: 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Wednesday; 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Thursday; noon-7 p.m. Friday & Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday

Just in time for an eco-friendly holiday, Earth Alley has opened in Hampden. The gift and home accessories shop with the grass-green facade is one with the planet, so to speak, and features sustainable design and fair-trade items.

Owner Eva Khoury likes to think of many of the things in her store as "upcycling" - things like purses made of old records, tires and magazines; picture frames from parts of old boats; and tree-free greeting cards created with sugar cane fiber. Earth Alley is so named because Khoury has lived next to alleys in several different cities, and has always found discarded treasures in them to recycle.

Tree hugging can be beautiful as well as good. Check out the gifts from a local soap maker; jewelry, lights and planters from around the globe; and Khoury's own candles in wine glasses.

For now, Earth Alley has limited hours. That will change as the holidays get closer, so be sure to call before you go.